E12
Champion
Ignition System Fault
Controller displays E12, generator shuts down with misfire or rough running noted before trip
Advertisements
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Failed ignition coil, damaged spark plug wires, fouled spark plugs, controller ignition driver failure
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Place the controller in OFF, open the generator AC breaker, disconnect the battery, and allow the engine to cool fully.
- Inspect spark plugs: Remove each spark plug and inspect for carbon fouling, oil deposits, or cracked porcelain. Replace with Champion-specified plugs and set the correct gap.
- Check plug wires: Examine ignition leads for cracks, burns, or loose boots at the coil and plug ends. Reseat or replace as needed.
- Test ignition coil: Using a multimeter, measure primary and secondary resistance of the ignition coil and compare to Champion specifications. Replace the coil if out of range.
- Check ground connections: Ensure the engine block ground strap and coil mounting bolts are tight and free of rust.
- Reset and test: After repairs, reconnect the battery, clear the E12 code, and run the generator in MANUAL mode while monitoring for smooth operation.
If ignition components test good but E12 recurs, the controller's ignition driver circuit may be faulty and require controller replacement.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Advertisements