Controller displays E6, generator will not crank when AUTO or MANUAL start is requested
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Ensure the generator is in OFF mode and the AC breaker is open. Remove jewelry and avoid shorting battery terminals with tools.
- Check battery voltage: Use a multimeter to measure voltage at the battery terminals. A fully charged 12 V battery should read about 12.6 V. If below 12.0 V, charge or replace the battery.
- Inspect battery cables: Verify that the positive and negative cables are tight and free of corrosion. Clean terminals with a wire brush and apply dielectric grease.
- Listen for solenoid click: Attempt a start while listening near the starter solenoid. A click with no crank suggests a bad starter motor; no click suggests a bad solenoid or control signal.
- Check starter fuse/relay: Locate the starter fuse or relay in the Champion control panel. Inspect and replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage. Swap relays with a known-good identical relay if available.
- Test starter motor (advanced): With the battery connected and using proper precautions, a technician can apply 12 V directly to the starter motor terminal to verify operation. This should only be done by experienced personnel.
If E6 persists after confirming a good battery and connections, the starter motor or solenoid likely needs replacement.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.