Starter Fault
Eaton
Starter Motor or Cranking Circuit Failure
Controller displays “Starter Fault” or “Crank Fault”; engine does not crank when a start is commanded.
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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.
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Possible Causes
Failed starter motor on Eaton generator engine, Faulty starter solenoid, Loose or corroded battery and starter cables, Defective start relay on control board
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn generator OFF, disconnect the negative battery cable, and ensure the unit cannot start automatically.
Steps:
- Check battery and cables: Verify battery voltage is above 12.4 V. Inspect positive and negative cables from battery to starter and frame ground for corrosion or looseness. Clean and tighten as needed.
- Listen for solenoid click: Reconnect battery, command a manual start, and listen for a click at the starter. A click with no crank often indicates a bad starter motor; no click suggests solenoid or control issue.
- Voltage test: With a meter, check for 12 V at the starter solenoid control terminal during crank command. If no voltage, suspect the start relay or control board. If voltage is present but the starter does not engage, replace the starter or solenoid.
- Replace components: Remove and replace the starter assembly or solenoid with the Eaton/engine-approved part. Reconnect wiring exactly as found.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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