GE Standby Generators Error Codes

Charger Fault

Controller displays 'Charger Fault' or 'Battery Charger Failure'; battery voltage may be low despite AC present.

Integrated Battery Charger Failure

Communication Fault

Controller displays 'Comm Fault', 'Network Error', or cannot communicate with remote display or ATS.

Control Communication Bus Failure

Exercise Fault

Controller displays 'Exercise Fault' or 'Missed Exercise'; generator has not been running its weekly test.

Scheduled Exercise Run Failure

Frequency Error

Controller displays 'Freq Error', 'High Freq', or 'Low Freq'; transfer switch may refuse to transfer.

Generator Output Frequency Out of Range

Generator Failure to Re-transfer

Utility power returns but load remains on generator; controller may show 'Re-transfer Fault' or 'Utility Sense Fault'.

Automatic Transfer Switch Re-transfer Failure

Generator Failure to Transfer

Utility power fails, generator starts and runs, but house does not switch to generator power; controller may show 'Transfer Switch Fault' or similar.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Failure

Ground Fault

Controller displays 'Ground Fault' or 'Earth Fault'; generator may trip off-line.

Ground Fault Protection Trip

High Engine Temperature

Generator shuts down with 'High Temp' or 'Overtemp' alarm; enclosure may feel very hot.

Engine Overheating Protection Trip

High Fuel Pressure

Controller displays 'High Fuel Pressure' or similar; unit may shut down or run roughly.

Excessive Gas Supply Pressure at Inlet

Low Battery

Controller displays 'Low Battery' or 'Battery Low'; generator may crank slowly or not at all.

Low DC Cranking Voltage

Low Coolant Level

Controller displays 'Low Coolant' or 'Coolant Level Low' on liquid-cooled GE standby generators.

Coolant Level Sensor Alarm

Low Fuel Pressure

Generator shuts down or fails to start with 'Low Fuel Pressure' or 'Fuel Pressure' alarm on LP/NG models.

Insufficient Gas Supply Pressure

Low Oil Pressure

Generator shuts down shortly after start with 'Low Oil Pressure' alarm; may not restart until reset.

Engine Lubrication Pressure Loss

Neutral Fault

Controller displays 'Neutral Fault' or 'Neutral Loss'; abnormal voltages may be observed on 120 V circuits.

Neutral Conductor Open or High Resistance

Overcrank

Generator attempts to start multiple times but fails to run; controller displays 'Overcrank' and locks out start attempts.

Failure to Start – Overcrank Lockout

Overload

Controller displays 'Overload' or 'Load Shed'; generator breaker may trip and unit may shut down under heavy use.

Generator Overcurrent / Overload Condition

Overspeed

Generator starts then quickly shuts down with 'Overspeed' alarm; engine sounds like it is racing before shutdown.

Engine Overspeed Protection Trip

Overvoltage

Controller displays 'Overvoltage' or 'High AC Voltage'; generator may shut down shortly after starting.

AC Output Voltage Too High

Phase Rotation Error

Controller displays 'Phase Rotation' or 'Phase Sequence Error' on three-phase GE standby generators.

Incorrect Phase Sequence at Output or ATS

Sensor Fault

Controller displays 'Sensor Fault' or 'Input Fault'; may reference oil, temp, or speed sensor.

Engine Protection Sensor Circuit Failure

Service Required

Controller displays 'Service Required' or 'Maintenance Due'; generator may still run but indicates scheduled service.

Scheduled Maintenance Interval Reached

Starter Fault

Controller displays 'Starter Fault' or 'Starter Locked'; engine does not crank or starter runs continuously.

Starter Motor or Solenoid Circuit Failure

Underspeed

Generator runs but controller displays 'Underspeed' or 'Low Frequency'; unit may shut down or fail to transfer.

Engine Running Below Rated Speed

Undervoltage

Controller displays 'Undervoltage' or 'Low AC Voltage'; lights may dim or transfer switch may not transfer to generator.

AC Output Voltage Too Low

Symptom

Controller display is blank or unreadable

Control Panel Power or Display Failure

Symptom

Corrosion or rust forming inside the generator enclosure

Environmental Corrosion Damage

Symptom

Generator cranks but will not start (no error code displayed)

No Start Without Logged Fault

Symptom

Generator engine hunts or surges up and down in speed

Unstable Governor Operation

Symptom

Generator fails to start automatically during a power outage but starts manually

Auto Start Control Failure

Symptom

Generator is excessively noisy or has unusual knocking sounds

Abnormal Mechanical Noise

Symptom

Generator leaks coolant under the unit (liquid-cooled models)

External Coolant Leak

Symptom

Generator leaks oil onto the pad or inside the enclosure

External Engine Oil Leak

Symptom

Generator output breaker trips immediately when load is applied

Instantaneous Overcurrent or Short

Symptom

Generator produces power but voltage is unstable or fluctuates

Unstable Voltage Regulation

Symptom

Generator runs but does not produce power (no AC output)

Loss of Excitation / No Output

Symptom

Generator runs continuously and does not shut down after utility power returns

Failure to Stop / Continuous Run

Symptom

Generator shuts down when large loads (like AC or well pump) start

Load-Induced Stall or Overload Trip

Symptom

Generator starts and stops repeatedly (short cycling)

Nuisance Start/Stop Cycling

Symptom

Generator starts then stalls after a few seconds

Run-Then-Stall Condition

Symptom

Generator vibrates excessively during operation

Excessive Vibration

Symptom

Strong fuel or exhaust smell around generator during operation

Fuel or Exhaust Leak