LOW BATTERY VOLT
Gillette Low DC Battery Voltage

Controller shows LOW BATTERY VOLT or BATTERY LOW alarm; generator may fail to crank or crank slowly.

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Possible Causes

Aged or sulfated battery, Failed battery charger, Loose or corroded battery terminals, Parasitic drain from controller

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF the generator and ensure it cannot auto-start. Wear eye protection when working around batteries.

Steps:

  • Inspect battery: On the Gillette generator skid, locate the starting battery. Check for swollen case, cracked housing, or leaking electrolyte. Replace if damaged.
  • Clean terminals: Disconnect negative then positive cables. Clean posts and clamps with a wire brush and baking soda solution if corroded. Reattach positive then negative, tightening securely.
  • Measure voltage: Use a multimeter to check battery voltage at rest. Below ~12.0 V indicates deep discharge. Charge the battery with an external charger to full capacity and retest.
  • Check built-in battery charger: Many Gillette standby units include a float charger powered from utility AC. Verify AC supply to the charger and measure DC output (typically 13.2–13.6 V). Replace the charger if no output.
  • Controller drain: If the battery repeatedly discharges, inspect wiring for added accessories and verify the controller goes into low-power mode when idle. A technician may be needed to trace parasitic loads.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Battery Charger
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