Troubleshooting

Find the fix

Search a symptom, select a category and work through the checks in order.

Stop using the machine if it is smoking, leaking fuel or hydraulic oil, or making an unusual noise. Contact the workshop.

won't start no water low pressure won't lift overheating tripping leak won't move stalls

17 matching procedures

Machine-specific fixes

10 results

Engine runs but nothing gets powerPortable Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Switch the generator's main breaker ON.

Breaker keeps trippingPortable Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: You're overloading it. Add up the watts and drop some loads.

Shut down and the CO light is onInverter Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: The carbon monoxide sensor shut the engine down — exhaust is building up.

Overload light on, outlets deadInverter Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Unplug some loads — you're over the generator's rating.

Won't startIndustrial Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Pull out the emergency stop button.

Engine running but no power outIndustrial Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Switch on the main output circuit breaker.

Shuts down with an alarmIndustrial Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Read the alarm on the controller display (for example low oil pressure, high coolant temperature or low fuel) and note it.

Won't strike an arcWelder · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Check the earth clamp is on clean, bare metal close to the weld.

The rod keeps sticking to the workWelder · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Amperage is usually too low for the rod size.

Cuts out part way through a jobWelder · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Engine-driven welders have a duty cycle. Let it idle and cool before starting again.

Standard checks

Apply to every machine with that power source.

Petrol engine

Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

Fuel valve or switch off
Stale fuel
Low oil sensor
Choke position
Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

Choke left on
Blocked air filter
Low fuel
Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
Turn the fuel valve OFF.
Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Portable Generator, Inverter Generator.

Diesel machine

Nothing happens when the key is turnedShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

Isolator off
Seat / seat-belt / lap-bar interlock
Controls not in neutral
Flat battery

Checks to try, in order

Check the battery isolator / master switch is ON.
Sit in the seat, fasten the seat belt and lower the safety bar — interlocks prevent starting otherwise.
Put the controls in neutral and the hydraulic lockout lever in the locked position.
Check the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion.

If the battery is flat, don't jump-start it unless you've been trained to — call the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Cranks but won't startShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

Out of fuel / air in fuel
Glow plugs not preheated
E-stop engaged

Checks to try, in order

Check the fuel gauge. Diesel engines that run dry often need the fuel system bled before they'll start.
Turn the key to the preheat position and wait for the glow-plug light to go out before cranking.
Check the emergency stop button isn't pressed in.
Crank for no more than 10–15 seconds at a time, then let the starter rest.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Arms, boom or tracks won't move or are slowShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

Lockout lever engaged
Cold oil
Low hydraulic oil
Leak

Checks to try, in order

Raise the hydraulic lockout / safety lever or disengage the control lock.
Let the machine warm up for a few minutes before working it hard.
Check the hydraulic oil sight glass with the machine level and attachments lowered.
Look for hydraulic oil leaks under the machine and at hose ends.

Never touch a pinhole hydraulic leak — high-pressure oil can inject through skin. Stop and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Warning light, alarm or overheatingShared · Diesel machine

Checks to try, in order

Stop work, lower attachments to the ground and let the engine idle — don't shut a hot engine off abruptly unless told to by the alarm.
Check whether the radiator / cooler screen is blocked with dust, grass or debris.
Only check coolant once the engine is cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.

Red warning lights mean stop. Note the code or symbol and call the workshop before continuing.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Welder.

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