Customer Tutorial and Information Guide for your Grasten Generator:Use this helpful online guide to not only get acquainted with your new standby generator, but refer back to it often and especially before severe weather is forecasted so that you can help ensure your generator is ready to go when you need it most.

Alarm/Fault Codes

How To Clear An Alarm

Checking and Adding Oil

Manually Testing System

Cellular & WiFi Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

Alarms/Fault Codes

When alarms/fault codes are present, your generator will not come on during an outage. These are “latching” alarms that must be acknowledged and reset manually. Alarm or fault code will be present on the generator control board display.

Locked Rotor Alarm-Unit tried to start once then alarmed.
- Possible Cause: Low/Bad Battery
- Possible Resolution: Check date & age of battery/check terminal connections
L1 & L2 Voltage Low-Unit starts and runs then shuts down after 10 seconds.
- Possible Cause: Slip rings on rotor are dirty/rotor and/or stator is bad
- Possible Resolution: Call Grasten
Controller Display is Blank-No display on the controller screen.
- Possible Cause: Battery charger has no AC power or battery charger is bad
- Possible Resolution: Call Grasten
No Exercise Scheduled-Displayed on controller.
- Possible Cause: Exercise time was never set/lost info due to bad battery
- Possible Resolution: Call Grasten

How to Clear an Alarm/Fault Code

Lift the lid of the generator and locate the control board.
- (If locked, use your supplied key to unlock lid)
Hit the “Off” button on the controller.
- (Display will read “Genset Status Off”)
Locate the circuit breaker above the controller and turn it off.
- (Like a light switch)
Hit the “Run” button on the controller.
- (Unit should start and run)
Turn the circuit breaker above the controller to “On”.
- Let the unit run for at least 30 seconds
Hit the “Off” button on the controller.
- (Display will read “Genset Status Off”)
Hit the “Auto” button on the controller.
- (Display will read “Genset Status Standby”)
Close the generator lid.

Checking/Adding Oil

Lift the lid of the generator and locate the circuit breaker above the controller and turn “Off” (like a light switch).
Hit the “Off” button on the controller.
- (Display will read “Genset Status Off”)
If unit has been running, wait 5 minutes before the next step
Locate the oil dipstick on the backside of the engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe off, reinsert, remove again, and ensure the level is at/near the full mark.
- (If oil is full click here)
  Note: If oil level is below the full mark, you need to add oil. (Only use 5W-30 synthetic oil)
Remove the left and right side of the enclosure by pulling up and out.
Remove the front door using the spring-loaded latches on the inside of the door.
- (Then lift up and pull out)
Locate and remove the oil fill plug on the front side of the engine.
Add oil in small amounts/increments, checking the dipstick each time until full.
- Do not overfill
Reinstall the rubber oil fill plug.
- (Be sure plug is fully seated)
Reinstall the front door (bottom end first).
- Ensure the forks on the bottom of the door are inserted into slots, then apply pressure to the top of the door engaging latches.
Install each side panel by inserting the bottom end first into guides, then the top end and slide down into place.
Hit the “Auto” button on the controller.
- Note: If utility power is not present, the unit will start. If utility power is present, the display will read “Genset Status Standby”.
Turn the circuit breaker above the controller “On”.
Close the lid of the generator.

How To Manually Test Your System

Lift the lid of the generator and locate the control board. Note any alarms or messages present in the display.
Hit the “Off” button on the controller.
- (Display will read “Genset Status Off”)
Locate the oil dipstick on the backside of the engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe off, reinsert, remove again, and ensure the level is at/near the full mark.
- (If oil needs to be added click here for steps)
Hit the “Auto” button on the controller.
- (Display will read “Genset Status Standby”)
Locate the transfer switch(s) and remove the front cover(s) that says “Kohler” by removing two screws.
- (Usually located on the side of the house next to the electric meter)
Turn the service disconnect breaker “Off”/Normal position.
- (Generator will start and run after 5 seconds)
Note: Approximately 10 seconds after the generator starts, the switch will transfer to generator power and you will have power to your house.
Run on generator power for at least 1 hour.
Turn the service disconnect breaker “On”/Utility position.
- (Note: There will be resistance when turning on)
Reinstall the cover on the transfer switch.

Note: There will be a 5-minute delay before the switch will transfer back to utility power, and the generator will shut off.

Omnimetrix Monitoring

Interactive 24/7 access.
Instant alarm notifications via email/SMS.
Weekly and/or monthly activity reports.
Detailed alarm/fault display & history.
Can be used with most Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton units.
Ability for remote diagnostics.
Remote start/stop capabilities.

Kohler Oncue Monitoring

View real-time power status.
Instant alarm notifications via email/SMS.
Weekly and/or monthly activity reports.
Detailed alarm/fault display & history.
Standard and custom reports available.
Manage loads & optional programmable devices via dashboard.
Wireless option available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have/continue my maintenance plan with Grasten?

Answer: Grasten is one of the top service providers in the state with over 10,000 maintenance customers. Our technicians are factory certified and dedicated to quality and keeping your system operational. Additionally, manufacturers recommend equipment be on a routine maintenance plan through an authorized provider, especially while under warranty. Anyone can change oil and filters; however, Grasten Power Technology performs preventative maintenance so we can identify and address issues early at little or no cost so they do not turn into costly repairs later.

How often should my battery be changed?

Answer: Manufacturers recommend batteries be changed every two years. Unlike a regular car battery that gets a workout many times per day, generator batteries sit and charge with a load put on them once per week in most cases therefore are not determined to last as long as batteries used in vehicle applications. Your generator is based around the 12V battery so having your battery changed every two years will help ensure your generator comes on when the power goes out!

How often should my oil/coolant be changed?

Answer: Manufacturers recommends engine oil change once a year or every 100-200hrs. (depending on type of engine) Coolant in liquid-cooled generators should be flushed every 2-3 years to prevent particle build up due to coolant breakdown from clogging up the radiator and restricting air flow and engine overheating.

What do I do if I lost the key to my generator?

Answer: Call our office and we can mail you a key.

Why do my engine motor mounts need to be changed?

Answer: Due to the area we live, humidity and temperatures can cause various components such as rubber motor mounts to wear. Combined with the weight of the engine, motor mounts can dry-rot and compress causing the front of the engine to sag. This shift in the engine can cause the fan to hit the shroud and damage it or cause the front bearing to go out causing damaging vibration when the engine is running. It is less costly to have the mounts replaced at the first sign of wear rather than waiting until costly damage has occurred.

Why is there a Generac Smart Management Module installed on my air conditioner?

Answer: Generac Smart Management Modules are installed as a time delay and automatic load manager in the event your generator gets overloaded and cannot support the current load. When utility power is lost and the generator comes on, there will be a 5-minute delay before the management module will allow power to the air conditioner(s) being managed. Smart Management Modules can also be installed on ovens, dryers, electric heaters, pools, etc.

Why is my air conditioner not working?

Answer: The Smart Management Module (if installed) on the air conditioner in question could be bad. There should be an orange light present in the upper right-hand corner of the module. If there is no light present at all, do not call your AC company! Call Grasten Power Technologies first!