What to Do If Your Generator Won’t Start in Cold Weather
- Sparks Generators
- May 6
- 3 min read
In Barrie and throughout central Ontario, winter can bring frigid temperatures, ice storms, and unexpected power outages. That’s why owning a backup generator—especially a reliable Generac unit—is such a smart investment. But even the best generators can struggle to start when temperatures plummet.
If your generator won’t start in cold weather, don’t panic. Here at Sparks Generators, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses troubleshoot and solve this exact issue. Below, we break down the most common causes and solutions to get your generator running when you need it most.
1. Check the Battery First
Cold weather is notorious for draining battery power. Just like a car battery, a generator’s battery can lose efficiency and fail to provide the necessary charge to start the engine.
What to do:
Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections.
Use a multimeter to check voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts.
If voltage is low, charge the battery or consider replacing it.
To prevent this issue in the future, consider installing a battery warmer to maintain proper temperature in extreme cold.
2. Inspect the Oil Level and Type
Oil thickens in freezing temperatures, which can make it harder for the engine to turn over. Using the wrong oil type for winter conditions can prevent your generator from starting.
What to do:
Check the oil level and add more if it's low.
Make sure you're using the right oil for cold weather. Generac recommends 5W-30 synthetic oil for winter use.
If the oil appears dirty or sludgy, a full oil change may be necessary.
3. Install a Cold Weather Kit for Your Generac Generator
Generac offers cold weather kits that include components like battery warmers and oil heaters. These are designed to help your generator start reliably in sub-zero temperatures.
What to do:
If your generator doesn't already have a cold weather kit, consider having one installed.
Cold weather kits are especially important in climates like Barrie, where winter temperatures often fall below -20°C.
4. Check the Fuel Supply and Condition
Fuel problems are a common cause of no-start issues in freezing conditions. Propane systems can be affected by regulator icing, while gasoline can degrade over time.
What to do:
Ensure the fuel tank has an adequate and fresh supply.
For propane generators, inspect regulators and valves for ice buildup or blockages.
If you use gasoline, make sure it's not stale. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer during storage months.
For diesel generators, always use a winter-grade diesel blend to prevent fuel gelling.
5. Inspect the Air Filter and Intake
Restricted airflow due to a clogged or frozen air filter can prevent your generator from starting.
What to do:
Remove and inspect the air filter for ice, dirt, or debris.
Clean or replace the filter as needed.
Clear snow or ice around the generator’s air intake and exhaust areas.
6. Run Regular Cold Weather Tests
Many generator owners skip weekly test runs during the winter, which can result in a non-start when it's needed most.
What to do:
Ensure your generator is set to run its self-test mode weekly. Generac's Quiet-Test™ mode makes this easy.
Consider manually starting and running your generator on especially cold days to verify it's operating correctly.
Still Not Starting? Call Sparks Generators
If you’ve gone through the above steps and your generator still won’t start, it may be time to call in the professionals. At Sparks Generators, we service all major brands, with a focus on Generac systems, and offer:
Emergency cold weather generator repairs
Battery and oil heater installations
Cold weather kit upgrades
Comprehensive generator diagnostics and service
We proudly serve Barrie, Simcoe County, and surrounding areas, helping home and business owners stay prepared for Ontario’s toughest winters.
Schedule Your Winter Generator Maintenance Today
The best way to avoid cold start problems is through regular preventative maintenance. Our certified technicians at Sparks Generators can inspect, service, and winterize your unit so it’s ready whenever you need it.
Contact us today to schedule a service call or cold weather kit installation. Don’t wait until the next outage—make sure your generator is ready to go when the temperature drops.