What if my standby generator doesn’t transfer and/or generator light doesn’t come on?

Step 1. Verify if Utility Available Light is On
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCONot applicable:
Go to Step 2
ASCO165
ASCO185
Start generatorGenerator running, and generator available light is on: Go to Will Not Transfer troubleshooting steps Help TopicGenerator running, and the generator available light is off. Ensure plug is tight into the board: Go to Step 2

Step 2. Verify Generator Power At Switch
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCO
ASCO165
ASCO185
Generator running > check L1-L2 voltage is 220-252 VAC on the alternate/generator source contactors of transfer switch220-252 VAC: Go to Step 3Not 220-252 VAC: Get generator power to the transfer switch. The breaker may be off or troubleshoot generator output voltage, wiring between generator and transfer switch

Step 3. Verify Switch Harness
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCOGenerator running and utility power off > check for voltage on Generator contact A1 and A2.+/-120VAC. Replace generator contactor or coilNo Voltage. Trouble shoot harness/relay functions through the print. Once problem identified, restart test
ASCO165Turn off generator with switch in Preferred position.
Check continuity from L2 to pin 1 and 7 on Plug 1.
Check continuity from L6 to pin 6 and Pin 16 on Plug 1.
Ensure plug is tight on board
Harness continuity: Replace boardPoor connection/continuity: Troubleshoot harness and repair
ASCO185Turn off generator with switch in Preferred position.
Check continuity from L2 to pin 3 and 9 on Plug 1.
Check continuity from L6 to pin 6 and Pin 10 on Plug 1.
Ensure plug is tight on board
Harness continuity: Go to Step 4Poor connection/ continuity: Troubleshoot harness and repair

Step 4. Verify Switch Settings
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCO
ASCO165
Not applicable
ASCO185Turn off all power in the switch.
Check the following settings:
Switch 1 actuator 4 = Off (Down) 60 hz
Switch 2 actuator 2 = On (Up)
Match. Replace boardNo Match. Adjust switches and restart at first step

What should I do if my standby generator doesn’t crank or generator cranks and doesn’t run?

Step 1. Verify Generator Will Start and Run Manually
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCO
ASCO165
ASCO185
Controller > manual mode > start commandGenerator starts & runs:
go to step 2
Generator does start & run:
repair symptom(s)

Step 2. Put Generator In Auto Mode
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCO
ASCO165
ASCO185
Generator in Auto Mode > Jump Auto Start contacts to start in Auto ModeGenerator starts & runs:
Go to Step 3
Generator does start & run:
Repair symptom(s)

Step 3. Give Start Command From Transfer Switch
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCOFlip toggle switch to start on the front paneGenerator starts & runsGenerator does not start & run: Troubleshoot the start switch continuity
ASCO165Press & hold the push to test button until the generator cranks & startsGenerator starts & runsGenerator does not start & run: Go to Step 4
ASCO185Press & hold the transfer test button for at least 15 secondsGenerator starts & runsGenerator does not start & run: Go to Step 4

Step 4. Start Command At Transfer Switch Fails

ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCOManually bypass the switch start command & verify generator starts > Jump the Start Signal (#23) & Battery Negative (#1) terminals on the switchGenerator starts & runs: Go to Step 5Generator does not start & run: Troubleshoot generator start circuit. Problem is in wiring between ATS and generator start contacts
ASCO165
2-Wire Switch
Manually send the start signal to the generator > Apply jumper to generator. Hold jumper for at least 20 seconds.
Closed on start Jump Terminal Block 7 terminals 4 and 5.
Open on start (not used w/Winco products) Terminal Block 7 terminals 5 and
Generator starts and runs: Go to Step 5Generator does not start and run: Troubleshoot generator start circuit. Problem is in wiring between the ATS and generator start contacts
ASCO165
4-Wire Switch
Got to Step 5
ASCO185Manually send start signal to generator > Apply jumper to generator. Hold jumper for at least 20 seconds.
Closed on start Jump Terminal Block 7 terminals 4 and 5
Generator starts and runs: Go to Step 5Generator does not start and run: Troubleshoot generator start circuit. Problem is in wiring between the ATS and generator start contacts

Step 5. Simulate Power Failure
ATS MODELCOMMANDPASSFAIL
WINCOInterrupt utility power to the transfer switch with the main switch in the Automatic position > ice cube relay should switch.
You should open continuity between Start and Bat – terminals
Proper continuity between Start & Battery – terminalsOpen continuity: Troubleshoot switch & relay wiring & function. Reset when finished
ASCO165
2-Wire Switch
Interrupt utility power to the transfer switch > start contact closed.
Closed on Start = Continuity between terminal block 7 terminals 4 and 5
Open on start (not used w/Winco products) = No Continuity between Terminal Block 7 terminals 5 and 6
Proper continuity, generator starts and runs: Go to Step 6Open continuity. If contact does not close when the utility available light goes out replace the ATS control board
ASCO165
4-Wire Switch
PART 1: Verify Voltages > Check voltage between Terminal Block 7 terminals 2(-) and terminals 3, 5 and 8 down.

PART 2: Verify Crank and Run Signal > Interrupt utility/reset switch errors.
Should have continuity between Terminal Block 7 terminals 7 and 8. Crank cycle is 10 seconds on/10 seconds off for three attempts. Should have continuity between Terminal Block 7 terminals 7 and 8.
Part 1: 12-15VDC: Continue to Part 2

PART 2: Generator starts and runs: Go to Step 6.
PART 1: Not VDC: Check generator battery, fuses and connections between switch and generator

Part 2: No Run Signal and/or No Crank Signal: Replace ATS board.
ASCO185Interrupt utility power to the transfer switch > this should close start contact
Closed on Start = Continuity between terminal block 7 terminals 4 and 5
Open on start (not used w/Winco products) = No Continuity between Terminal Block 7 terminals 5 and 6
Proper continuity, generator starts and runs. Go to Step 6Open continuity. If contact does not close when the utility available light goes out replace the ATS control board

Step 6. Reset System
ATS MODELCOMMAND
WINCO
ASCO165
ASCO185
Place transfer switch and generator in Auto Mode

Paving the Way – Phase 1

As we continue to create generators that make your life easier, we also invest in our company to make it easier for our employees. We have started working on our parking lot. If you’ve visited us before, you probably thought, “They really need parking stripes!” You see, the parking lot has become half gravel and half pavement. It is very uncomfortable on my paws when I have to walk across it to get to the grass.

Phase 1: Sidewalks

We added sidewalks and an outdoor break area around the building.


Stay tuned for Phase 2!

– BIG DOG

Finding Parts is Easy

We have worked hard to make our website a better experience for our dealers and service centers. We want it to be easy to get the information you need.


The Dealer Portal is for registered dealers only. If you need access, please go to our website to request log in credentials. Go to the Account Tab and select Log In. You can also click here, to go directly to Log In.


Need to find a model number?

We have a couple of ways to find a model number:

Every WINCO generator has a nameplate affixed to it. You can find your model plus other important information about the generator on the nameplate.

Under the Service Support tab, select Generator Support. Choose ‘Browse Archived Products’ to search through our products. You can download parts list from the model’s product page.


Ready to order? Or if you have any questions, call our Parts Department at 507-357-6831, press 1 when prompted.


– BIG DOG

Prime Power in Gasoline

We have always built great commercial grade portable generators fueled by gasoline. Currently our air-cooled models can supply up to 19kw in both single and three phase voltages. We regularly get asked for more power and engines that last longer and run 1800 rpm.

When we say we listen, we mean it. We are excited to add to our liquid-cooled family of generators a gasoline, prime-power certified option. Our new PPG28 provides 30% more power than our biggest air-cooled generators. Operating at 1800 RPM it is a great investment for for commercial users that need a serious generator to keep their business running. Check out the table below for reasons you should consider the new PPG28 for your business.

PPG28

PPG28AIR-COOLED UNTIS
EngineFORD MSG425VARIES
Engine Speed (RPM)18003600
GovernorElectronicMechanical
Prime Watts25,00019,000 Max
Motor Starting10 HP6 HP
EPA & CARB ApprovedYES < 14, 000
Fuel Economy2.8 GPH @ 25kw3.28 GPH @ 19kw
Total Weight (lbs)1170VARIES
SPEC SHEET

You can find out more about the PPG28 on its product page.


Stay tuned for more product updates!

– BIG DOG