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The Generac IQ3500 is a portable inverter generator that provides clean and reliable power for various purposes, such as outdoor activities, emergencies, and household appliances.
The generator has a running wattage of 3000 watts and a surge wattage of 3500 watts. It also features PowerRush Technology, which delivers 50% more starting capacity, a digital display that shows the remaining runtime, fuel level, and power output, and a 3-year limited warranty.
However, like any other generator on the market, the Generac IQ3500 can experience some problems that can affect its performance and efficiency.
Some of the most common problems with the Generac IQ3500 are low oil shutdown, overloading, starting problems, fuel system issues, faulty control panels, battery problems, poor maintenance, spark plug problems, exhaust issues, noise problems, and more.
In that case, let’s discover what caused these problems and the best possible ways you can fix them whenever they occur.
The Generac IQ3500: Problems, Causes, and Solutions
The Generac IQ3500 generator has its problems, as mentioned earlier. Each of these problems has a different cause and solution, and some of them can be prevented by following the proper maintenance and operation guidelines. Here are some of the problems, causes, and solutions.
1. Low Oil Shutdown
Low oil shutdown is one of the common problems you will notice when you start using your Generac IQ3500 generator.
Although it’s not the only generator with this kind of problem, all generators that use oil do experience low oil shutdowns at some point.
Low oil shutdown usually happens when the engine oil in the generator is at its peak. However, sometimes the engine oil might not be the cause, but the oil sensor and other related issues.
Solutions:- Fixing the low oil shutdown problem on the Generac IQ3500 is a very easy thing you can do yourself. To avoid a low oil shutdown, you should always check the oil level of the generator before every use and add oil if necessary. If the generator’s oil is full but it’s showing a low oil shutdown alert, check the oil sensor and disconnect it. After you have disconnected it, ensure you take the generator to a professional or contact Generac customer support immediately to help you fix the sensor or any other issue causing it to shut down.
RECOMMENDED READ:- Reasons Why Oil Light Comes on But Oil is Full And How to Fix It
2. Overloading
Secondly, another problem you will likely experience running your Generac IQ3500 generator is overloading. But this problem is, in most cases, usually caused by the owner of the generator.
Overloading a generator involves running the generator to power an appliance above its estimated wattage. Let’s say, for instance, that for all the appliances at your home, calculating both the running and starting watts is 4000 thousand watts. Which is above the total wattage of the generator.
Running your generator to power an appliance above its estimated wattage can cause your generator to overload, eventually leading it to shut down, damage its alternators, or overheat.
Solutions:- To fix and prevent overloading your generator, you should not connect more devices than the generator’s capacity. That’s to say, you should not connect a total of 3000-watt or more appliances to your generator. At least 2500 or 2800 watts is enough to efficiently run the generator. Additionally, if you’re using an extension cord, you can use extension cords that are rated for the load they’re powering only.
RECOMMENDED READ:- FAQs: What Happens to Generator When Load Increases?
3. Starting problems
Thirdly, you will also experience problems when it comes to starting the generator, but don’t let that discourage you from the goodness and how sturdy this generator is.
The Generac IQ3500 generator can experience starting issues as a result of different factors such as the type of fuel you’re using, the oil level, the spark plug, the battery, and the electrical connections within the generator.
Solutions:- To solve starting problems on the generator, you should first check the fuel level and how clean the fuel in the tank is. After that, check the oil level and add more oil if it’s low, then check the spark plug, the battery, and the electrical connections. If you think this is too big for you, you can either contact Generac customer support or invite a professional Generac generator repairer to help you with the process.
RECOMMENDED READ:- Generator Won’t Start After Running Out of Gas Here’s What to Do
4. Fuel System Issues
Fourthly, the fuel system can also develop problems for the generator. The generator fuel system includes the carburetor and the tank.
If any of the two mentioned are having issues, such as clogging or blockage, it will affect the generator and also cause it not to start when needed.
Solutions: To fix fuel system issues, you should use fresh and clean gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher and drain the fuel tank and carburetor if the generator has not been used for a long time. If the generator has been used for a long time, it’s taking time to start, or it’s surging, you can service the carburetor or replace it.
5. Faulty Control Panel
The control panel in the Generac IQ3500 generator is where the circuit breaker is located, the on and off switch, the wiring, and the output plug to generate electricity for your appliances.
If this control panel is faulty, it is usually the wiring that has a problem, and at Generator Hacks, we don’t advise owners with no technical background to try fixing it.
Sometimes, the control panel can also cause your battery not to charge, but this is not the case in all cases.
Solutions: To fix a faulty control panel on the generator, you should contact a qualified service technician or Generac customer service.
6. Air Filter, Spark Plug, and Fuel Filter Issues Due to Lack of Proper Maintenance
These problems, such as the air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter, happen when the generator is not properly maintained as scheduled by Generac.
Whenever the fuel filter is clogged, it restricts fuel from entering the generator carburetor, just as the air filter restricts air and the spark plug might not be able to ignite the generator.
Solutions:- To solve this issue, all you need to do is maintain the generator and follow the recommended schedule for changing the oil, the air filter, the spark plug, and the fuel filter.
7. Exhaust and noise problems
Due to various reviews from this type of generator owner, the generator sometimes has noise problems, and the exhaust usually gets blocked.
Solutions: To avoid exhaust issues, you should never operate the generator in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area and keep it away from flammable materials. To reduce noise problems, you should place the generator on a flat and stable surface and use a sound-absorbing mat or enclosure.
Tips on How You Can Avoid These Common Generac IQ3500 Problems
Here are some tips on how to avoid common Generac IQ3500 problems:
- Check the oil level before every use and add oil if necessary. Low oil levels can cause the generator to shut down automatically to prevent engine damage.
- Use gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher, and avoid using stale or contaminated fuel. Wrong or bad fuel can cause starting problems, low power output, or fuel system issues.
- Clean the air filter and the fuel filter regularly and replace them when necessary. Clogged filters can reduce the airflow and fuel flow, resulting in poor combustion and reduced power output.
- Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear and tear and replace it if necessary. A damaged or worn spark plug can cause misfires, erratic operation, or hard starting.
- Avoid overloading the generator by connecting more devices than its capacity. Overloading can cause the generator to shut down or damage the appliances. Use the digital display to monitor the power output and the remaining runtime.
- Keep the generator in a dry, well-ventilated area and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. Excessive heat or humidity can cause the generator to overheat or malfunction.
- Perform regular maintenance and inspections according to the owner’s manual. Proper maintenance can help prevent many problems from occurring and extend the lifespan of the generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I check the oil level and add oil to the Generac IQ3500?
To check the oil level, you need to remove the oil filler cap and dipstick from the oil filler tube and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then, insert the dipstick back into the tube without screwing it in, and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. To add oil, you need to unscrew the oil filler cap and pour the recommended oil into the oil filler tube until the oil level reaches the upper mark on the dipstick. Then, screw the oil filler cap back on and wipe any spilled oil.
Q2: What kind of fuel should I use for the Generac IQ3500, and how do I fill the fuel tank?
You should use gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher and avoid using stale or contaminated fuel. You should also use a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the generator for more than 30 days. To fill the fuel tank, you need to turn the fuel valve to the off position and remove the fuel cap. Then, fill the fuel tank with gasoline until it reaches the bottom of the fuel filler neck. Do not overfill the tank. Then, replace the fuel cap and turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
Q3: How do I start and stop the Generac IQ3500?
To start the generator, you need to turn the power dial to the CHOKE position and press the electric start switch. If the battery is low, you can also use the recoil starter by pulling the starter handle. Once the engine starts, turn the PowerDial to the RUN position and let the engine warm up. To stop the generator, you need to turn the PowerDial to the STOP position and disconnect any loads from the outlets.
Q4: How do I connect two Generac IQ3500 generators in parallel?
To connect two Generac IQ3500 generators in parallel, you need to purchase a parallel kit (model #7668) (Affiliate Link) separately. Then, you need to place the generators close to each other and connect the parallel kit to the parallel outlets on each generator. Then, you need to start the generators and connect your loads to the parallel kit outlets. The parallel kit will synchronize the output of the generators and increase the total power available.
Final Words
The Generac IQ3500 has a lot of problems similar to those of other generators. But by understanding these problems and their solutions, you can troubleshoot and resolve them effectively and ensure that your generator operates smoothly and efficiently whenever you need it. You can also enjoy the benefits of the Generac IQ3500, such as its portability, fuel efficiency, low emissions, and quiet operation. The Generac IQ3500 is a powerful and reliable generator that can meet your power needs and expectations, as long as you take good care of it and use it properly.
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