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Service B

Generac Generator

Severity: Minor

What Does This Error Mean?

Generac Service B is the second annual maintenance reminder on the Evolution and Nexus controllers.
Where Service A is roughly an oil-and-filter check, Service B adds the air filter and spark plug inspection at a longer interval — typically 200-400 run hours or 2 years.
It is a notice, not a fault.
The generator continues to run.
The reset is in the controller's Edit menu.

Affected Models

  • Generac Guardian 7-22 kW air-cooled
  • Generac Guardian 24 kW
  • Generac Protector liquid-cooled
  • Generac Evolution controller models
  • Generac Nexus controller models

Common Causes

  • Run hours crossed the Service B interval
  • Calendar timer reached the 2-year mark
  • Counter never reset after the previous Service B
  • Recent firmware update that reset the schedule

How to Fix It

  1. Press Enter on the controller.

    The Evolution display shows current run hours and which Service interval is due.
    Note the value — useful for keeping records of when each service was performed.

  2. Change oil and oil filter.

    Same as Service A.
    Drain warm oil into a pan, spin off the filter, install new filter with a thin film of oil on the gasket, refill to dipstick mark with the correct weight (typically 5W-30 synthetic).

  3. Replace the air filter.

    Open the housing and pull out the foam or paper element.
    Inspect — heavily clogged or oil-soaked = replace.
    Generac air filters are 15-30 USD.
    This is the main item that distinguishes Service B from Service A.

  4. Inspect the spark plug.

    Disconnect the plug wire.
    Pull the plug with a spark plug socket.
    Light tan colour on the porcelain = healthy.
    Black soot, oil fouling, or eroded electrodes = replace.
    Genuine Generac plugs are 8-15 USD.

  5. Check the battery and connections.

    Clean any white or green corrosion at the battery terminals.
    Confirm the battery is at full charge — Generac batteries should test above 12.6V at rest.

  6. Run an exercise cycle.

    Manually start an exercise from the controller.
    Listen for unusual sounds.
    Confirm the generator transitions to running at rated frequency.
    Stop after 10 minutes.

  7. Reset Service B.

    On the Evolution controller, navigate to Edit then Reset Maintenance.
    Choose Service B.
    Confirm.
    The reminder clears and the next-interval counter starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I do Service A and Service B together?

Many owners batch them.
Doing both at the longer interval is fine as long as you do not skip the shorter Service A items.
If your generator runs many hours per year, the intervals diverge and they need to be done separately.