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For many homes and shops the generator is the light. Regular servicing is much cheaper than a big repair, and knowing the common faults helps you spot an honest technician.
Common faults
- Won't start: dirty carburettor, bad plug, old fuel or a weak battery (key-start). Usually a cheap fix.
- Starts but no current: often the AVR or the alternator winding.
- Smoking: black smoke is usually the air filter or carburettor; blue/white smoke can mean worn rings (bigger job).
- Overheating or shutting off: low oil, blocked cooling, or overloading.
Servicing
Change the oil on schedule (check your manual: often every 50–100 running hours for small petrol generators), clean the air filter, and replace the plug when it's worn. Don't leave petrol sitting for weeks.
Ask before big repairs
Before rewinding or an overhaul, ask what tests they did and why. Get the price for the parts and workmanship separately. Ask for the old parts back.
Safety
Keep the generator outside and far from windows and doors. Generator fumes kill people every year in their sleep. Never run it indoors or in a closed garage.
What it costs
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Estimates for Lagos and Abuja, October 2026. Prices are often lower in smaller cities and change with materials and fuel costs. Always get 2–3 quotes.
| Job | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Routine service, small petrol generatoroil, plug, air filter | ₦8,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Clean the carburettor | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Replace the carburettorincluding the part | ₦12,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Replace the ignition coil | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Replace the AVR | ₦10,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Rewind the alternator, small generator | ₦25,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Service a diesel generator (10–20kVA) | ₦40,000 – ₦120,000 |
Questions to ask before hiring
- What do you think the fault is, and how did you test it?
- What's the price for parts and for workmanship?
- Can I have the old parts back?
- Will you test it under load before I pay?
- Is there a guarantee on the repair?
Red flags to watch for
- Says it needs rewinding or an overhaul without testing anything first.
- Wants to take the generator away without a written description of the fault and price.
- Won't return the old parts.
- Runs the generator indoors while testing.
Checklist
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