Quick answer
What to do first
A powerless pump cannot supply the first fuel for an empty generator. Bring gasoline already stored in a suitable container, or obtain it from a vehicle that actually has fuel, then run an outdoor generator near the pump. Check the exterior-power setting and pump supply before assuming the station is empty.
Check your game conditions
- Current Stable
- 42.20.4 Stable
- Play mode
- Singleplayer / Multiplayer
- Vanilla / Mods
- Vanilla baseline; mods may replace rules
- Sandbox / server settings
- Gas-station reserves and exterior generator behavior depend on world settings.
Where is the fuel supply blocked?
Pump off; generator empty
- Possible cause
- No initial energy source
- Check
- Stored gasoline or a fueled accessible vehicle
- Next action
- Obtain a small usable fuel supply before trying the pump.
Cannot siphon
- Possible cause
- No fuel, wrong access or unsuitable container
- Check
- Vehicle contents and the available fuel action
- Next action
- Use a valid source and compatible container.
Generator runs but pump remains off
- Possible cause
- Coverage or exterior-power setting
- Check
- Generator Info and Generator Working In Exterior
- Next action
- Resolve power delivery instead of repeatedly refueling the generator.
Powered pump gives no fuel
- Possible cause
- Remaining supply or interaction requirements
- Check
- Pump reserves/settings and container state
- Next action
- Try another confirmed source; power cannot create fuel.
Fuel reaches the car but it will not start
- Possible cause
- A different vehicle fault
- Check
- Battery and engine information
- Next action
- Use the car-start diagnosis rather than collecting more gasoline.
Bring the first fuel with you
Plan the station trip around the generator as a load you must carry and protect. Clear a workable approach before moving heavy equipment. Bring a compatible fuel container and enough supplies to get home if the pump cannot be used.
Switch the generator off before adding fuel. Keep it outdoors and confirm that it is connected and running. A visible generator near a station is not proof that the pump receives power.
Treat reserves as a world condition
Do not assume stations contain unlimited fuel. The useful question is whether this pump has supply under your world's settings and whether you can access it now.
In multiplayer, coordinate fuel storage and generator maintenance. Reserve some fuel for starting the next supply trip rather than putting every last amount into a car. Keep unknown or incompatible liquids out of the gasoline containers.
Version notes & limits
World settings affect station reserves and exterior generator behavior. B42 containers must support the intended liquid action; old screenshots of one gas can do not establish every container's compatibility.
Fuel acquisition and powerless-pump diagnosis, not station coordinates, vehicle-by-vehicle siphoning pages or an infinite-fuel promise.
Last verified means the linked documentation was reviewed, not that this guide was tested in-game. PZwiki is maintained by community contributors.
Version & sources
Sources & what may change
- Applies to
- 42.20.4 Stable; Singleplayer / Multiplayer; Vanilla baseline; mods may replace rules
- Last verified
- 2026-09-04
- When to check again
- A relevant Stable patch, changed world setting, mod update or correction to the cited instructions.