A1 Controller

The A1 is a generator-set controller. It is used on generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 3.6MKY, 4MKY, HGJAA and MDKAV.

20
Generator sets
Cummins/Onan
Brand
3–4000 kW
Power range
2
Fuel types

Generator sets using this controller

20

Also fitted to: Cummins/Onan HGJAA & HGJAD, Cummins/Onan HGJAB & HGJAE, Cummins/Onan HGJAC & HGJAF.

Troubleshooting

60

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
1HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE1. Add coolant as necessary and repair leaks (Page 18). 2. Replace the engine thermostat, which might not be opening fully (Page 21). 3. Clean the raw water tubes in the heat exchanger, which might be clogged with scale (Page 22). 4. Flush the coolant system to remove coolant passage fouling (Page 18).
1HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE—CODE NO. 1 (Engine coolant temperature exceed design limit)1. Check for and clean a blocked sea water strainer. If above the water line, fill the strainer with water to assist priming. 2. Check engine coolant level and add coolant as necessary. 3. Check for kinked or leaking hoses and reconnect, reroute or replace. 4. Check the V-belt that drives the coolant pump and service as necessary 5. Inspect the siphon break (if provided) for proper operation. 6. Check for a worn raw water impeller and replace as necessary 7. Clean the heat exchanger
1Shutdown due to high engine temperature
1 or 2 digit codeStatus light on the generator will repeatedly blink a 1 or 2 digit code after a protective shutdown
12HIGH AC VOLTAGE—CODE NO. 12 (After voltage regulation was enabled Output Voltage jumped to more than 125% of rated for 75 milliseconds or to more than 115% of rated for 3 seconds)See an authorized Onan service representative.
12OVERVOLTAGESee an authorized Onan dealer.
12OVERVOLTAGE FAULT—CODE NO. 12See an authorized Onan dealer.
12Overvoltage
13LOW AC VOLTAGE—CODE NO. 13 (After voltage regulation was enabled Output Voltage fell to less than 90% of rated for 5 seconds)Push the genset line circuit breaker OFF. If the genset now runs, reduce the number of loads.
13UNDERVOLTAGEReduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running.
13UNDERVOLTAGE FAULT—CODE NO. 13Reduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running.
13Undervoltage
14HIGH AC FREQUENCY—CODE NO. 14 (After the starter was engaged Frequency jumped to more than 70 Hz for 40 milliseconds or to more than 2% over nominal for 6 seconds)1. Check for a tripped genset circuit breaker, reset it if necessary, and run with fewer connected loads. 2. Check all fuel fittings for fuel and air leaks and tighten as necessary and reprime.
14OVERFREQUENCY1. If the line circuit breaker or any other circuit breaker has tripped, start the genset before resetting the breaker. (Frequency can overshoot when a circuit breaker trips under load.) If the genset continues to run, turn off or disconnect all loads, reset the breaker and bring the loads on one at a time without overloading the genset. 2. Tighten loose fuel line fittings so that air cannot be drawn in by genset lift pump suction. 3. Prime the fuel system to remove air in the fuel lines (Page 8).
14OVERFREQUENCY FAULT—CODE NO. 14See an authorized Onan dealer.
14Overfrequency
15LOW AC FREQUENCY—CODE NO. 15 (During normal operation Frequency fell to less than 90% of nominal for more than 8 seconds)Push the genset line circuit breaker OFF. If the genset now runs, reduce the number of loads.
15UNDERFREQUENCY FAULT—CODE NO. 15Reduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running.
15Underfrequency
17Fuel Pump Fault
19Governor Actuator (EFI Only)
2LOW OIL PRESSUREAdd engine oil or drain excess oil, as necessary (Page 14).
2LOW OIL PRESSURE—CODE NO. 2 (Low oil pressure)Check engine oil level, add or drain oil as necessary and repair any leaks
2Low Oil Pressure Fault
2Shutdown due to low oil pressure
22Governor Actuator Overload (EFI Only)
23Oil Pressure Switch Fault
27VOLTAGE SENSE FAULT—CODE NO. 27See an authorized Onan dealer.
27Voltage Sense Lost
29HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE FAULT—CODE NO. 291. Check battery bank connections and reconnect if necessary so that the 12 volt batteries serving the genset are connected in parallel (12 v
29High Battery Voltage
3SERVICE CHECKCheck the second-level shutdown code by pressing STOP once. The second-level shutdown code will have two-digits. The shutdowns are listed below in numerical order.
3SERVICE CHECK FAULT—CODE NO. 3Check the second-level fault code by pressing STOP once. The second-level fault code will have two-digits. The faults are listed in numerical order in this table.
3SERVICE CHECK—CODE NO. 3 (A fault with a 2-Digit Fault Code Number occurred)Check the 2-Digit fault code by Pushing and Releasing Stop
3Service Check Fault
3Service faultPress Stop once to cause the two-digit shutdown code to blink
31Overspeed Fault
31Overspeed Fault (HGJAD, E, F Models Only)
32Low Cranking Speed Sense
33Fault Code 3 - Fault Code 33
33Fault Code 33
35Control Card Failure
36Generator Set Stopped Without Fault Condition
36Generator Set Stopped Without Fault Condition - Fault Code 36
36Genset Stopped Without Fault Condition
37Invalid Set Configuration
38Field Overload (Overvoltage)
4OVERCRANK1. Check the fuel tank and fill as necessary. (Note: The arrangement of pickup tubes in the fuel supply tank probably is such that the genset will run out of fuel before the propulsion engines.) 2. Open any closed fuel valves. 3. Remove any blockage in the combustion air inlet (front grille) or exhaust system. 4. Tighten loose fuel line fittings so that air cannot be drawn in by genset lift pump suction. 5. Drain and/or replace the fuel filter (Page 16) and prime the fuel system (Page 8). 6. Drain and/or replace fuel supply system filters and prime the fuel system (Page 8).
4OVERCRANK FAULT—CODE NO. 41. Check and fill the fuel tank, as necessary. (Note: The genset fuel pickup is probably higher than the boat engine pickup.) 2. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch at Stop/Prime for 30 seconds. 3. Open any closed fuel valves. 4. Secure the spark plug lead on the spark plug (Page 20). 5. Replace the spark plug (Page 20). 6. Service the air cleaner (Page 19).
4OVERCRANK—CODE NO. 4 (Cranking time exceeded 20 to 60 seconds, depending on ambient temperature)1. Check fuel level and refill as necessary. 2. Open any closed fuel supply and return valves. 3. Prime the engine fuel system for at least 30 seconds 4. Service the battery as necessary by cleaning and tightening connections, recharging or replacing the battery or replacing damaged battery cables 5. Replace the fuel filters and reprime 6. Check all fuel fittings for fuel and air leaks, tighten as necessary and reprime. 7. Change the engine oil to oil of the proper viscosity for the ambient temperature
4Overcrank
4Shutdown due to a failure to start within the time allowed for cranking
41Alternator Rotor Fault
41Generator Rotor Fault
42Processor Fault
42Processor Fault - Fault Code 42
43Processor Fault - Fault Code 43
45Speed Sense Fault
47Ignition Fault
48Field Sense Fault

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this controller’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Aggregated from the service documentation of generator sets built on this controller.