HomeControllersADC-RES

ADC-RES Controller

The ADC-RES is a generator-set controller. It is used on generator sets from Kohler and SDMO, including the 12 RES, 17/18RES, 17RES and 8.5 RES.

12
Generator sets
2
Brands
7–17 kW
Power range
3
Fuel types

Generator sets using this controller

12

Used across brands: Kohler, SDMO

Also fitted to: SDMO RES 12 TEC.

Engines paired with this controller

3

Troubleshooting

60

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
AFIndicates a shutdown initiated by pushing the emergency stop switch.Not used on RES models.Check the position of the emergency stop button. (TRES models only)
AFInput from a customer-supplied switch that closes when the fault is active. The generator set shuts down and will not start when the fault is active (input is grounded).Check the cause of the auxiliary fault.
HBFault code is displayed if the engine starting battery voltage rises above 16 VDC for a 12 VDC system or above 30 VDC for a 24 VDC system for more than 10 seconds when the engine is not running. This fault condition does not inhibit engine starting.Check the battery rating and condition. Check the battery charger operation.
HBHigh battery voltage warningFault code is displayed if the engine starting battery voltage rises above 16 VDC for more than 30 seconds when the engine is running. Not operative during the engine crank cycle, this fault condition does not inhibit engine starting.Check the battery rating and condition. Check the battery charger operation.
HEHigh engine temperature shutdownShutdown occurs if the engine coolant temperature exceeds the maximum temperature for more than 5 seconds. This function becomes active after the engine reaches the crank disconnect speed.Check for blocked air inlets and exhaust outlets.
HEShutdown occurs if the engine coolant temperature exceeds the maximum temperature for more than 5 seconds. This protective becomes active after the engine reaches the crank disconnect speed.Check for blocked air inlets and exhaust outlets.
LBFault code is displayed if the engine starting battery voltage falls below 8 VDC for a 12 VDC system or below 16 VDC for a 24 VDC system for more than 10 seconds when the engine is not running. This fault condition does not inhibit engine starting.Check the battery rating and condition. Check the battery charger operation.Charge or replace the battery.
LBLow battery voltage warningFault code is displayed if the engine starting battery voltage falls below 11 VDC for more than 30 seconds when the engine is not running. Not operative during the engine crank cycle, this fault condition does not inhibit engine starting.
LOPLow oil pressure shutdownShutdown occurs if a low oil pressure condition exists for more than 5 seconds. This function becomes active 30 seconds after the engine has reached crank disconnect speed (30 second inhibit). Note: The low oil pressure shutdown does not protect against low oil level. Check the oil level at the engine.Check for leaks in the lubrication system. Check the oil level and add oil if the level is low.
LOPShutdown occurs if a low oil pressure condition exists 7 seconds after the engine has reached crank disconnect speed.Note: The low oil pressure shutdown does not protect against low oil level. Check the oil level at the engine. Check for leaks in the lubrication system.Check the oil level and add oil if the level is low.
Locked rotorThe generator set also shuts down on OC if no engine rotation is sensed during cranking. Shuts down 3 seconds after the fault is detected.
OCOvercrank shutdownShutdown occurs after 3 unsuccessful starting attempts. The crank cycle is set for three starting attempts of 15 seconds cranking and 15 seconds rest.Check the fuel supply, spark plug, and battery. Check for loose connections. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OCShutdown occurs after 3 unsuccessful starting attempts. The crank cycle is set for three starting attempts of 15 seconds cranking and 15 seconds rest. The generator set also shuts down after 1 crank attempt if no speed signal is sensed. Shuts down 1 second after the fault is detected.Check the fuel supply, spark plug, and battery. Check for loose connections.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OFOverfrequency shutdownShutdown occurs when the governed frequency exceeds 110% of the system’s frequency setpoint for more than 5 seconds. This function becomes active 10 seconds after engine start (10 second inhibit).Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OFShutdown occurs when the governed frequency exceeds 110% of the system’s frequency setpoint for more than 1 second. This protective becomes active 30 seconds after engine start.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OSOverspeed shutdownShutdown occurs if the engine speed exceeds 110% of the normal running speed for more than 0.3 seconds.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OSShutdown occurs if the engine speed exceeds 115% of the normal running speed for more than 1 second.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OUOvervoltage shutdownShutdown occurs if the voltage exceeds 120% of the system nominal voltage for more than 2 seconds.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
OUShutdown occurs if the voltage exceeds 120% of the voltage regulator setpoint for more than 1 second.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
UFShutdown occurs when the governed frequency falls 1 Hz below the system’s frequency setpoint for more than 1 second.Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
UFUnderfrequency shutdownShutdown occurs if the governed frequency falls below 54 Hz for more than 5 seconds. Shutdown also occurs if the governed frequency falls below 56.5 Hz for more than 60 seconds. This function becomes active 10 seconds after engine start. (10 second inhibit).Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
UUShutdown occurs if the voltage falls below 80% of the voltage regulator setpoint for more than 1 second. This protective becomes active 30 seconds after engine start.Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.
UUUndervoltage shutdownShutdown occurs if the voltage falls below 80% of the nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds.Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Accidental startingDisconnect the battery cables before working on the generator set. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery.
Alternator or control system problemPerform separate excitation procedure to isolate the problem to the alternator or the control system. Then troubleshoot the alternator or control system components as follows.
Battery short circuitsDisconnect the battery before generator set installation or maintenance. Remove all jewelry before servicing the equipment. Use tools with insulated handles. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery. Never connect the negative (--) battery cable to the positive (+) connection terminal of the starter solenoid. Do not test the battery condition by shorting the terminals together.
Battery short circuits.Disconnect the battery before generator set installation or maintenance. Remove all jewelry before servicing the equipment. Use tools with insulated handles. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery. Never connect the negative (--) battery cable to the positive (+) connection terminal of the starter solenoid. Do not test the battery condition by shorting the terminals together.
Broken or damaged vibromount(s)Check and replace as necessary.
Brushes problemInspect brushes and replace if worn. Check for brushes sticking in brush holder or broken brush spring.
Engine not running at rated rpmCheck controller settings for unit configuration (UC) and engine type (EC). Adjust governor speed.
Engine not running smoothlySee “Generator set operates erratically,” this table
Engine overheatedCheck air intake, fuel adjustment, oil level, air inlet/outlet.
Engine overloadedReduce electrical load.
Engine power lossRefer to the Engine Service Manual for troubleshooting and repair instructions.
Excessive engine/generator vibrationCheck, rotor, crankshaft, bearing, etc. (disassembly of engine and/or alternator may be required).
Exhaust piping or air inlets/outlets not securely installedInspect for loose parts and secure if necessary.
Fuel valve/fuel regulatorCheck regulator/valve operation.
Fuse blows repeatedlyReplace Auxiliary winding fuse (F1). Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if the fuse blows again.
Generator overloadedReduce load.
Generator set cranks but does not startNo fuelOpen (turn on) manual fuel valve. Check fuel supply tank (LP).
Generator set does not crankWeak or dead batteryRecharge or replace battery. If battery is weak or dead, check battery charger fuse, power supply, and operation.
Generator set master switch in the OFF/RESET positionMove generator set master switch to the AUTO or RUN position.
Governor malfunction or misadjustmentTest/readjust governor.
Green LED stays on when the battery is known to be lowOne or more defective or damaged cells.Load test the battery and replace, if necessary.
Lacks powerAir intake restriction, inadequate cooling. Inspect air intakes and exhaust for obstructions. Check air cleaner.
Loose or vibrating sheet metal/housingRetighten screws, replace rivets.
Low oil pressure (LOP) switchAttempt startup. If unit shuts down, remove lead from LOP switch and reset controller. A successful restart attempt indicates a faulty LOP shutdown switch. Note: Check engine oil pressure before performing test and/or replacing LOP shutdown switch.
Low output voltageIncorrect controller configuration, Incorrect controller voltage settingsCheck and adjust the controller configuration parameters. Check and adjust the controller voltage settings.
Neither of the LEDs turn onNo AC power available at the battery charger.Connect AC power or reset the AC breaker on the main panel.
No fuelTurn on fuel supply.
No output voltageAC output circuit breaker open, Alternator or control system problemCheck for AC voltage on the generator side of circuit breaker. If there is AC voltage on the generator side of the breaker, then a problem in the load circuits is causing the line circuit breaker to trip. Check for and correct short circuits or overloading on the load side before resetting the circuit breaker. Perform separate excitation procedure to isolate the problem to the alternator or the control system. Then troubleshoot the alternator or control system components as follows.
Open wiring, terminal, or pin in buildup circuit or SCR module circuitCheck continuity.
Red LED stays on for more than 24 hoursOne or more defective or damaged cells.Load test the battery and replace, if necessary.
Red and green LEDs stay on for more than 24 hoursOnboard DC systems are drawing between 1.5 and 5 amps.Turn off all DC equipment while charging.
Rotor connections problemCheck for open circuit in rotor connection circuit (leads FN and FP to SCR and RIB).
Rotor slip rings dirty or corrodedCheck slip ring condition.
Severe electrical equipment damageWelding on generator setBefore welding on the generator set perform the following steps: (1) Remove the battery cables, negative (-) lead first. (2) Disconnect all engine electronic control module (ECM) connectors. (3) Disconnect all generator set controller and voltage regulator circuit board connectors. (4) Disconnect the engine battery-charging alternator connections. (5) Attach the weld ground connection close to the weld location.
Stator problemCheck voltage and continuity.
Stops suddenlyFault shutdownCheck for a fault shutdown code on the controller’s LED display. Correct the fault and then move the generator set master switch to OFF/RESET to reset the controller.
The generator set does not crank.Battery weak or dead, Battery charger fuse blown, Battery connections reversed or poor, Controller fuse (F3) blown, Relay interface board fuse (F2) blownCheck power to the battery charger. Recharge or replace the battery. Replace the fuse. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if fuse blows repeatedly. Check the connections. Replace the fuse. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if fuse blows repeatedly.

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.