HomeControllersAdvanced Digital Features

Advanced Digital Features Controller

The Advanced Digital Features is a generator-set controller. It is used on generator sets from Kohler, including the 12RES and 8.5RES.

2
Generator sets
Kohler
Brand
8–12 kW
Power range
Bi-Fuel (NG/LP)
Fuel

Generator sets using this controller

2

Engines paired with this controller

2

Troubleshooting

60

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
AFAuxiliary fault input shutdownIndicates a shutdown initiated by pushing the emergency stop switch. (TRES models only)Check the position of the emergency stop button. (TRES models only)
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.
High engine temperatureEngine runtime, hours
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.
Low battery voltageCrank cycle status
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.
OvercrankRemote two-wire start/stop capability
OverfrequencyDigital voltage regulation: ±1.5% RMS no-load to full-load
OverspeedAutomatic start for programmed cranking cycle
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.
UnderfrequencyMaster control switch mounted on the junction box: Run/Off-Reset/Auto
UndervoltageUpgradeable application software

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.
Auxiliary winding fuse (F1) blownReplace the fuse. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if fuse blows repeatedly.
Battery acid is electrically conductive and corrosive.Add 500 g (1 lb.) of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to a container with 4 L (1 gal.) of water and mix the neutralizing solution. Pour the neutralizing solution on the spilled battery acid and continue to add the neutralizing solution to the spilled battery acid until all evidence of a chemical reaction (foaming) has ceased. Flush the resulting liquid with water and dry the area.
Battery short circuitDisconnect 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 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.
Battery short circuits can cause bodily injury and/or equipment damage.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.
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.
Controller LED display is offNo power to the controller: Controller fuse (F3) is blown.Replace the fuse. If the fuse blows again, contact an authorized distributor/dealer. Low or no battery voltage. Check connections. Check the engine starting battery and battery charger. See Figure 4-3.
Controller fuse (F3) blownReplace the fuse. If the fuse blows again, contact an authorized distributor/dealer.
Engine malfunctionContact an authorized distributor/dealer.
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.
Gas fuel leaks can cause an explosion.Check the LPG vapor or natural gas fuel system for leakage by using a soap and water solution with the fuel system test pressurized to 6--8 ounces per square inch (10--14 inches water column). Do not use a soap solution containing either ammonia or chlorine because both prevent bubble formation. A successful test depends on the ability of the solution to bubble.
Generator does not startLow battery voltage or faulty starter motorCheck the battery and ensure it is fully charged. If necessary, replace the battery. Check the starter motor for proper operation.
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.
Generator set stops suddenly.Low oil pressure shutdownCheck the oil level. Check for signs of oil leaks. Out of fuel Check fuel supply. Overcrank shutdown Reset the controller. If the overcrank fault occurs again, contact an authorized distributor/dealer.

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.