HomeControllersDC Controls - 12-Volt System

DC Controls - 12-Volt System Controller

The DC Controls - 12-Volt System is a generator-set controller. It is used on generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the HDKA.

4
Generator sets
Cummins/Onan
Brand
6–6 kW
Power range
Diesel
Fuel

Generator sets using this controller

4

Also fitted to: Cummins/Onan HDKAL/HDKAS.

Engines paired with this controller

2

Troubleshooting

60

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
-01Fuel level in coach tanksPrime genset fuel system
1HIGH TEMPERATURE(Engine coolant or inverter heat sink temperature exceeded design limit)Check the second-level fault code by touching Stop. The second-level fault will be either No. 33 or No. 34.
1, 2, 3, or 4First level faults
11OVERCURRENT FAULT(AC output short)1. Turn off the genset line circuit breaker. If the genset no longer shuts down, the genset is probably okay—check for and repair a short circuit in the vehicle appliances, wiring or shorted battery charger transformer. 2. Check whether the vehicle engine and genset share the same starting battery. If so, and this fault occurs when cranking the vehicle engine, low battery voltage may be causing this shutdown. Increase battery capacity or install a separate battery and battery charging system for the genset.
12INVERTER OVERVOLTAGE FAULTCheck whether the vehicle engine and genset share the same starting battery. If so, and this fault occurs when cranking the vehicle engine, low battery voltage may be causing this shutdown. Increase battery capacity or install a separate battery and battery charging system for the genset.
13INVERTER UNDERVOLTAGE FAULTCheck whether the vehicle engine and genset share the same starting battery. If so, and this fault occurs when cranking the vehicle engine, low battery voltage may be causing this shutdown. Increase battery capacity or install a separate battery and battery charging system for the genset.
14INVERTER OVERFREQUENCY FAULTReduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running.
15INVERTER UNDERFREQUENCY FAULT1. Reduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running. 2. Have air conditioners and other appliances checked for proper operation. (A locked compressor rotor can cause very low power factor.)
19GOVERNOR ACTUATOR FAULTSee an authorized Onan dealer.
22GOVERNOR ACTUATOR OVERLOAD FAULTReduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running.
3SERVICE CHECK FAULT(A second-level fault occurred)Check the second-level fault code by touching Stop. The second-level fault will be one of the following in this table.
33, 44Not assigned due to misinterpretation risk
8OVERLOADReduce load and restart
Code 1Engine Over Temperature
Code 12Over Voltage
Code 13Under Voltage
Code 14Over Frequency
Code 15Under Frequency
Code 19Governor Actuator
Code 2Low Oil Pressure
Code 22Governor Actuator Overload
Code 27Voltage Sense
Code 3Service Check
Code 4Over Crank
Fault Code BlinkingRestoring Fault Code Blinking
NO. 23LOW OIL PRESSURE CUTOFF SWITCH FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 24COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENDER FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 25ENGINE ABOVE SPEED TARGET FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 26ENGINE BELOW SPEED TARGET FAULTCorrective Action: 1. Reduce the number of connected appliances, especially when air conditioners and battery chargers are running. 2. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch down in its Stop position for at least 1 minute.
NO. 27PMA SENSE LOST FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 28DC SENSE LOST FAULTCorrective Action: Open the circuit breaker. If the fault does not persist, check for and disconnect excessive loads from the genset before starting.
NO. 29HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE FAULTCorrective Action: 1. Check battery bank connections and reconnect if necessary so that the 12 volt batteries serving the genset are connected in parallel (12 volt) rather than in series (24 volt). 2. Select a lower battery booster charge rate.
NO. 31OVERSPEED FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 32LOW CRANKING SPEED FAULTCorrective Action: 1. Replace Fuse F2 (starter solenoid) if blown (Page 7). 2. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery and at the genset (Page 17). 3. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. 4. Replace the engine oil with oil of proper viscosity for the ambient temperature (Page 16). (High oil viscosity can slow cranking speed.)
NO. 33HIGH ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE FAULTCorrective Action: 1. Check the engine coolant level and add coolant and repair leaks as necessary (Page 20). 2. Check for and remove any objects blocking the air inlet or outlet openings in the bottom of the genset. 3. Reduce the number of appliances connected at the same time. (Note that high altitude and high ambient temperature decrease engine cooling capacity.) 4. Clean and flush the cooling system to remove coolant passage fouling. 5. If the genset overheats only underway, see the coach manufacture regarding air baffles or other means to direct cooling air into the genset.
NO. 34HIGH INVERTER TEMPERATURE FAULTCorrective Action: 1. Check for and remove any objects blocking the air inlet or outlet openings in the bottom of the genset. 2. Reduce the number of appliances connected at the same time. (Note that high altitude and high ambient temperature decrease cooling capacity.)
NO. 35CONTROL CARD FAILURE FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 36ENGINE STOPPED FAULTCorrective Action: 1. Check fuel level. (Note: The genset fuel pickup is probably higher than the vehicle engine pickup.) 2. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch down in its Stop position for at least 1 minute. 3. Check the engine air filter and remove any blockage (Page 17). 4. Check for mechanical damage.
NO. 37INVALID GENSET CONFIGURATION FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 42PROCESSOR FAULTCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
No. 33High temperatures and temperature rises indicate that warm discharge air is recirculating back into the genset compartment or that the inlet or outlet air opening is restricted.Find out why and correct as necessary to meet the temperature specifications.
No. 33-High Engine Coolant TemperatureInlet Air Temperature Rise: The rise in inlet air temperature over ambient air temperature must not exceed 8° F (4.4° C). Oil Temperature Rise: The rise in engine oil temperature over ambient air temperature must not exceed 190° F (106° C). Maximum Coolant Temperature: Maximum coolant temperature is 230° F (110° C), at which point the genset will shut downHigh temperatures and temperature rises. indicate that warm discharge air is recirculating back into the genset compartment or that the inlet or outlet air opening is restricted.Find out why and correct as necessary to meet the temperature specifications.
blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-pause-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-long pause-repeatCranking time exceeded 35 seconds
blink-blink-blink-blink-pause-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-long pause-repeatShutdown due to a service faultPress Stop once to cause the two-digit, second-level shutdown code to blink. (Pressing Stop again will stop the blinking.) The two-digit code consists of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 blinks, a brief pause, and then 1 to 9 blinks. The first set of blinks represents the tens digit and the second set of blinks the units digit of the shutdown code number.
blink-blink-blink-pause-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-long pause-repeatShutdown due to high engine coolant temperature
blink-blink-pause-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-blink-long pause-repeatShutdown due to a loss of engine oil pressure

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Blocked air inletService as necessary.
Damage to equipment and fireInterconnections without an approved switching deviceUse an approved switching device
DizzinessGet out into the fresh air immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Shut down the unit and do not operate until it has been inspected and repaired.
ENGINE CRANKS WHEN BATTERY CONNECTEDFaulty Start Switch or grounded wiringCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
ENGINE DOES NOT CRANKTripped DC control breaker, Low cranking voltageReset the control breaker handle, Have the genset serviced if it keeps tripping. Clean and tighten or replace the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connectors and cables at the battery and the genset, Recharge or replace the battery
ENGINE LACKS POWER OR UNSTABLEInadequate fuel delivery, Contaminated fuelCheck for fuel (air) leaks at all fittings and tighten as necessary, Replace the fuel filter (p. 16), Connect the fuel lift pump to a container of fuel of known quality, Replace the contents of the fuel supply tank if there is a noticeable difference in performance
ENGINE WON’T CRANK—FUEL PUMP WON’T STOPFaulty Stop Switch or grounded wiringCorrective Action: See an authorized Onan dealer.
Engine Unstable (Hunts)-Check: Fuel supply -Check: Fuel Lines for leakage -Check: Loose wire connection -Perform checks in step 01 -Check: Governor for binding -Check: Governor adjustments
Engine Will Not Shut Off-Check: Binding in the governor -Check: Actuator adjustment
Engine cranks but does not startIncorrect fuel? See Operator’s Manual recommendations. Check fuel system: fuel tank level, shut-off valves, fuel lines and connections, fuel filters, fuel pump and injection pump. Okay? Does K14 fuel solenoid energize when S11 is in Start position?Check B+ circuit through S11. Test S11 per Checkout [G]. Test K14 per Checkout [F]. Check switch S11 per Checkout [G]. Check heater relay per Checkout [E]. Check heater wiring.
Engine does not crank.Follow the troubleshooting procedure in Flow Chart A.
Engine exhaust could ignite grass or brushParked in high grass or brush
Engine not getting fuelA. Open any closed shutoff valve. b. Check fuel level and refill as necessary. c. Prime the fuel system (p.12). d. Check for fuel (air) leaks at all fittings and tighten as necessary. e. Replace the fuel filter (p. 16).
Engine starts but stops after running several secondsIs a fault condition indicated by fault breaker CB12 on control panel? Check for a possible fault condition. If none, check fault monitors S1 through S4 and fault breaker CB12 for improper wiring. Check relay K12 per Checkout [H]. Is K12 good? Does DC control breaker trip after generator set is started?Check for closing of S6 power latch switch. If switch is OK, check mechanical adjustment of K1 solenoid: is rod adjusted to correct length to allow the hold-in coil of K1 to latch? If K1 adjustment is OK and problem remains, replace engine monitor PC board. Check all B+ wiring for shorts to ground. Check fuel solenoid adjustment.

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.