HomeControllersDC Logic System

DC Logic System Controller

The DC Logic System is a generator-set controller. It is used on generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M20C, M33, M673 and M843.

17
Generator sets
Northern Lights
Brand
4–16 kW
Power range
2
Fuel types

Troubleshooting

37

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Battery Will Not ChargeLoose or corroded connections, Sulfated or worn out batteries, Loose or defective alternator beltClean and tighten battery connections, Check specific gravity of each battery, Check electrolyte level of each battery, Adjust belt tension, Replace belt
Battery will not chargeLoose or corroded connections, Sulfated or worn out batteriesClean and tighten battery connections, Check specific gravity of each battery, Check electrolyte level of each battery
Below normal engine temperatureImproper valve clearanceReset valves. Best done by dealer
Dirty or faulty injection nozzlesReplace injectors. Best done by dealer
Engine Emits Black or Gray Exhaust SmokeInsufficient oil, Defective muffler (back pressure too high), Injection pump out of time, Improper fuel, Below normal engine temperature, Dirty or faulty injection nozzlesCall your dealer, Have dealer check back pressure, Call your dealer, Use correct fuel for temperature, Check water temperature to see if temperature gauge is working properly
Engine Hard to Start or Will Not StartLoose or corroded connections, Sulfated or worn out batteries, Loose or defective alternator beltClean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection, Check specific gravity of each battery, Check electrolyte level of each battery, Adjust belt tension, Replace belt
Engine KnocksDefective muffler (back pressure too high), Insufficient oil, Defective temperature gaugeHave dealer check back pressure, Call your dealer, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge if necessary
Engine OverheatsImproper valve clearance, Dirty or faulty injection nozzles, Air in fuel system, Improper type of fuel, Water or dirt in the fuel system, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter elementReset valves, Best done by dealer, Replace injectors, Best done by dealer, See your local dealer, Service air cleaner, Clean or replace filter element, Replace secondary filter element
Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls FrequentlyBelow normal engine temperature, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Water or dirt in the fuel system, Dirty or faulty injection nozzles, Air in fuel system, Improper type of fuel, Overheated engineRemove and check thermostat, Clean or replace filter element, Replace secondary filter element, Drain, flush, fill and bleed system, Have your dealer check injection nozzles, Inspect clamps and hoses on suction side of fuel pump for air leak, Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating condition, See “Engine Overheats” in next category
Engine Temperature Below NormalThermostats not working properlyCheck thermostats
Engine hard to start or will not startImproper starting procedure, No fuel, Low battery output, Excessive resistance in starting circuit, Crankcase oil too heavy, Improper type of fuel, Water, dirt or air in fuel system, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Dirty or faulty injection nozzlesSee starting section of this manual. Take special note of Bypass Switch operation, Check level of fuel in fuel tank, Check electrolyte level and condition, Clean and tighten all battery connections, Use oil of proper viscosity, Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating condition, Drain, flush, fill and bleed system, Clean or replace filter element, Replace filter element, Have your dealer check injection nozzles
Engine has shutdownCheck the temperature gauge. If above 205°F (96°C) for marine units or 230°F (110°C) for industrial units, shut off the engine immediately. Use the Trouble Shooting Guide on page 24 to isolate the cause of the overheat.
Engine out of timeSee your dealer
Engine overheatsSee 'Engine Overheats' in next category
Engine runs irregularly or stalls frequentlyBelow normal engine temperature, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Water or dirt in the fuel system, Dirty or faulty injection nozzles, Air in fuel system, Improper type of fuelRemove and check thermostat, Clean or replace filter element, Replace secondary filter element, Drain, flush, fill and bleed system, Have your dealer check injection nozzles, Inspect clamps and hoses on suction side of fuel pump for air leak, Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating condition
Engine temperature above 205°F (96°C)Shut off the engine immediately
Entire Electrical System Does Not FunctionCheck DC circuit breaker, Faulty connection, Sulfated or worn out batteries, Improper starting procedureIf breaker is tripped, reset it, Clean and tighten battery and harness plug connections, Check specific gravity and electrolyte level of each battery, See starting section of this manual, Take special note of Bypass Switch operation
Entire electrical system does not functionFaulty connection, Sulfated or worn out batteriesClean and tighten battery and harness plug connections, Check specific gravity and electrolyte level of each battery
High Fuel ConsumptionInjection pump out of timeSee your dealer
High Oil ConsumptionDefective thermostat, Defective temperature gaugeRemove and check thermostat, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge if necessary
Lack of Engine PowerIntake air restriction, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter elementService air cleaner, Clean or replace filter element, Replace filter element
Lack of engine powerEngine overloaded, Intake air restriction, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Improper type of fuelReduce load, Service air cleaner, Clean or replace filter element, Replace filter element, Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating conditions
Low Oil PressureLow coolant level, Defective thermostat, Temperature gauge not working properlyFill crankcase to proper level, Fill tank or radiator to proper level, Check thermostats, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge if necessary
Low battery outputSulfated or worn out batteries, Loose or defective electrical system ground wireCheck specific gravity of each battery, Check electrolyte level of each battery, Repair or replace
Low crankcase oil levelFill with recommended lubricating oil and restart; watch the oil pressure gauge carefully
No fuelCheck level of fuel in fuel tank
Oil pressure below normal levelsCheck oil pressure gauge; shut down if it does not show a normal reading after a few seconds of operation
Shutdown is activated and temperature gauge shows within normal rangeCheck the engine crankcase oil level. If low, fill with recommended lubricating oil and restart. Watch the oil pressure gauge carefully and shut off the engine if it does not show a normal reading (20-60 PSI) after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your dealer for assistance.
Shutdown is activated and the temperature gauge shows temperature within normal temperature rangeA. Check the engine crankcase oil level b. If the oil level is low, fill with recommended lubricating oil and restart. Watch the oil pressure gauge carefully and shut off the engine if it does not show a normal reading (20-60 PSI) after a few seconds of operation. c. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your dealer for assistance.
Starter Cranks SlowlyLow battery output, Crankcase oil too heavyBattery is too small, Battery cables are too small, Check specific gravity of each battery, Check electrolyte level of each battery, Fill with oil of appropriate viscosity, Clean and tighten all battery connections
Starter InoperativeCheck DC circuit breaker, Loose or corroded connectionsIf the breaker is tripped, reset it, Clean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection
Starter cranks slowlyBatteries too small, Battery cables too small, Crankcase oil too heavyCheck specific gravity of each battery, Replace battery if necessary, Check electrolyte level of each battery, If low, fill cells with distilled water, Fill with oil of appropriate viscosity
Starter inoperativeLoose or corroded connectionsClean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection
Temperature gauge shows temperature above 205°F (97°C)Shut off the engine immediately. Use the Trouble Shooting Guide on page 21 to isolate the cause of the overheat.
Temperature gauge shows temperature within normal range but shutdown is activatedCheck the engine crankcase oil level. If low, fill with recommended lubricating oil and restart. Watch the oil pressure gauge carefully and shut off the engine if it does not show a normal reading (20-60 PSI) after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your dealer for assistance.
Temperature rises above 205°F (96°C) on Marine unitsRepeat troubleshooting
Warning or shutdown system is activatedEngine temperature gauge reading above specified thresholdCheck engine temperature, isolate cause using Trouble Shooting Guide, make repairs and restart after cooling

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.