Home›Engines›Cummins/Onan GSAA

Cummins/Onan GSAA Engine

The Cummins/Onan GSAA is an engine. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan. It holds 1.6 L (0.4 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Onan GSAA engine

1.6 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity1.6 L

Troubleshooting

32

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
2Low Oil Pressure FaultOil Level too low/high, faulty switch, faulty oil pressure relief valve, faulty oil pumpCheck oil level: add or drain oil as necessary.
4OvercrankFirst−level shutdown code – Cranking exceeded 30 seconds after 3rd cycle crank.Open any closed fuel valves; Secure spark plug leads to spark plugs; Check and service air filter as necessary; Replace spark plugs.
12OvervoltageController unable to maintain rated voltage.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
13UndervoltageController unable to maintain rated voltage.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
14OverfrequencyEngine governor unable to maintain rated frequency.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
15UnderfrequencyEngine governor unable to maintain rated frequency.Reduce the number of connected loads especially loads that require higher starting current such as air conditioners; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
19Governor Actuator shutdownController sensed governor actuator circuit open or shorted.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
22Governor Actuator OverloadDuration of operation at or near full duty−cycle beyond design limitReduce the number of connected loads especially loads that require higher starting current such as air conditioners; Check and service air filter as necessary; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
27Voltage Sense LostControl unable to sense output voltageHave unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
29High Battery VoltageVoltage across battery system is greater than 19 voltsHave battery charger serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
32Low Cranking Speed SenseController sensed generator set cranking speed less than 180 rpm for greater than 3 seconds.Clean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Verify engine oil viscosity is correct for the ambient temperature. If not, refill and replace engine oil with correct viscosity; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
35Control Card FailureMicroprocessor EEPROM error during self−test.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
36Generator Set Stopped Without Fault ConditionGenerator stopped without command by controller.Open any closed fuel valves; Secure spark plug leads to spark plugs; Check and service air filter as necessary; Replace spark plugs; Check for mechanical damage.
37Invalid Set ConfigurationWrong frequency / rpm ratio.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
43Processor FaultMicroprocessor RAM error during self−test.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
45Speed Sense FaultController unable to sense quadrature frequency.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
46Generator Set OverloadCurrent is at 100% of rated operation at design limit.Reduce the number of connected loads especially loads that require higher starting current such as air conditioners; Check and service air filter as necessary; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
76Alternator Over TempTemperature at generator alternator is greater than 170°F [76°C].Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
78Low Fuel PressureController sensing fuel pressure switch closed.Open any closed fuel valves; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
79Failure To Transfer To Generator SetController unable to sense transfer switch position in standby power position.Verify that the main AC circuit breaker on the generator set is to "On"; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
CODE 19Controller sensed governor actuator circuit open or shorted.Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
No Response — Status Indicator Light DeadLow/No battery voltage, poor battery connection, faulty battery, open harness connection, faulty start/stop switch, faulty LEDTry generator set Start Switch if the remote display Start Switch does not respond, and vice versa; Clean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations.
Starting Battery Runs DownMarginal battery connections, battery, charging system, excessive crankingClean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Have battery charger serviced by an authorized Cummins location.
Starter Engages − DisengagesCranking voltage dips below 6 VDC − Battery connections, battery, charging system, start/stop switchesClean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Have the battery charger serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
No AC Power − generator set Running, Status LED On Steady or Flashing RapidlyCircuit breakers tripped to OFF, due to short circuit or overloading.Reset or turn on generator set circuit breaker; Reset or turn on circuit breaker in the distribution panel; Reduce number of loads; Have the circuits from the generator set and distribution panel verified by an authorized electrician.
Generator Set Cranks But Does Not Start − No Fault CodeNot holding start switch long enough to cause faultCheck and record last fault code; Crank generator set and hold switch until control stops cranking and displays fault code (approximately 30 seconds): troubleshoot fault code and reference last fault code recorded above if necessary.
Generator Set Runs But Stops When Switch Is Released − No Fault CodeNot holding start switch long enough to cause faultCheck and record last fault code; Start generator set and hold switch until control shuts down and displays fault code (approximately 30 seconds): troubleshoot fault code and reference last fault code recorded above if necessary.
Genset Warning-Transfer Switch Failed to Transfer to Utility − No Fault CodeTransfer switch is faulty, or wire is disconnected or brokenHave the utility switch-position wire, wire connections, and transfer switch checked by an authorized electrician.
Genset Warning-Transfer Switch Signal Failure − No Fault CodeBroken wire connections, or transfer switch stuck in neutral position.Have the utility switch-position wire, wire connections, and transfer switch checked by an authorized electrician.
In-Home Network Access to Generator Set TroubleshootingBad connections or bad communicationsCheck connections: Verify that the Ethernet cable is plugged into the generator set control and the router; Verify that the computer is connected to the same router as the generator set via an Ethernet cable; Verify that the wireless card on the computer is turned off; Check to see if both ends of the Ethernet cable are assembled and crimped as described in the installation instructions. If not, reassemble and crimp as described in the installation instructions; Verify that the Ethernet cable connections between the generator set and the router are solid and correct; Proceed to "Check communications."; Check communications: Check to see if you can access a standard web page with the computer connected to the same router as the generator set. If not, contact your router manufacturer for troubleshooting information; Check to see if the green and orange lights are illuminated at the Ethernet connection port on the generator set control board. If not, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the generator control board and connect it to the computer. Check to see if you can access a standard web page with the computer connected to the generator side of the Ethernet cable. If you can access a standard web page, call Cummins Support at 1-800-888-6626 and select option 1. If you cannot access a standard web page, go to "Check connections" above; Check to see if the correct generator IP address has been entered, as described in step 3 (page C-2) of the Network Setup Guide (i.e. http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx). If not, enter the correct IP address; Check to see if you can access the generator set via the in-home network. If not, call Cummins Support at 1-800-888-6626 and select option 1.
Remote internet access to generator set troubleshootingAn improper setup; no high-speed internet connection; the public IP address is not active or properly set up; an incorrect IP address is entered; the computer is connect to the same router or network and the generator set; the internet connection is badCheck to see if you are able to access the generator set with your in-home computer. If not, refer to the "In-home Network Access Troubleshooting" procedures; Verify that you followed the network setup procedures. Refer to the Network Setup Guide in Appendix C; Verify that you are using a high-speed internet connection; Verify that the public IP address is active and set up properly with the ISP (Internet Service Provider). If necessary, contact the ISP to verify your setup; Verify that the correct public IP address is entered into the web browser of the computer (i.e. xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx); Verify that the computer is not connected to the same router or network as the generator set. The computer used for internet access must be connect to a different internet connection than the generator set; Check to see if you can access a standard web page from a computer. If not, contact the ISP to troubleshoot the internet connection; Verify all settings, as described in the Network Setup Guide; If the previous steps do not correct the problem, contact a computer network specialist to diagnose
Email alert troubleshootingAn improper setup; the alert level is not set to "all events"; emails cannot be received; the outgoing email address is not included in your contact list; the email account is not capable of using port 25 with plain SMTP for the outgoing SMTP server setup; the domain name is not included in the user name filed of the Network Setup screen; the DNS #1 and #2 values are incorrect on the Network Setup screenCheck to see if you are able to access the generator set with your in-home computer. If not, refer to "In-Home Computer Access Troubleshooting"; Verify that you followed the network setup instructions. Refer to the Network Setup Guide in Appendix C; Verify that the alert level is set to "All Events". To verify that your generator set can send emails, select "Disable Standby" and wait several minutes to verify that you did receive an email. Then select "Enable Standby" and wait a few more minutes to verify that you did receive a second email; Send an email to the destination email address and check to see if you received this email. If not, contact your email service provider or your ISP (internet service provider) to diagnose; Check to see if the destination email accounts have spam filtering. If spam filtering is present, add the outgoing email address to your contact list. If spam filtering is not present, proceed to step 6; Check to see if you are using an email account capable of using port 25 with plain authentication SMTP server setup. If necessary, obtain an email account capable of using port 25 with plain authentication SMTP and enter detail into the network setup screen; Verify that the domain name is included in the user name field of the Network Setup screen (i.e. username@domainname); Verify with your ISP that the Static DNS (Domain Name Server) #1 and #2 are correct; If the previous steps do not correct the problem, contact a computer network specialist to diagnose

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this engine’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Common problems

15
  • Voltage Sense Lost 27
    Cause: Control unable to sense output voltage
    Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Undervoltage 13
    Cause: Controller unable to maintain rated voltage.
    Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Underfrequency 15
    Cause: Engine governor unable to maintain rated frequency.
    Fix: Reduce the number of connected loads especially loads that require higher starting current such as air conditioners; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Starting Battery Runs Down
    Cause: Marginal battery connections, battery, charging system, excessive cranking
    Fix: Clean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Have battery charger serviced by an authorized Cummins location.
  • Starter Engages − Disengages
    Cause: Cranking voltage dips below 6 VDC − Battery connections, battery, charging system, start/stop switches
    Fix: Clean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Have the battery charger serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Speed Sense Fault 45
    Cause: Controller unable to sense quadrature frequency.
    Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Remote internet access to generator set troubleshooting
    Cause: An improper setup; no high-speed internet connection; the public IP address is not active or properly set up; an incorrect IP address is entered; the computer is connect to the same router or network and the generator set; the internet connection is bad
    Fix: Check to see if you are able to access the generator set with your in-home computer. If not, refer to the "In-home Network Access Troubleshooting" procedures; Verify that you followed the network setup procedures. Refer to the Network Setup Guide in Appendix C; Verify that you are using a high-speed internet connection; Verify that the public IP address is active and set up properly with the ISP (Internet Service Provider). If necessary, contact the ISP to verify your setup; Verify that the correct public IP address is entered into the web browser of the computer (i.e. xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx); Verify that the computer is not connected to the same router or network as the generator set. The computer used for internet access must be connect to a different internet connection than the generator set; Check to see if you can access a standard web page from a computer. If not, contact the ISP to troubleshoot the internet connection; Verify all settings, as described in the Network Setup Guide; If the previous steps do not correct the problem, contact a computer network specialist to diagnose
  • Processor Fault 43
    Cause: Microprocessor RAM error during self−test.
    Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Overvoltage 12
    Cause: Controller unable to maintain rated voltage.
    Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Overfrequency 14
    Cause: Engine governor unable to maintain rated frequency.
    Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.
  • Overcrank 4
    Cause: First−level shutdown code – Cranking exceeded 30 seconds after 3rd cycle crank.
    Fix: Open any closed fuel valves; Secure spark plug leads to spark plugs; Check and service air filter as necessary; Replace spark plugs.
  • No Response — Status Indicator Light Dead
    Cause: Low/No battery voltage, poor battery connection, faulty battery, open harness connection, faulty start/stop switch, faulty LED
    Fix: Try generator set Start Switch if the remote display Start Switch does not respond, and vice versa; Clean and tighten positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery; Recharge or replace battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations.
  • No AC Power − generator set Running, Status LED On Steady or Flashing Rapidly
    Cause: Circuit breakers tripped to OFF, due to short circuit or overloading.
    Fix: Reset or turn on generator set circuit breaker; Reset or turn on circuit breaker in the distribution panel; Reduce number of loads; Have the circuits from the generator set and distribution panel verified by an authorized electrician.
  • Low Oil Pressure Fault 2
    Cause: Oil Level too low/high, faulty switch, faulty oil pressure relief valve, faulty oil pump
    Fix: Check oil level: add or drain oil as necessary.
  • Low Fuel Pressure 78
    Cause: Controller sensing fuel pressure switch closed.
    Fix: Open any closed fuel valves; Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan GSAA.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterEngine air filter element replacement—300 hr
Oil filterEngine oil filter replacement—300 hr
BatteryStarting battery clean/check/replace—150 hr
OilEngine oil level check, change1.6 liters0503-2151300 hr Amazon eBay
Spark plugSpark plug replacement (2 per engine)—450 hr

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan GSAA?

The Cummins/Onan GSAA engine has an oil capacity of 1.6 liters.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan GSAA engine?

The Cummins/Onan GSAA powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan GSAA.

How often should you change the oil in the Cummins/Onan GSAA?

The Cummins/Onan GSAA oil change interval is every 300 hours.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan GSAA engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan GSAA is: Voltage Sense Lost. Cause: Control unable to sense output voltage. Fix: Have unit serviced by an authorized Cummins Onan dealer..