HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan HDCAA

Cummins/Onan HDCAA Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan HDCAA is a Diesel generator set. It is available at 120 V, 1-phase, 60 Hz and rated 83.3 A. It holds about 6.3 L (1.7 gal) of oil and 5.8 L (1.5 gal) of coolant. Starting uses battery rated 475 CCA at 12 V. The set measures 1050×620×686 mm (41.3×24.4×27.0 in), weighs about 300 kg (661 lb) and produces 68 dBA at 3 m.

6.3 L
Oil capacity
3
Document types

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Specifications

FuelDiesel
Frequency60.0 Hz
ControllerIntegrated Microprocessor Based Engine and Generator Controller
Oil capacity6.3 L
Voltage options120 V, 240 V
Phase1
Rated current[83.3, 41.7] A
Circuit breaker[45] A
Battery cranking[475, 650] CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Coolant capacity5.8 L
Dimensions (L×W×H)1050×620×686 mm
Dry weight300 kg
Sound level68.0 dBA @ [3, 15] m

Maintenance & consumables

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter1000 hr find
Fuel filter500 hr find
Oil filter find
Belt500 hr find
Coolant50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol anti-freeze and water
Oil6.3 l

Common questions

What fuel does the Cummins/Onan HDCAA use?

The Cummins/Onan HDCAA runs on Diesel.

Troubleshooting

46

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
21Starter Solenoid Circuit - controller senses a short circuit- Check Connections at starter motor - Shorts and/or grounds at solenoid
22Governor Actuator Overload - duration of operation at or near full-duty cycle is beyond the design limit- Check Load - Air intake restriction - Exhaust restriction - Air leak in fuel system
23Low Oil Pressure Cutoff Switch
24Temperature Sending Unit
27AC Output Sense Fault
28Quadrature Sense Fault
29High Battery Voltage
35Control Card
36Engine Stopped Fault
37Invalid Genset Configuration
38Field Overload
45Speed Sense Fault
23Low Oil Pressure Cutoff Switch fault-Check -Perform fuel flow test -Governor linkage for binding -High idle adjustment -Injectors -Injection pump timing -Compression
24Temperature Sending Unit fault-Check -Connections in wiring harness -Switch continunity
35Control Card fault-Check -Control
45Speed Sense Fault−controller does not sense quadrature frequency and voltage-Check -F2 Fuse -Starter circuits -K2 relay and connections -Rotor/stator windings for opens/shorts/ grounds
010External Coolant Loss-Visually check for: -Coolant level is OK -Cracked or leaking hoses -Loose clamps -Leaks or defects in radiator -Coolant in oil
47Excessive White Exhaust Smoke at Start-up (Warm Engine)-Check: -Glow plug operation -Low engine operating temperature -Valve settings -Air leaks in fuel system
48Excessive White Exhaust Smoke at Start-up (Cold Engine)-Check: -Glow plug operation -Air leak in fuel system -Valve settings
Engine Cranks but will not StartEngine Cranks but will not Start
1The genset will not stop running (the run light is off)(The governor mechanism is stuck or binding)See an authorized Onan dealer.
2High temperature fault—CODE NO. 1(The engine coolant temperature exceeded 230° F [110° C])1. Check the engine coolant level and add coolant as necessary. 2. Check for and remove any objects blocking the air inlet or outlet openings in the bottom of the genset. 3. Watch the temperature gauge (optional) and run fewer appliances at the same time to keep down the engine temperature.
2Low oil pressure fault—CODE NO. 2(The low oil pressure cutoff switch closed for more than 10 seconds)1. Check the engine oil level and add oil as necessary. 2. Drain the excess oil if the oil level is above the Full mark on the dipstick. (The oil will foam if the level is too high and result in possible loss of oil pressure.)
3Service check—CODE NO. 3(A second-level fault occurred)Check the second-level fault code by momentarily pressing Stop. The second-level fault will be one of the following in this table.
12Overvoltage fault—CODE NO. 12(The controller is not able to regulate to rated voltage)See an authorized Onan dealer.
13Undervoltage fault—CODE NO. 13(The controller is not able to regulate to rated voltage)Turn OFF the line circuit breaker on the operator’s console. If the genset now runs, run it with fewer connected loads.
14Overfrequency fault—CODE NO. 14(The controller is not able to regulate to rated frequency)1. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch at Stop for one minute. (There may be air in the fuel system.) 2. Check for a tripped genset circuit breaker, reset it if necessary, and run with fewer connected loads.
15Underfrequency fault—CODE NO. 15(The controller is not able to regulate to rated frequency)1. Turn OFF the line circuit breaker on the operator’s console. If the genset now runs, run it with fewer connected loads. 2. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch at Stop for one minute. (There may be air in the fuel system.)
21Starter solenoid circuit protection fault—CODE NO. 21(The controller sensed a starter control circuit short)See an authorized Onan dealer.
22Governor actuator overload fault—CODE NO. 22(The duration of operation at or near full-duty cycle was beyond the design limit)1. Reduce the number of appliances running at the same time. 2. Replace the engine air filter and clean the spark-arrest muffler. 3. Replace the engine fuel filter.
23Low oil pressure cutoff switch fault—CODE NO. 23(The controller sensed a defective switch)See an authorized Onan dealer. Also see BYPASSABLE FAULTS (Page 20).
24Coolant temperature sender fault—CODE NO. 24(The controller sensed a defective sender)See an authorized Onan dealer. Also see BYPASSABLE FAULTS (Page 20).
27Quadrature sense fault—CODE NO. 27(The controller was unable to sense the required parameter)See an authorized Onan dealer.
28AC output sense fault—CODE NO. 28(The controller was unable to sense the required parameter)See an authorized
1The status indicator light is dead (There is no response to the control switch)1. Try starting the genset at the operator’s console if it does not start at the remote panel. 2. Check whether Fuse F1 is blown. If it is, first check the battery connections for proper polarity: battery positive (+) to genset positive (+) and battery negative (–) to genset negative (–). If necessary, reconnect the battery cables properly and replace the fuse. (The control circuit is designed so that the fuse will blow if battery polarity is wrong.) 3. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (–) battery cable connections at the battery and at the genset. 4. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
CODE NO. 29HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE FAULT—The controller sensed battery system voltage greater than 19 volts1. 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.
CODE NO. 35CONTROL CARD FAULT—There was a memory error in the microprocessor during self-testSee an authorized Onan dealer.
CODE NO. 36ENGINE STOPPED FAULT—The genset stopped without a command from the controller1. Check the fuel level and refill as necessary. 2. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch at Stop for one minute. 3. Check the engine air filter and remove any blockage. 4. Check for mechanical damage. 5. Check for fuel (air) leaks at all fuel fittings and tighten as necessary. 6. Replace the fuel filter.
CODE NO. 37INVALID GENSET CONFIGURATION—There was a memory error in the microprocessor during self-testSee an authorized Onan dealer.
CODE NO. 38FIELD OVERCURRENT FAULT—Too many low-power-factor-causing loads were connected1. Reduce the number of air conditioners running at the same time (and other appliances that cause low power factor). 2. Have the air conditioners and other appliances checked for proper operation. (A locked compressor rotor can cause very low power factor.)
CODE NO. 45SPEED SENSE FAULT—The controller failed to sense quadrature frequency and voltage during crankingSee an authorized Onan dealer.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Generator voltage is deadGenerator electrical output connections must be made by a trained and experienced electrician in accordance with applicable codes. The genset must not be connected to the public utility or any other source of electrical power. An approved switching device must be used to prevent interconnections.
The battery, battery connections or charging system are in marginal condition1. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (–) battery cable connections at the battery and at the genset. 2. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
The engine cranks but does not start(Fuel delivery is marginal)1. Check the fuel level and refill as necessary. 2. Prime the engine fuel system by holding the control switch at Stop for one minute. 3. Check the engine air filter and remove any blockage. 4. Check for fuel (air) leaks at all fuel fittings and tighten as necessary. 5. Replace the fuel filter.
The starter engages and disengages(Cranking voltage dips below 6 volts because of low battery charge or poor connections)1. Have the vehicle propulsion engine running while trying to start the genset. (The battery charging alternator may be able to maintain starting voltage high enough to get the genset started.) 2. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (–) battery cable connections at the battery and at the genset. 3. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
There is no power when the genset is running(A line circuit breaker is OFF, tripped or malfunctioning)1. Reset or turn ON the line circuit breaker on the genset. See RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKERS (Page 9). 2. Reset or turn ON any other circuit breaker in the power supply system.

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

Parts

2
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
F1-15AControl Circuit Fuse1Fuse PartsGeek
F2-15AStarter Circuit Fuse1Fuse PartsGeek

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Fuel consumption

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
Full-load5.031.33
Full-load100%5.031.1
Half-load2.340.62
Half-load50%2.340.62
No-load0.410.11
No-load0.41
Prime
Standby

Available documents

Installation manual — 0981-0615 (Cummins/Onan)Installation manual — 0981-0637 (Cummins/Onan)Installation manual — 981-0637 Onan HDCAA HDCAB Installation Manual (11-2003) (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — 0932-0112 Onan Post-Sale Literature Index (07-1998) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 0981-0152 (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 0981-0170 (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 900-0618B Onan HDCAx Repair Times (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 981-0152C Onan HDCAA HDCAB Diesel Mobile Genset Operator's manual (07-2001)Service manual — 981-0526D Onan HDCAA HDCAB HDCAC HDCAD Diesel Mobile Genset Generator Controls Service manual 02-2004 (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 981-0615C Onan HDCAA HDCAB Diesel Mobile Genset Installation manual (07-2001) (Cummins/Onan)