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Cummins/Onan DFAA Troubleshooting

Cummins/Onan DFAA troubleshooting: 25 fault codes and 73 symptom-cause-remedy entries from the manufacturer's own service documentation.

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Troubleshooting

98

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
FAULT 1The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 fault lamp lights. Engine shuts down immediately, engine runs for several seconds and then shuts down, or engine continues to runThe standard undesignated fault functions are programmed to shut down the set when a fault is sensed; Fault 1 is time delayed; the nature of the fault is an optional selection that is determined when the set installation is designed; the undesignated fault functions may also be programmed for non-shutdown or non-time delay
FAULT 2The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 fault lamp lights. Engine shuts down immediately, engine runs for several seconds and then shuts down, or engine continues to runThe standard undesignated fault functions are programmed to shut down the set when a fault is sensed; Fault 2 is immediate; the nature of the fault is an optional selection that is determined when the set installation is designed; the undesignated fault functions may also be programmed for non-shutdown or non-time delay
FAULT 1 or FAULT 2The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 fault lamp lights. Engine shuts down immediately, engine runs for several seconds and then shuts down, or engine continues to run.The standard undesignated fault functions are programmed to shut down the set when a fault is sensed. Fault 1 is time delayed while Fault 2 is immediate. The nature of the fault is an optional selection that is determined when the set-installation is designed. The undesignated fault functions may also be programmed for non-shutdown or non-time delay.
F1The engine does not crank in Run mode — Fuse F1 (see Figure 3-4) on engine monitor board A11 has blown (no voltage [B+] at A11-TB1-8).The wire between A11-TB1-8 and starter terminal S may be loose and shorting to ground.Repair as necessary and replace the fuse with one of the same type and amp rating (20 A). If fuse continues to blow repair the solenoid or starter as necessary.
S12The engine does not crank in Run mode — The Run-Stop-Remote switch (S12) or wiring is faulty.The Run-Stop-Remote switch (S12) or wiring is faulty.Disconnect pin connector J4 from engine monitor board A11 and check for electrical continuity (zero ohms) between switch terminals 2 and 3 when the switch is in the Run position and between terminals 1 and 2 when it is in the Remote position. Replace the switch if either set of contacts is faulty.
A11The engine does not crank in Run mode — Engine monitor board A11 is faulty. (Check fuses F1 and F4 and for B+ at A11-TB1-9 again.)Engine monitor board A11 is faulty.Push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Run and check for battery voltage (24 VDC) at terminal A11-TB1-8. Replace engine monitor board A11 if there is no voltage at A11-TB1-8 but 24 VDC at A11-TB1-9.
A15The engine does not crank in Run mode — The Time Delay Start/Stop Module (A15) is malfunctioning.The Time Delay Start/Stop Module (A15) is malfunctioning.Check for constant B+ at A15 terminal TB1-4. Check for run signal at A15 TB1-5. Voltage at A15 TB1-6 should be at B+ at the end of the start delay period. Check wiring and connections from A15 TB1-6 to A11 TB1-6.
F3The engine does not crank in Remote mode — There is no remote circuit signal (24 VDC at auxiliary relay board A28-TB1-6) because fuse F3 on engine monitor board A11 has blown.Fuse F3 on engine monitor board A11 has blown.Replace the fuse with one of the same type and amp rating (15 A); If fuse F3 blows again, find and repair the fault in the remote control circuit, such as a loose wire that may be shorting to ground or a shorted relay coil or other component. See Section 8 for remote connections.
A28The engine does not crank in Remote mode — Auxiliary relay board A28 is not functioning properly.Auxiliary relay board A28 is not functioning properly.Check for misconnections (see Section 8) or loose connections and replace auxiliary relay board A28 if there is 24 VDC at terminal A28-TB1-6 but not at A28-J2-6.
F2The engine cranks but does not start — Fuse F2 on the engine monitor board A11 has blown.Fuse F2 on the engine monitor board A11 has blown.Replace fuse with one of the same type and amp rating. If fuse F2 blows again, the wire between A11 TB1-10 and engine block terminal T26, or the wire between T26 and fuel solenoid K1 may be loose or shorting to ground.
K1The engine cranks but does not start — Fuel solenoid K1 does not energize.Fuel solenoid K1 does not energize.Fuel solenoid not energized by ECM A11. Check for B+ at TB1-10 when cranking. If no voltage present and fuse F2 is good replace ECM; Connect B+ to fuel solenoid (K1) terminal BAT. Replace the fuel solenoid if does not "click" when energized. If fuel solenoid is working, check for blocked fuel line or fuel filter.
FAULT 1The engine runs until fault shutdown — The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.Service as required. (The customer has supplied the system fault indication switches. Either fault can be chosen to display the warning only. See Section 3.) If the shutdown was due to low frequency, the set probably ran out of fuel or the governor is out of adjustment. If the shutdown was due to over/under voltage, the voltage regulator may be out of adjustment.
FAULT 2The engine runs until fault shutdown — The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.Service as required. (The customer has supplied the system fault indication switches. Either fault can be chosen to display the warning only. See Section 3.) If the shutdown was due to low frequency, the set probably ran out of fuel or the governor is out of adjustment. If the shutdown was due to over/under voltage, the voltage regulator may be out of adjustment.
FAULT 1An amber warning lamp is on — The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp (may be a specifically labeled amber lamp) comes on.The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp (may be a specifically labeled amber lamp) comes on.Service as required. (The customer has supplied the system fault indicating switches. By means of selection jumpers, either fault may be chosen to shut down the engine. See Section 3, Engine Control.)
FAULT 2An amber warning lamp is on — The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp (may be a specifically labeled amber lamp) comes on.The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp (may be a specifically labeled amber lamp) comes on.Service as required. (The customer has supplied the system fault indicating switches. By means of selection jumpers, either fault may be chosen to shut down the engine. See Section 3, Engine Control.)
CB21No output voltage — Field circuit breaker CB21 has TRIPPED.Field circuit breaker CB21 has TRIPPED.RESET the circuit breaker. If it keeps tripping, troubleshoot according to the chart, Field Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping.
CB21No output voltage — Field circuit breaker CB21 is faulty.Field circuit breaker CB21 is faulty.Shut down the set, attempt to RESET the circuit breaker and disconnect either lead. Replace the circuit breaker if there is measurable resistance across the terminals.
VR21No output voltage — Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Follow the PMG test described in Section 5 to determine if it is okay; Check all connections against the applicable reconnection diagram (Section 8) and rewire as necessary. Replace the voltage regulator if the PMG checks okay, the wiring is correct and there is no output voltage.
CR1 through CR6No output voltage — The rotating rectifier assembly (diodes CR1 through CR6) is faulty.The rotating rectifier assembly (diodes CR1 through CR6) is faulty.Shut down the set and check each diode according to Section 5. Service as necessary.
CR1 through CR6Output voltage is too high or too low — The rotating rectifier assembly (diodes CR1 through CR6) is faulty.The rotating rectifier assembly (diodes CR1 through CR6) is faulty.Shut down the set and check each diode according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Service as necessary.
VR21Output voltage is too high or too low — Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Replace the voltage regulator.
VR21Output voltage is unstable — Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Replace the voltage regulator.
CR1 through CR6The field circuit breaker keeps tripping — The rotating rectifier assembly (diodes CR1 through CR6) is faulty.The rotating rectifier assembly (diodes CR1 through CR6) is faulty.Shut down the set and check each diode according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Service as necessary.
VR21The field circuit breaker keeps tripping — Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Voltage Regulator VR21 is faulty.Replace the voltage regulator.
FAULT 1 or FAULT 2The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 lamp comes on.Service as required. (The customer has supplied the system fault indicating switches. By means of selection jumpers, either fault may be chosen to shut down the engine. See Section 3, Engine Control.)

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Green RUN lamp lights following engine startupIndicates all engine systems are normal. No corrective action required.
PREHI ENGINE TEMP lamp lights. Engine continues to operateEngine has begun to overheat and engine temperature has risen to approximately 215°F (102°C) or coolant level is low on optionally wired setsIf generator is powering non-critical and critical loads and cannot be shut down, reduce load if possible by turning off non-critical loads; check air inlets and outlets and remove any obstructions to airflow; if engine can be stopped, follow procedure in step 3
HI ENG TEMP lamp lights. Engine shuts downEngine has overheated (engine temperature has risen above 222°F/106°C) or coolant level is lowAllow engine to cool down completely before proceeding with the following checks: check coolant level and replenish if low, look for possible coolant leakage points and repair if necessary; check for obstructions to cooling airflow and correct as necessary; check for a slipping fan belt and tighten if loose; reset control and restart after locating and correcting problem; contact an authorized service center if none of the above
PRELO OIL PRES lamp lights. Engine continues to operateEngine oil pressure has dropped to 20 psi (138 kPa)If generator is powering critical loads and cannot be shut down, wait until next shutdown period and then follow step 5 procedure; if engine can be stopped, follow procedures in step 5
LO OIL PRES lamp lights. Engine shuts downEngine oil pressure has dropped to 14 psi (97 kPa)Check oil level, lines and filters; if oil system is OK but oil level is low, replenish; reset control and restart; contact an authorized service center if oil pressure is not in the range of 25 to 40 psi (172 to 275 kPa)
OVERCRANK lamp lights and engine stops crankingPossible fuel system problemCheck for empty fuel tank, fuel leaks, or plugged fuel lines and correct as required; check for dirty fuel filter and replace if necessary (see Maintenance section); check for dirty or plugged air filter and replace if necessary (see Maintenance section); reset the control and restart after correcting the problem; contact an authorized service center for service if none of the above
Engine runs and then shuts down, OVERSPEED lamp lightsEngine has exceeded normal operating speedContact an authorized service center for service
SWITCH OFF lamp flashesRun/Stop/Remote switch is in the Stop position which will prevent automatic starting if an automatic transfer switch is usedMove the Run/Stop/Remote switch to the Remote position for automatic starting
LO FUEL lamp lights. Engine continues to runDiesel fuel supply is running lowCheck fuel supply and replenish as required
LO FUEL LAMP lights. Engine shuts down and LO OIL PRES lamp lightsEngine has run out of fuelCheck fuel level and replenish as required
LO ENG TEMP lamp lights. Set is in standby mode but is not operating (lamp lights when engine coolant temperature is 70°F (21°C) or lower; since the lamp goes out after the engine warms up, there should be no cause for alarm even during initial generator set operation)Engine coolant heater is not operating or is not circulating coolantCheck for the following conditions: coolant heater not connected to power supply — check for blown fuse or disconnected heater cord and correct as required; check for low coolant level and replenish if required, look for possible coolant leakage points and repair as required; contact an authorized service center if none of the above
Fault lamp lights but no fault exists. Engine gauges show oil pressure, engine temperature, and frequency (speed) are within normal limitsThe monitor board or a sensor may be at faultContact an authorized service center for service
Engine starts from generator control panel but will not start automatically or from a remote panel (Note: The Run/Stop/Remote switch must be in the Remote position for automatic or remote starting)Remote circuit breaker is trippedReset breaker and restart; contact an authorized service center if breaker trips after resetting
Engine will not crankPossible fault with control or starting system: fault lamp onCorrect fault and reset control
Engine will not crankPossible fault with control or starting system: poor battery cable connectionsClean the battery cable terminals and tighten all connections
Engine will not crankPossible fault with control or starting system: discharged or defective batteryRecharge or replace the battery
Engine will not crankPossible fault with control or starting system: emergency stop button (if equipped) pushed inTo reset, pull switch out and move Run/Stop/Remote switch to Stop position; then push test switch to Reset/Lamp position
Engine will not crankPossible fault with control or starting systemContact an authorized service center if none of the above
No AC output voltageField breaker is trippedReset breaker; contact an authorized service center if voltage buildup causes breaker to trip
Green RUN lamp does not light following engine startupPossible Start/Disconnect relay failureContact an authorized service center for assistance
The engine does not crank in Run modeThe Emergency Stop switch has been used. (The switch button is lit.)Pull the Emergency Switch button. To reset the engine control, push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset. Then push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Run.
The engine does not crank in Run modeA Fault Shutdown is being indicated by one of the red lights on the control panel.Service the set as necessary. To reset the engine control, push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset. Then push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Run.
The engine does not crank in Run modeA LO Shutdown is being indicated on the day tank pump control panel.Determine the cause and service as necessary (See Section 7). To reset the engine control, push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset. Then push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Run or Remote. Note that the engine control will shut down unless the day tank control has been reset first.
The engine does not crank in Run modeCranking voltage is too low to crank the engine.Clean and tighten or replace the positive (+) and negative (–) battery cable connectors and cables at the battery and the set; Recharge or replace the battery. Specific gravity for a fully charged battery is approximately 1.260 at 80° F (27° C); If the set is in standby service, install a battery charger; Replace the engine-driven battery charging alternator if normal battery charging voltage (24 to 28 VDC) is not obtained.
The engine does not crank in Run modeThe wire between ECM terminal TB1-9 and starter terminal BAT is loose damaged or missing.Check for battery voltage (24 VDC) between ECM terminal TB1-9 (B+) and the grounding stud (–) on the floor of the control cabinet. Check, clean and tighten the connectors at both ends and replace the wire if it is damaged.
The engine does not crank in Run modeThe grounding strap between the control box and the battery negative (–) terminal is loose, damaged or missing.Check for continuity (zero ohms) between the grounding stud on the bottom of the control box and the battery negative (–) terminal. If there is no continuity or the grounding strap is loose or damaged, repair as necessary.
The engine does not crank in Run modeThe wire between ECM terminal TB1-8 and starter solenoid terminal SW is loose, damaged or missing.Push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Run and check for battery voltage (24 VDC) at starter solenoid terminal SW. If there is no voltage repair the wiring as necessary.
The engine does not crank in Run modeThe starter motor or solenoid is malfunctioning.Push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Run and check for battery voltage (B+) at starter solenoid terminal SW. Replace the starter motor if there is voltage but the motor does not function.
The engine does not crank in Remote modeThe Run-Stop-Remote switch is at Stop. (The Switch-Off light will be flashing, if provided.)Push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Remote.
The engine does not crank in Remote modeThe Emergency Stop switch has been used. (The switch button is lit.)Pull the Emergency Switch button. To reset the engine control, push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset. Then push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Remote.
The engine does not crank in Remote modeA Fault Shutdown is being indicated by one of the red lights on the control panel.Service the set as necessary. To reset the engine control, push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset. Then push the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Remote.
The engine does not crank in Remote modeThere is no remote circuit signal (24 VDC at auxiliary relay board A28-TB1-6) because the remote circuit is not functioning properly.Apply 24 VDC to A28-TB1-6. If the engine cranks, find and repair the fault in the remote control circuit. See Section 8 for remote connections.
The engine does not crank in Remote modeSame as Steps 3 through 11 in the RUN mode.See steps 3 through 11 in the preceding RUN mode.
The engine cranks but does not startThe engine is not getting fuel.Open any closed shutoff valve. Fill the main fuel supply tank.
The engine cranks but does not startLow engine temperature is causing too low a cranking speed for starting.Plug in, repair or install engine coolant and engine oil heaters; Replace the engine oil if it is not of the recommended viscosity for the ambient temperature.
The engine cranks but does not startCranking voltage is too low to reach required cranking speed.While cranking the engine, measure voltage directly across the battery terminals and then immediately across the starter motor terminal and the grounding bolt on the block. Cable, terminal or relay contact resistance is too high if the difference is more than 2 volts. Service as necessary; Recharge or replace the battery. Specific gravity for a fully charged battery is approximately 1.260 at 80° F (27° C); Replace the engine-driven battery charging alternator if normal battery charging voltage is not between 24 and 28 volts.
The engine cranks but does not startThe air cleaner is blocked.Service as necessary.
The engine cranks but does not startIgnition system, fuel system or other engine malfunction.Service according to the engine service manual.
The engine runs until fault shutdown — The OVERSPEED lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.The OVERSPEED lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.Reset engine monitor board A11 by pushing the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset and restart the set, monitoring engine speed and adjust the Electronic Overspeed Module (Section 3); Check the governor for binding, repair and adjust the governor as necessary (see Section 6).
The engine runs until fault shutdown — The LO OIL PRES lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.The LO OIL PRES lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.Check the engine oil level, repair any oil leaks and fill to the proper level. Then reset engine monitor board A11 by pushing the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset; If the set still shuts down due to low oil pressure, restart the set and observe oil pressure while cranking the engine. Service the lubricating oil system according to the engine service manual if oil pressure is less than 10 psi. Replace the low oil pressure cutout switch if oil pressure is greater than 10 psi. See Section 8 to locate the switch.
The engine runs until fault shutdown — The HI ENG TEMP lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.The HI ENG TEMP lamp comes on when the engine shuts down.Check the engine coolant level, repair any coolant leaks and refill as necessary. Then reset engine monitor board A11 by pushing the Run-Stop-Remote switch to Stop and the Reset switch to Reset; If the set still shuts down due to high engine temperature, start the engine and observe coolant temperature as the system heats up. If shutdown occurs before the coolant reaches 200° F (93° C), replace the high engine temperature cutout switch. If coolant temperature exceeds 200° F (93° C), clean and service the entire cooling system as required to restore full cooling capacity. See Section 8 to locate the switch.
The engine lacks power or is unstableFuel delivery to the genset is inadequate.Check for clogged fuel lines and filters; Check for air in the fuel lines and repair all air leaks; Measure the vertical distance between the fuel lift pump on the engine and bottom of the dip tube in the supply tank. The lift must not exceed 6 feet (1.8 meters).
The engine lacks power or is unstableThe fuel is contaminated.Connect the set to a supply of good quality fuel and run the set under various loads. Replace the contents of the fuel supply tank if there is a noticeable improvement in performance.
The engine lacks power or is unstableThe engine air filter element is dirty.Replace the air filter element.
The engine lacks power or is unstableThe governor settings or linkage adjustment is incorrect.Make governor settings and adjustments according to Section 6, Governor; Check the magnetic speed pick-up unit (MPU) clearance with flywheel. Replace the MPU if output voltage at cranking speed is less than 2.5 VDC measured at terminals 10(–) and 11 (+) on the governor controller.
The engine lacks power or is unstableThe engine fuel system (lift pump, injection pump, injectors, timing) is faulty.Service the fuel system according to the engine service manual.
The engine lacks power or is unstableThe engine is worn.Service the engine according to the engine service manual.
An amber warning lamp is on — The PRE LO OIL PRES lamp comes on while the engine is running.The PRE LO OIL PRES lamp comes on while the engine is running.Shut down the set if possible or disconnect non-critical loads. (Oil pressure will be less than 20 psi but greater than 14 psi.) Service the engine lubricating system according to the engine service manual.
An amber warning lamp is on — The PRE HI ENG TEMP lamp comes on while the engine is running.The PRE HI ENG TEMP lamp comes on while the engine is running.Shut down the set if possible or disconnect non-critical loads. (Engine temperature will be greater than 220°F but less than 230° F.) Service the engine cooling system to restore full cooling capacity.
An amber warning lamp is on — The LOW ENGINE TEMPERATURE lamp comes on while the set is in standby.The LOW ENGINE TEMPERATURE lamp comes on while the set is in standby.Plug in, repair or install engine coolant and engine oil heaters; If the engine coolant gauge indicates more than 70° F (21° C), replace the gauge board. See Figure 3-4.
An amber warning lamp is on — The LO FUEL lamp comes on.The LO FUEL lamp comes on.Fill the main fuel supply tank with the appropriate grade of fuel. (The customer has supplied the fuel level switch to make use of this warning.)
The green Run lamp stays off but the set runs normally — The set mounted RUN lamp does not light, although the starter has disconnected normally and the engine is running. The remote RUN lamp does light (AC start disconnect is okay).The set mounted RUN lamp does not light, although the starter has disconnected normally and the engine is running. The remote RUN lamp does light (AC start disconnect is okay).Press the panel Lamp Test switch and replace the run lamp bulb if it does not light; If the lamp is good and the set has an older ECM board (one with cartridge-type fuses), this indicates that the DC disconnect circuit (K14 relay on ECM) is not working. Check the DC voltmeter and if there is not at least 24 VDC, check for loose or missing wiring between the battery charging alternator terminal TB1-2 and pin connector P1-3 on the ECM. See the connection diagram in Section 8. If the connections are good replace the battery charging alternator; If the RUN lamp, wiring connections and battery charging alternator are all good and the RUN lamp does not light, replace the engine monitor board A11.
The green Run lamp stays off but the set runs normally — Both the remote and set mounted RUN lamps do not light, although the starter has disconnected normally and the engine is running.Both the remote and set mounted RUN lamps do not light, although the starter has disconnected normally and the engine is running.Press the panel Lamp Test switch and replace the run lamp bulb if it does not light. Test the remote RUN lamp by suitable means and replace it if it does not light; If both lamps are good, this indicates that the AC disconnect circuit is not working. Check the AC voltmeter to determine whether or not there is generator output voltage and service as necessary. See There Is No Output Voltage in Troubleshooting; If there is generator output voltage, check for 120 VAC across pin connectors P1-1 and P1-2 on engine monitor board A11. If there is no voltage, check for loose or missing leads between the connectors and TB21-21 and TB21-32 inside the control box and service as necessary; Replace engine monitor board A11 if there is 120 VAC across pin connectors P1-1 and P1-2 but neither RUN lamp lights during normal operation.
No output voltageThe line circuit breaker is OFF.Find out why the circuit breaker was turned OFF, make sure it is safe to reconnect power, and then throw the circuit breaker ON.
No output voltageThe line circuit breaker has TRIPPED.Shut down the set and service as necessary to clear the short circuit or ground fault that caused tripping, and then RESET the circuit breaker and start the set.
No output voltageThe line circuit breaker is faulty.Shut down the set, make sure the power output lines from the set have been disconnected from all other sources of power, attempt to RESET the circuit breaker and throw it ON and check for electrical continuity across each line contact. Replace the circuit breaker if there is measurable resistance across any contact.
No output voltageThe exciter field winding is open.Shut down the set and check exciter field winding resistance according to Section 5. Replace the exciter field assembly if winding resistance does not meet specifications.
No output voltageThe exciter rotor windings are open.Shut down the set and check exciter winding resistances according to Section 5. Replace the generator rotor assembly if exciter rotor winding resistances do not meet specifications.
No output voltageThe main rotor winding is open.Shut down the set and check main rotor winding resistance according to Section 5. Replace the generator rotor assembly if main rotor winding resistance does not meet specifications.
No output voltageThe stator windings are open.Shut down the set and check stator winding resistances according to Section 5. Replace the generator stator assembly if stator winding resistances do not meet specifications.
Output voltage is too high or too lowEngine speed is unstable.Troubleshoot according to the chart, The Engine Lacks Power or is Unstable.
Output voltage is too high or too lowThe voltage has been adjusted improperly.Adjust output voltage according to Section 2, AC Control.
Output voltage is too high or too lowImproper connections have been made at the generator output terminals.Shut down the set and reconnect according to the appropriate reconnection diagram. See Section 8.
Output voltage is unstableThe voltage has been adjusted improperly.Adjust output voltage according to Section 2, AC Control.
Output voltage is unstableThe voltage adjusting rheostat on the control panel is faulty (if provided).Unlock the voltage adjusting screw on the front of the control panel and disconnect either lead from the rheostat. Measure resistance between terminals 1 and 2 while turning the adjusting screw fully one way and then the other. Replace the rheostat if it is open at any point, or if resistance does not vary smoothly from zero to approximately 2,500 ohms.
The field circuit breaker keeps trippingThe exciter field winding is shorted.Shut down the set and check exciter field winding resistance according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Replace the exciter field assembly if winding resistance does not meet specifications.
The field circuit breaker keeps trippingThe exciter rotor windings are shorted.Shut down the set and check exciter winding resistances according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Replace the generator rotor assembly if exciter rotor winding resistances do not meet specifications.
The field circuit breaker keeps trippingThe main rotor winding is shorted.Shut down the set and check main rotor winding resistance according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Replace the generator rotor assembly if main rotor winding resistance does not meet specifications.
The field circuit breaker keeps trippingThe stator windings are shorted.Shut down the set and check stator winding resistances according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Replace the generator stator assembly if stator winding resistances do not meet specifications.
The phase currents are unbalancedThe connected loads are distributed unevenly among the phases.Shut down the set and redistribute the loads as evenly as possible.
The phase currents are unbalancedImproper connections have been made at the generator output terminals.Shut down the set and reconnect according to the appropriate reconnection diagram. See Section 8.
The phase currents are unbalancedThe stator windings are faulty (open or shorted).Shut down the set and check stator winding resistances according to Section 5, Servicing the Generator. Replace the generator stator assembly if stator winding resistances do not meet specifications.
The phase currents are unbalancedA load has a ground fault or short circuit.Service the faulty equipment as necessary.

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

Common questions

Cummins/Onan DFAA: The engine does not crank in Run mode — what causes it?

Documented causes: The Emergency Stop switch has been used. (The switch button is lit.); A Fault Shutdown is being indicated by one of the red lights on the control panel.; A LO Shutdown is being indicated on the day tank pump control panel.; Cranking voltage is too low to crank the engine.. See the table for the matching fixes.

Cummins/Onan DFAA: No output voltage — what causes it?

Documented causes: The line circuit breaker is OFF.; The line circuit breaker has TRIPPED.; The line circuit breaker is faulty.; The exciter field winding is open.. See the table for the matching fixes.

Cummins/Onan DFAA: The engine lacks power or is unstable — what causes it?

Documented causes: Fuel delivery to the genset is inadequate.; The fuel is contaminated.; The engine air filter element is dirty.; The governor settings or linkage adjustment is incorrect.. See the table for the matching fixes.