Cummins/Onan MDKAF troubleshooting: 9 fault codes and symptom-cause-remedy entries from the manufacturer's own service documentation.
Cummins/Onan MDKAF — full specs, parts & maintenance.
All Cummins/Onan fault codes →
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine does not crank from remote panel | Emergency Stop Switch OFF, Check Generator or Check Engine Fault, Faulty remote circuit | Push ON the Emergency Stop Switch, Service the fault as necessary and push fault reset button in, Try starting at the genset control panel. If the genset starts, have the remote circuit repaired as necessary |
| Engine does not crank from genset panel | Emergency Stop Switch OFF, Check Generator or Check Engine Fault, Cranking voltage too low | Push ON the Emergency Stop Switch, Service the fault as necessary and push fault reset button in, 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 cranks but does not start | Engine not getting fuel, Blocked air inlet, Low engine temperature, Cranking voltage too low | Open any closed shutoff valve, Check fuel level and refill as necessary, Prime the fuel system (p. 25), Check for fuel (air) leaks at all fittings and tighten as necessary, Replace the fuel filter (p. 24), Service as necessary, 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 |
| Low engine oil pressure | Check engine oil level, repair any leaks and fill to the proper level (p. 18). | |
| High engine temperature | A. Check engine coolant level, repair any leaks and fill to the proper level (p. 19). b. Check V-belt tension (p. 21). c. Clean and service the cooling system as required to restore full cooling capacity (p. 19). | |
| High exhaust temperature | A. Open the sea cock. b. Remove any blockage in the sea water strainer. c. Prime the sea water pump (p. 23). d. Replace the sea water pump impeller (p. 23). e. Clean seaweed and pump debris from heat exchanger (p. 23). f. Remove blockage covering the sea water hull strainer. | |
| Generator overload | Run with less load. | |
| Engine lacks power or is unstable | 1. Inadequate fuel delivery a. Check for fuel (air) leaks at all fittings and tighten as necessary. b. Replace the fuel filter (p. 24). 2. Contaminated fuel 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. | |
| No output voltage | 1. A 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. 2. A line circuit breaker has Tripped. Shut down the genset and have service performed as necessary to clear the short circuit or ground fault that caused tripping. Then Reset the circuit breaker and start the genset. |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Documented causes: Emergency Stop Switch OFF, Check Generator or Check Engine Fault, Faulty remote circuit. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Emergency Stop Switch OFF, Check Generator or Check Engine Fault, Cranking voltage too low. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Engine not getting fuel, Blocked air inlet, Low engine temperature, Cranking voltage too low. See the table for the matching fixes.