Home› Troubleshooting›Kohler 26RCA

Kohler 26RCA Troubleshooting

Kohler 26RCA troubleshooting: 18 fault codes and 32 symptom-cause-remedy entries from the manufacturer's own service documentation.

Kohler 26RCA — full specs, parts & maintenance.

All Kohler fault codes →

Troubleshooting

50

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
Emerg Stop ShutdwnEmerg Stop ShutdwnReset the emergency stop switch(es) and reset the controller by pressing the OFF/RESET button
Accy PwrOver WarningAccy PwrOver WarningController internal circuit protection activatedPress OFF to reset. Contact an authorized Kohler dealer for service
MainPwrOverL ShutdownMainPwrOverL ShutdownController internal circuit protection activatedPress OFF to reset. Contact an authorized Kohler dealer for service
BusDeadLiveThe bus is measured to be dead when one of the generators is supposed to be supplying voltage to the bus (closed contactor).Bus metering V9A and V9B connections to V9 of paralleling protection harness are connected incorrectly.
BusLiveDeadThe bus is measured to be live when no generators are connected to it (both contactors open).Bus metering V9A and V9B connections to V9 of paralleling protection harness are connected incorrectly.
CfgModelNumThe two generators that are intended to be paralleled have incompatible model numbers.Incorrect configuration of one of the generators. Different generator types. The paralleled generator sets must be the same kW model. (i.e. two 14 kW or two 20 kWor 26 kW models).
CfgSysVoltThe system voltage of the two generators intended to be paralleled is not the same.One of the two generators is incorrectly configured. Intermittent connections on RBUS network wiring.
ConCheckFailFailure to Auto-Discover APM connections.Wires 9A and 9B crossed between the generators. Wires 9A or 9B not connected.
ConNotDetermAPM connection auto-discovery is not complete. This means that the generator does not know which contactor is connected to it.Generators not yet started in RUN with other generator in OFF. See the APM instruction sheet for instructions to perform the auto-discovery procedure.
ContactorOkSuccessful auto-discovery of APM connections.Auto-discovery was activated by placing other generator in OFF and this generator in RUN.
ErraticSigThe power metering on this controller gives a signal that is not consistent with the system configuration. Reversing the power direction does not resolve the problem.Bad wiring to the CT. Too much tension on wires from the CT to the controller.
LossOfComAPMThe Automatic Paralleling Module has stopped communicating on RBUS. (An APM was detected on the RBUS network but is no longer communicating).APM is unplugged. Primary controller is powered down. Check the battery connections. See previous page for more information. Intermittent connections on RBUS network wiring.
LossOfComm2The primary controller has lost communication with the secondary controller. (A secondary controller was detected, then communication was lost.)RBUS disconnected, secondary controller battery disconnected, updating firmware in secondary controller, or intermittent RBUS connections.
LossOfFieldThis generator has absorbed more than 25% reactive power (magnetic excitation current) for 20 seconds.Generator voltage on this generator is not calibrated correctly. Generator voltage on other generator is not calibrated correctly. Bus voltage on this generator is not calibrated correctly. Bus voltage on the other generator is not calibrated correctly.
MeteringOkThe generator has verified that the metering is connected correctly and that the direction is consistent with expected power direction.Status message indicates that the CT is connected to the generator correctly.
MeterUnknownThis generator does not know if the metering is connected or the orientation of the connection. This means that the generators can’t share load accurately until this information is known.System commissioning and startup not yet complete. See the APM instructions.
NoCurrentThe generator has applied load (using the other generator) and has observed no current on the power sensing inputs.The CT is not connected to the controller. The output leads from the generator do not go through the CT in the correct direction. See the APM instructions.
SyncFailureThe generator has been attempting to synchronize for over 2 minutes without success.Generator is hunting. Advanced speed control settings need adjustment. Load is changing frequently to disturb the online generator.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Controller display backlight is offBacklight turns off after about 1 minute with no activityBacklight will turn on when a button is pressed or the generator set starts
Controller display is offLow or no battery voltageCheck connections; Check generator set battery. See the Service Views section
The generator set does not crankBattery weak or deadRecharge or replace the battery. Make sure that the AC power to the generator set controller is backed up by the generator set
The generator set does not crankBattery connections reversed or poorCheck the connections
The generator set does not crankEmergency stop switch activatedVerify that it is safe to start the engine and apply load. Then reset the stop switch or engine shutdown switch
The generator set does not crankFault shutdownCheck the controller display for fault messages. Correct the fault condition and reset the controller
The generator set does not crankGenerator set in the OFF modePress the RUN button to start the engine or press AUTO to allow remote starting
The generator set does not crankGenerator thermostat trippedCheck for obstructed air inlets and outlets. Reset the thermostat
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallyAir cleaner cloggedClean and/or replace the air cleaner
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallyBattery weak or deadRecharge or replace the battery
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallyBattery connection poorClean and tighten the battery connections
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallySpark plug wire connection looseCheck the spark plug wires
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallyLow oil pressure shutdownCheck for oil leaks. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallyFuel pressure insufficientCheck the fuel supply and valves
The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erraticallyEngine malfunctionContact an authorized Kohler dealer
No AC outputLine circuit breaker in the OFF positionPlace the circuit breaker in the ON position
No AC outputLine circuit breaker tripping because of overloadReduce the load on the generator set by unplugging non-essential appliances
No AC outputLine circuit breaker tripping because of short circuitContact an authorized Kohler dealer for service
No AC outputAuxiliary winding circuit breaker trippedReset the circuit breaker (located in controller's service access area). Contact an authorized dealer for service if breaker trips repeatedly
Low output or excessive drop in voltageGenerator set overloadedReduce the load by unplugging non-essential appliances
Generator set stops suddenlyLow oil pressure shutdownCheck for oil leaks. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary
Generator set stops suddenlyNo fuelCheck fuel valves and fuel supply; Check enclosure thermostat and reset if tripped. Check and clear air inlets and exhaust outlets
Generator set stops suddenlyOvercrank shutdownReset the controller. If the overcrank fault occurs again, contact an authorized Kohler dealer
Generator set stops suddenlyAuxiliary winding circuit breaker trippedReset the auxiliary winding circuit breaker. Contact an authorized dealer for service if breaker trips repeatedly
Generator set stops suddenlyEmergency stop switch activatedVerify that it is safe to start the engine and apply load. Then reset the stop switch or engine shutdown switch
Generator set stops suddenlyFault shutdownCheck the controller display for fault messages. Correct the fault condition and reset the controller
Generator set stops suddenlyGenerator set in the OFF modePress the RUN button to start the engine or press AUTO to allow remote starting
Generator set stops suddenlyRemote stop command received from a remote switch, ATS, or OnCue® PlusCheck the remote switch position. Check OnCue® Plus
Generator set stops suddenlyGenerator thermostat trippedCheck for obstructed air inlets and outlets. Reset the thermostat
Generator set stops suddenlyEngine malfunctionContact an authorized Kohler dealer
Overcrank faultGenerator set does not start in three attempts (three crank cycles, 15 seconds crank and 15 seconds off)See the Faults section
Underspeed, underfrequency, or undervoltage faultGenerator thermostat tripped due to excess heat inside the enclosureCheck for blocked air inlets and exhaust outlets. Then follow the procedure to reset the thermostat

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

Common questions

Kohler 26RCA: Generator set stops suddenly — what causes it?

Documented causes: Low oil pressure shutdown; No fuel; Overcrank shutdown; Auxiliary winding circuit breaker tripped. See the table for the matching fixes.

Kohler 26RCA: The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically — what causes it?

Documented causes: Air cleaner clogged; Battery weak or dead; Battery connection poor; Spark plug wire connection loose. See the table for the matching fixes.

Kohler 26RCA: The generator set does not crank — what causes it?

Documented causes: Battery weak or dead; Battery connections reversed or poor; Emergency stop switch activated; Fault shutdown. See the table for the matching fixes.