Kohler 38RCL troubleshooting: 5 fault codes and 33 symptom-cause-remedy entries from the manufacturer's own service documentation.
Kohler 38RCL — full specs, parts & maintenance.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F1 | Fuse F1, 5 amps |
| F2 | Fuse F2, ECM 10 amps |
| M3 | Fuse M3, battery charging alternator, 70 amps |
| F4 | Fuse F4, ignition, 15 amps |
| F6 | Fuse F6, starter, 20 amps |
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The generator set does not crank | Battery weak or dead | Recharge or replace the battery. |
| The generator set does not crank | Battery connections reversed or poor | Check the connections. |
| The generator set does not crank | Blown fuse(s) | Replace the fuse. Contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer for service if fuse blows repeatedly. |
| The generator set does not crank | Generator set is OFF | Press the RUN button to start the engine or press AUTO to allow remote starting. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Air cleaner clogged | Clean and/or replace the air cleaner. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Battery weak or dead | Recharge or replace the battery. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Battery connection poor | Clean and tighten the battery connections. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Spark plug wire connection loose | Check the spark plug wires. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Low oil pressure shutdown | Check 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 erratically | Fuel pressure insufficient | Check the fuel supply and valves. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Engine fuse blown | Replace the fuse. If the fuse blows again, contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer. |
| The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically | Engine malfunction | Contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer. |
| No AC output | AC circuit breaker in the OFF position | Place the circuit breaker in the ON position. |
| No AC output | AC circuit breaker tripping because of overload | Reduce the load on the generator set. |
| No AC output | AC circuit breaker tripping because of short circuit | Contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer for service. |
| No AC output | Engine fuse blown | Replace the fuse. Contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer for service if fuse blows repeatedly. |
| Low output or excessive drop in voltage | Generator set overloaded | Reduce the load. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Low oil pressure shutdown | Check for oil leaks. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Out of fuel | Check fuel supply. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Overcrank shutdown | Reset the controller. If the overcrank fault occurs again, contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Blown fuse(s) | Replace the fuse. If the fuse blows again, contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Overspeed shutdown | Reset the controller. If the overspeed fault occurs again, contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Generator set is OFF | Press the RUN button to start the engine or press AUTO to allow remote starting. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Remote stop command received from a remote switch, ATS, or OnCue | Check the remote switch position. |
| Generator set stops suddenly | Engine malfunction | Contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer. |
| Fans run after engine shuts down | The fans continue to run for 2 minutes after the engine shuts down to evacuate the engine compartment. | |
| Controller LCD display is off | Low or no battery voltage | Check connections. Check generator set battery. See Figure 5-1. |
| Controller display backlight is off | Backlight turns off after about 1 minute with no activity | Backlight will turn on when a button is pressed or the generator set starts. |
| Loss of communication to accessory modules | Bad connections | Check wiring and connections. Verify that cable size and length of run comply with the instructions in the Installation manual. |
| Loss of communication to accessory modules | Low or no battery voltage | Check battery connections. Check generator set battery. See Figure 5-1. |
| LCM relays do not operate | Bad connections | Check wiring and connections. Verify that cable size and length of run comply with the instructions in the Installation manual. |
| LCM relays do not operate | Low or no battery voltage | Check battery connections. Check generator set battery. See Figure 5-1. |
| Date is flashing | Controller power was disconnected and then reconnected | Check battery connections. See Figure 5-1. Check utility power connection for the built-in battery charger. Reset the time, date, and exercise schedule. See Section 2.5.7, Setting the Exerciser at Power-Up. |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Documented causes: Air cleaner clogged; Battery weak or dead; Battery connection poor; Spark plug wire connection loose. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Low oil pressure shutdown; Out of fuel; Overcrank shutdown; Blown fuse(s). See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Battery weak or dead; Battery connections reversed or poor; Blown fuse(s); Generator set is OFF. See the table for the matching fixes.