Continuing our series on troubleshooting tips we will focus this article on fault alarms and the causes and

solutions for clearing these.

Fail to Start:
It is important to note that although this alarm will appear as fail to Start it could appear after the engine has started and the board does not see an engine run signal at which time it will shut down on fail to Start alarm. The alarm activates after 3 unsuccessful attempts to start also known as over-crank, at this point it looks for a run signal and if not present, it initiates the shutdown/alarm. Conditions that could cause the alarm to activate are as follows: 1. The engine is given a run command and nothing happens: The battery may be too weak to turn over the starter yet is enough to power the board. Charge or replace the battery The lamp test and battery voltage meter are dead. Check the main fuse F5. 2. After re-setting the alarm it re-appears after 25 seconds but starter never engaged: Check for battery voltage at EIM wire #4, if no voltage trace back wire to the board for break or chafing. If voltage is present, check cranking fuse on EIM, if good follow wire #51 for continuity to starter solenoid. Check EIM wires #5B and #53 for proper grounding. Check starter for stuck bendix or shorted fields. 3. The engine cranks but does not start and activates fail to start alarm after 3 crank attempts: Check fuel quantity, may have run out of fuel. Check for air in fuel system, bleed if necessary. Check for battery voltage on wire # 3A at EIM, if no voltage trace back wire through link on terminal strip and back to the board. If voltage present check fuel solenoid fuse on EIM, if good follow wire #53 through e-stop, fuel control solenoid, and finally ground. 4. The engine starts but shuts down on fail to start alarm after 25 seconds: Check generator output voltage on wires #108 & #115, check fuses on wires 108,109 & 110, check fuse on voltage regulator, check generator windings and diodes. Check magnetic pick-up and for signal output through wire #57 and #54 on EIM. Our next article will cover the remaining safety shutdowns for our series 2001 control panel Ralf Heredia Service Adviser FGW Latin America & Caribbean