Onan generator · 8 model lines
Onan generator code 38
Most Onan documentation lists 38 as “Over Current (Field Overload)”. Some model lines word it differently or give it a different meaning: QG 2800i / 2500i LP (HGLAA Spec A-B) (“Output Over Load”); QG 4000 / 3600 LP KYD (Spec A-C) (“Overcurrent”).
Check your model first. The same code can mean different things on different models. Find the model number on the appliance's data label, then use the matching row below.
What code 38 means by model
What you can safely check
- Reduce connected loads, especially air conditioners and battery chargers.
- Have connected appliances checked if the fault repeats.
- Record whether the fault clears with fewer loads.
- Reduce the number of appliances running at the same time.
- Pay special attention to air conditioners and battery chargers that were running when the generator stopped.
Stop and call a technician for
- Internal generator electrical output, inverter, controller, sensors, fuel system, ignition, AC circuit, and engine diagnosis belongs to Cummins service or a qualified generator technician.
- Electrical output, inverter, controller, stator, rotor, fuel injection, sensors, wiring, coolant-system service, fuel leaks, and generator compartment repairs belong to Cummins service or a qualified generator technician.
Generators can produce carbon monoxide, hot surfaces, fuel hazards, moving-part hazards, and lethal voltage. Shut the generator down and do not open energized compartments unless qualified.
Write this down before you call
- generator model/spec letter
- hour meter
- fault blink count
- loads running when the shutdown occurred
Full code tables for these models
Related troubleshooting guides
Official sources
OnanCummins Onan RV Generator ManualsOnanCummins Onan Generator Set for RV Operator Manual A031C171OnanCummins Onan Generator Set for RV Operator Manual A035D009OnanCummins Onan RV Generator Set HGJAA/HGJAB/HGJAC Spec A-E Operator Manual 983-0101OnanCummins Onan Quiet Diesel 10000/12500 HDKCA/HDKCB Operator Manual A043D713OnanCummins Onan Quiet Diesel 5000 HDKBA Operator Manual 0981-0166OnanCummins Onan Quiet Diesel 6000/7500/8000 HDKAH/HDKAJ/HDKAK Operator Manual A046L053OnanCummins Onan QG 4000/3600 LP KY Spec J-N Operator Manual 981-0159OnanCummins Onan QG 4000/3600 LP KY Spec P-R Operator Manual A041D131OnanCummins Onan QG 2800i/2500i LP HGLAA Spec A Operator Manual A062Y985OnanCummins Onan QG 2800i/2500i LP HGLAA Spec B Operator Manual A075S349OnanCummins Onan QG 7000i DF HGLCA Spec A Operator Manual A079E225OnanCummins Onan QG 4000/3600 LP KYD Spec A-C Operator Manual 981-0169