CONTROLS, INCORPORATED
C O N T R O L S Y S T E M S & S O L U T I O N S
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ENGINE ALARMS, CODES AND MESSAGES
Engine ECU Alarm/De-Rate/Shut Downs
It is important to understand panel operation with respect to engine safety protections, alarms, and fault codes. The panel
operates with J1939 engines. These engines have an ECU (engine control unit) which is essentially a computer that runs the
engine. When engine parameters are out of normal operating ranges, the ECU takes specific actions which can include the
following:
1) Broadcast a trouble code
2) Broadcast a red or yellow lamp
3) De-rate the engine
4) Shut down the engine
5) Turn on alarm horn
It is the engine ECU that de-rates or shuts down the engine when it is not operating within normal parameters. This
includes more common shut downs like high engine temperature and low oil pressure but can encompass a large range of
parameters depending on the ECU.
Panel Alarm Annunciation and Code Reader
This panel is configured to operate with standard J1939 engines where engine de-rate and shutdowns are managed by the
engine ECU. The panel communicates with the engine ECU and serves as a trouble code reader. When the engine ECU
broadcasts a trouble code (called a SPN.FMI code) the panel does the following:
1) Illuminate the appropriate LED indicator lamp
a. Yellow Lamp = Alarm
b. Red Lamp = Engine Shut Down
2) Displays the trouble code (standard
SPN.FMI code)
3) Displays a code description on the LCD
screen
4) Displays the occurrence count of the code
