How To Fix Fault Code 359 On Cummins Generator (Error Solved!)

Have you ever wondered how to fix a fault code 359 on Cummins generator? Look no more. We´ve got you covered.

The most common reasons for the fault code 359 are easily fixed in just a few minutes, and from being concerned about whether an expensive piece of your equipment is broken you most likely will quickly start laughing at this situation.

So, how to fix fault code 359 on Cummins generator? To solve the fault code 359 on Cummins generator, just check and follow the steps below:

Step #1 Check the manual fuel shutoff valve

Step #2 Reset the generator

Step #3 Inspect the fuel level

Step #4 Check the fuel line

Step #5 Check the fuel pump

To find out what silly reason can cause this error code, please go on reading this post.

What is Fault Code 359 on Cummins Generator

Fault code 359 happens when the generator’s engine is not starting after the cranking time has expired.

This can happen due to one of two potential causes, either the engine doesn’t get fuel during the start, or the starter motor disengages too soon.

While both of these could happen due to some problems which take expertise to repair, most common is a very banal reason.

Read also: How To Fix Fault Code 1434 On Cummins Generator

Reading the Fault Code on Cummins Generator

Cummins generators come with few different generations of PowerCommand control devices.

But the common feature of all generations and versions is how easy it is to read the fault codes that cause the shut down of generators or happen on a failed start.

All you have to do is press the STOP button and it will be displayed on the LCD screen.

In case of the failed start, the shutdown warning light will not be lighted up by a red LED, and the LCD will display the message:

• Fault Number 359: FAIL TO START

In case that you are seeing some other message on the LCD, you have some other fault code on your hands.

How to troubleshoot that exact fault code you can find out on other pages of our blog.

Troubleshooting fault code 359

The fault code 359 appears if the engine of the generator is not able to start after the preset time for cranking has passed.

This is a situation that most likely happens if the engine is not getting fuel, which can be caused by few different problems.

One of them is a very common and simple user error, that can be fixed in moments.

Some of the causes of the fault code 359 are not easy to diagnose and are better left to properly trained and authorized techs, as it can void the warranty of your generator.

But, first, let’s cover what you can do yourself about fixing this issue.

Step #1 Check the manual fuel shutoff valve: The most common cause of fault code 359 is that the manual fuel shutoff valve (FSO) was left engaged.

Its function is to cut off the supply of fuel to the engine, and the fault code 359 happens when the engine is not getting it.

So, the very first thing to do is to check whether it was engaged and open it to rectify this problem.

Step #2 Reset the generator: If the FSO was engaged, you can proceed to reset the generator so you could clear the fault code, otherwise, you should move on to the next step and come back to this one when the cause of the fault is removed.

To reset the generator you will need to press the RESET button, and then either the Manual run or Auto button, depending on whether you want the generator to run in the manual or automatic mode.

Step #3 Inspect the fuel level: The second most common cause of the fault code 359 sounds very silyl, the empty fuel tank.

No matter how ridiculous this issue may sound, it can happen even to the best of us.

After you check the tank, you should take the appropriate steps depending on what particular fuel your generator consumes.

Step #4 Check the fuel line: If there is a sufficient amount of fuel, the next possible cause of fault code 359 is the faulty fuel lines.

Most commonly the issues are created by leaks or disconnected fuel lines, or fuel supply.

And that’s what you will need to be checking for.

Step #5 Check the fuel pump: If the fuel lines are OK, the problem could be with the fuel pump, if your generator is powered by diesel or gasoline.

This is the easiest to do by disconnecting the fuel line at the engine and attempting to start the generator.

It will fail to start, but if the pump is working properly, it will squirt an ounce or two of fuel, so hold the line above some container to catch it.

If none flows, the fuel pump is dead and needs to be replaced, which is best left to Cummins authorized technicians, as it could void the warranty of your generator.

When it comes to issues that you can troubleshoot, the list stops here. There are a couple more potential causes of the fault code 359, but either you won’t be able to fix it by yourself or you would need some specialist equipment that is not available on the open market.

And Cummins is very picky about what they deem user-serviceable issues, so you could also void the warranty of your generator.

Read also: How To Fix Fault Code 1246 On Cummins Generator

Causes of the Fault Code 359 You Can’t Fix

FSO valve solenoid or circuit is malfunctioning

While the manual shutoff valve is in the open position, there is a chance that due to the faulty solenoid or wiring it is actually closed.

Checking the solenoid whether it is opening or closing requires some skills and knowledge of its specification, but the real problem is that removing it is not something Cummins approves as a user operation.

To avoid losing the warranty on your generator, this should be done by a trained technician.

Incorrect starter disconnect speed

When you are cranking the engine, the starter motor is actually spinning the crankshaft.

In Cummins generators, the starter motor is disconnecting once a preset number of RPMs is achieved by the crankshaft.

Under certain conditions, this setting can change and you would need the InPower software suite to check what is this setting.

You would also require proprietary cables for connecting a PC or laptop to your generator to be able to use this software.

Both of these are available for sale only to Cummins authorized repair shops, and not available to you.

Prevent Fault Code 359 from Reoccurring

The most common reason for fault code 359 is the very lack of attention to proper operations of your backup generator.

Forgetting that the generator is unable to run without a proper fuel supply is as embarrassing as it should be.

You should monitor the fuel level, but also whether the FSO was engaged or not.

Otherwise, the fault code 359 will jump at you like a reminder that you have forgotten to do the basic maintenance of the generator.

Other potential causes can happen due to problems completely out of your control, but some of them can be detected when they occur.

A problem like a fuel leak will happen well before the fault code 359, and you should sort it out as soon as you start smelling the fuel near your generator.

Not only because of the potential fault code 359 situations but also as a general safety rule.

Read also: How To Fix Fault Code 427 On Cummins Generator

References

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1978094/Cummins-C125-N6.html?page=176#manual