When your Gardner Denver compressor encounters an error during startup or operation, it will display a fault code or message to indicate that there has been an issue. This is a built-in function of Gardner Denver compressors that can be useful when trying to identify the cause of an operational issue.
The main Gardner Denver compressor fault codes that you will encounter are E01, E02, E03, and E04. These errors typically indicate some sort of pressure issue with your compressor. There are several other possible Gardner Denver compressor error messages that can encounter as well.
This guide will provide you with details on all the different Gardner Denver compressor fault codes and error messages that you could possibly encounter while using your air compressor. This will help you quickly identify and resolve any issues that could be causing your Gardner Denver compressor to not function properly.
Gardner Denver Compressor Fault Codes Causes
Gardner Denver compressor fault codes will be displayed anytime the system encounters some type of error that keeps it from running properly. The type of error that your system encounters can be identified by the fault code or error message displayed by your Gardner Denver compressor.
These codes will be visible on the display menu controller and can be cycled through using the up or down buttons. Typically, the Gardner Denver fault codes fall into one of two categories. Pressure readout errors and temperature readout errors.
Pressures readout issues will result in a shutdown of the compressor and will indicate a potentially critical issue that you will need to resolve before using your Gardner Denver compressor. Temperature readout issues are generally software or heat-related issues.
Gardner Denver Compressor Fault Codes Guide
The most common Gardner Denver compressor fault codes that you will encounter are the E01, E02, E03, and E04 codes. These codes indicate an issue that is keeping your Gardner Denver compressor from functioning properly and could result in a total shutdown of your machine.
That being said, there are several other error messages that you could see while owning your Gardner Denver compressor. The next part of this guide will detail all of these fault codes and error messages in detail. This will help you better identify your issue so that you can address it properly.
You can consult your user manual for your Gardner Denver compressor for even more information regarding these fault codes and error messages.
E01
The E01 fault code when displayed from the pressure readout of your compressor indicates a failure of the final discharge pressure sensor. This error code will cause your pressure readouts to be inaccurate as well as cause pressure buildup issues for your compressor.
You will need to repair or replace the final discharge pressure sensor on your machine to resolve this fault code. If you are seeing the E01 fault code from the temperature readout of your compressor, this indicates a failure of your compressor’s temperature sensor.
You will need to replace the temperature sensor on your compressor to resolve this fault code. It is not advised that you attempt to use your compressor while your machine is displaying these fault codes.
E02
The E02 fault code when displayed on the pressure readout indicates a failure of your compressor’s oil sump pressure sensor. This can cause issues with your machine’s oil consumption and lubrication capabilities.
You should repair or replace the oil sump pressure sensor in your compressor to resolve this fault code. If you are seeing the E02 fault code on the temperature readout, this indicates that there has been a failure of your compressor’s separator temperature sensor.
E03
The E03 fault code when displayed on the pressure readout indicates a failure of both of your compressor’s pressure sensors. This is a serious issue and should be addressed before using your compressor.
You should repair or replace the pressure sensors in your compressor to resolve this fault code. If you are seeing the E03 fault code on the temperature readout, this indicates that there has been a failure of both of your compressor’s temperature sensors.
This is also a serious issue and should be addressed before you will be able to use your compressor safely and efficiently. Repairing or replacing both of these components will resolve this fault code.
E04
The E04 fault code indicates an automatic or manual emergency stop. This fault code will display anytime the compressor encounters an internal error that it determines could cause lasting damage to the compressor.
It can also display if the compressor encounters some type of issue that keeps it from operating properly like overheating. You should have your compressor serviced if you are experiencing the E04 fault code frequently to determine what the issue is.
Compressor Failed To Start
When your compressor fails to start, it could be due to wrong lead connections, blown fuses, or a buildup of pressure in the reservoir. To remedy this issue, you should change the leads, check for any blown fuses and replace them, or reset and investigate the cause if your compressor is overloaded.
Compressor Stopped Working During Operation
If your compressor has stopped working during operation, it could be caused by high discharge temperature, temperature sensor malfunctions, or a blown fuse in the control box. To resolve this issue, you should bring the temperature of your compressor down to acceptable levels.
You should also consider investigating the fuses in your control box and replacing any that are damaged or blown. A reset could also help aid in your investigation of the cause of your issue.
Compressor Won’t Load/Unload
If your compressor will not load or unload, this is most likely caused by an improperly adjusted control setting. This issue can also be caused by air leaks in your control lines or a restricted control line. A more noticeable issue that could cause load/unload issues is a blowdown valve malfunction.
To resolve this issue, you should recalibrate your control to the proper settings. If you believe that a leak is the root of your issue, you should find the leak and repair it. Finally, you should clean your control likes and replace any broken valves.
Compressor Excessive Load/Unload
If your compressor is loading and unloading excessively, this is likely due to an insufficient receiver capacity. This can also be caused by restrictions in the control tubing of your compressor. To resolve this issue, you should consider increasing your receiver size.
You can also inspect and clean any control tubing that you suspect might be damaged or clogged.
Compressor Pressure Low
If the pressure is low in your compressor, it is likely due to restricted airflow or a sticking inlet valve. This issue could also be caused by unloading pressure that is adjusted too low. You should consider cleaning or replacing the air filter in your compressor to resolve this issue.
You can also inspect and clean the inlet valve and get rid of any debris or buildup that you find there. If the valve is especially clogged, you can disassemble the valve and clean it efficiently.
High Discharge Temperature
The high discharge temperature fault code is commonly caused by a stuck thermostat valve. It can also be caused by a dirty or completely clogged cooler face. If the airflow in your compressor is not sufficient, you could also experience this issue.
You should consider replacing any damaged valves to resolve this issue. Cleaning the cooler and freeing the airflow can also resolve this issue. Low compressor oil can also cause high discharge temperature issues so you should ensure that you have the proper amount in your compressor.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Excessive oil consumption is caused by oil that is carrying over through lines in your compressor. This can also be caused by oil leaks located at the fittings and gaskets of your compressor. You should drain any excess oil and replace the fittings and gaskets to resolve this issue.
Oil Carry Over
Oil carryover is caused by overfilling your compressor’s oil reservoir. To remedy this issue, you should ensure that any excess oil is drained from your system before attempting to operate it again.
Final Thoughts
This guide has covered all of the major fault codes and issues that you can expect to encounter while using your Gardner Denver compressor. Using the information in this guide, you can easily identify your fault codes and symptoms as well as the different things you can do to resolve your issue.
This guide covers the fault codes for all major models of Gardner Denver compressors. For more machine-specific troubleshooting information, you should consult the user manual for your particular compressor.
No matter what issue you are experiencing with your Gardner Denver compressor, this guide will be a valuable resource in accurately identifying and resolving your issue. If you do not have the proper mechanical experience to address the issues yourself, you should contact a professional.
A professional compressor technician will be able to more easily determine the root of your issue and resolve it if there are complicated repairs involved.