Every UNDERHOOD® air compressor comes with a control box that helps the system communicate with the operator. While most operators are familiar with the very basic controls—“on” and “off”—there are dozens of unique messages the control boxes can share with you.
To learn about specific control boxes or error messages, please select the system below:
UNDERHOOD® – 70 & 150
UNDERHOOD® – 40
UNDERHOOD70 & 150 Control Box
UNDERHOOD70 & 150 Control Box Features
On & Off Functions
The control box’s ability to turn the UNDERHOOD air compressor on and off is its most obvious feature, but on and off functions are just the beginning of what the control box can do…
Service Alerts
The control box helps ensure your maintenance stays on schedule, providing 200-hour and 400-hour service alerts. If you receive the “HRS:XXXX200HRSVC” or “HRS:XXXX400HRSVC” message, it’s time to service your air compressor. The control box also records the last 10 service times.
System Temperatures
The UNDERHOOD control box plays an important role is temperature control. The control box will use the “COMP TOO COLD” error message to let you know if the air compressor is too cold for operation and displays elevated temperatures or “TEMP XXF/XXC” when the internal temperature of the air compressor is between 130°C (266°F) to 150°C (300°F). If the air compressor reaches 150°C (300°F), the control box will turn the compressor off and turn the warning light on.
Battery Voltage & Clutch Current
If the battery isn’t adequate or the clutch current isn’t compatible with the air compressor, the control box will let you know. “BATTERY LOW” indicates that less than 11 volts have been detected, while “CLUTCH HIGH,” “CLUTCH LOW,” and “CLUTCH SHORT” are used to share information about faulty clutches, and broken, pinched or disconnected clutch wires.
Error Logs
The UNDERHOOD control box logs error codes when errors occur. This data log allows operators and service techs to diagnose problems and accurately reference the UNDERHOOD system manual and technical support documents, when needed.
To access the error logs:
- Turn key ON. Do not start engine.
- Press and hold “OFF“ button until “DIAGNOSTICS” is displayed.
- Press “OFF” to scroll down. Press “ON” to scroll up.
Warning/Information Messages
| Control Box Message | Explanation | Compressor State |
|---|---|---|
| HRS:XXXX:XX | Main Screen hour meter | On/Off |
| Park Brake | Park Brake is not applied or bad signal | Off |
| HRS:XXXX200HRSVC | 200HR service is needed | On/Off |
| HRS:XXXX400HRSVC | 400HR service is needed | On/Off |
| COMP TOO COLD | Compressor too cold for operation | On |
| TEMP XXXF/XXXC | Displays elevated temperature 130°C (266°F) to 150°C (300°F) | On/Off |
| Wait xx Seconds | A 30 second delay to allow for compressed air blow down | Off |
Error Codes
| Code | Display | Fault | LED Code | Possible Problem(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | OVER TEMP | Compressor is too hot | Red LED on | -Low compressor oil level. -Faulty or crushed cooler lines. -Exceed cooling capacity of compressor cooling system. -OEM changes in cooling. -Non-standard application. |
| 02 | TEMP PROBE SHORT | Short to ground in temp probe circuit | Flash code 1 red LED |
-Faulty temp probe. -Crushed temp probe wires. -Pinched or bared wires that are grounded. |
| 03 | TEMP PROBE OPEN | Open circuit in temp probe circuit | Flash code 1 red LED |
-Faulty temp probe. -Broken temp probe wires. -Unconnected temp probe. |
| 04 | BATTERY LOW | A battery voltage less than 11V has been detected | Red LED on | -Faulty power line connection. -Bad or intermittent fuse. -Broken or poorly crimped connecters. -Truck charging system problems. -Ensure VMAC Control box is sole device on 12V supply wire. -Bad ground connection |
| 05 | CLUTCH HIGH | Too high of current draw on clutch 5-10A | Flash code 2 RED LED |
-Faulty clutch. -Broken or pinched clutch wire. |
| 06 | CLUTCH LOW | Too low of current draw on clutch <2A | RED LED ON |
-Faulty clutch. -Broken or pinched clutch wire. -Disconnected clutch wire. |
| 07 | CLUTCH SHORT | Too high of current draw on clutch >10A | Flash code 2 red LED | -Faulty clutch. -Shorted to ground or pinched clutch wire. |
UNDERHOOD40 Control Box
The UNDERHOOD40 control box is a simpler system than the 70 and 150 models, using a series of flashing lights to indicate any issues that occur.
In the event of an error, the “Compressor Status” LED on the interface panel will flash red until the system is powered down. After the system depressurizes, you may turn the vehicle ignition on without starting the engine. If the problem is resolved, the light will be green.
If an issue is still present, a red light will blink one to eight times in a row, with a pause in between. The number of blinks in the sequence corresponds to the following errors codes:
| # of Blinks / Error # | Error | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clutch Open | No current detected flowing to the clutch |
| 2 | Clutch Short | Wiring to the clutch or coil has shorted to ground |
| 5 | Compressor Temperature Probe Open | Compressor temperature probe disconnected or failed |
| 6 | Compressor Temperature Probe Short | Compressor temperature probe wires shorted or failed |
| 8 | Compressor Temperature Probe Hot | Compressor has shut down due to compressor over temperature (145 °C / 293 °F) |
If you have questions about any of the control box error messages, including inquiries on how to resolve them, please visit the Knowledge Base or call VMAC’s technical support team at
1-888-241-2289.
