Yaskawa GA800 F016 Fault — What It Means
The Yaskawa GA800 VFD does not use an F016 fault code in its official documentation. Yaskawa fault codes use prefixes like OC (overcurrent), OV (overvoltage), and OL (overload), not F followed by a number. The display may have been misread due to screen glare or viewing angle, or F016 may refer to a parameter setting rather than a fault. Parameter codes in the F6 group control torque limits and other drive settings. The actual fault could be OC, OV, OL, or another code that was misinterpreted.
Before attempting repairs, press the F2 key on the keypad to access the home screen, then navigate to the fault log to see the exact code displayed. The fault log will show the precise prefix and number. If the display shows a parameter code rather than a fault, the drive may be waiting for a setting change or may have encountered a configuration error. Third-party documentation sometimes incorrectly labels Yaskawa faults with an F prefix, which can cause confusion. Always cross-check the displayed code against the official GA800 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Manual to identify the real issue.
Before You Replace Anything
Technicians sometimes replace the drive control board assuming a display fault when the issue is simply a misread screen or parameter misunderstanding. First verify the exact code by photographing the display and comparing against the official manual.
Common Causes
- Misread display or viewing angle (~50%) Screen glare, viewing angle, or LCD character font can cause OC, OV, or OL codes to appear as F016.
- Parameter code confusion (~30%) F016 may be a parameter setting such as F6-06 or F6-16 related to torque limits, not an actual fault.
- Third-party documentation error (~10%) Non-Yaskawa guides or aftermarket manuals sometimes label faults incorrectly with an F prefix.
- Typographical error in notes (~10%) The code was recorded incorrectly during initial troubleshooting and does not match the actual display.
Quick Diagnosis
Answer these to narrow it down fast.
Does the display clearly show the letter F followed by three digits?
No: The fault code uses a two-letter prefix like OC, OV, or OL. Proceed to look up that code in the official manual.
Can you photograph the display and compare it side-by-side with the fault table in the GA800 manual?
No: Write down every character exactly as shown, including any decimals or spaces, and contact Yaskawa technical support for clarification.
Is the drive running and the display shows F016 during operation or only in setup mode?
No: The drive has latched a fault. Access the fault log to retrieve the stored fault code history for accurate diagnosis.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Power down the drive safely and wait 5 minutes for the DC bus capacitors to discharge before touching any terminals.
- Press F2 on the keypad to return to the home screen, then press F2 again and navigate to the fault log menu using the arrow keys.
- Record the exact fault code displayed in the log, including the two-letter prefix and all digits, and take a clear photograph of the screen.
- Cross-reference the code against the fault table in the official GA800 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Manual to identify the documented meaning.
- If the code is actually OC (overcurrent), check motor wiring for shorts using a megohmmeter (insulation resistance should exceed 1 megaohm) and verify acceleration time settings in parameter C2-01 are not too short.
- If the code is actually OV (overvoltage), inspect deceleration time in parameter C2-02 and verify the braking resistor is connected and within specification (resistance typically 10 to 50 ohms depending on drive size).
- Contact Yaskawa technical support at 1.800.927.5292 or repair@yaskawa.com if the fault does not match any documented code or if parameter settings appear correct but the fault persists.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yaskawa GA800 control board (keypad assembly) | Amazon | Only if the display is physically damaged or shows random characters; rarely the actual cause of code confusion. |
| Braking resistor for GA800 | Amazon | Required if the actual fault is OV (overvoltage) and no resistor is currently installed; consult drive size for ohm rating. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified industrial electrician or VFD technician if you cannot positively identify the fault code from the display, if the drive repeatedly faults even after parameter adjustments, or if the fault log shows hardware-related codes such as OC (overcurrent) or OV (overvoltage) that suggest component failure. VFD troubleshooting requires high-voltage measurement skills and familiarity with three-phase power systems. If motor insulation testing or DC bus voltage checks are needed, a technician with a calibrated megohmmeter and multimeter rated for at least 600 V DC is required. Yaskawa technical support can provide remote guidance, but on-site measurement and safe isolation procedures require professional training.
Rough cost: A pro service call runs about $150-400.