Tag: Error Code Exer Not Sch

Why Exercise Schedule Matters

A standby generator sitting idle for months can develop problems. The fuel in the tank degrades, the carburetor can gum up, and internal seals dry out. When you finally need that generator during an outage, it may not start or run reliably. Weekly exercise cycles—where the generator runs under light load for a short period—keep fuel fresh, lubricate internal parts, and ensure the battery stays charged. Think of it like taking a car out for a drive every week instead of letting it sit in the garage.

The RDC2 controller on your Kohler unit is designed to automate this maintenance task. When you see the “Exer Not Sch” warning, it’s telling you that no exercise schedule has been programmed yet. This is a preventive alert, not an emergency, but it’s one you should address promptly.

Diagnostic Checklist

1. Check the controller display. Look at the RDC2 control panel on your generator. Is the “Exer Not Sch” message showing in the status or warning section? Confirm this is the only warning present. If you see other codes, address those first.
2. Locate your generator’s manual. Find the owner’s manual or service guide for your specific Kohler model (14RCA, 20RCA, 26RCA, or RCAL). You’ll need this to navigate the RDC2 menu system. Check the manufacturer’s website or the documentation that came with your unit.
3. Access the RDC2 menu. On the controller panel, look for buttons labeled “Menu,” “Select,” “Up,” or “Down.” Press the Menu button to enter the settings screen. Navigate through the options using the arrow buttons until you find “Exerciser” or “Exercise Schedule” (exact wording varies by firmware version).
4. Enable the exerciser function. Once in the Exerciser menu, look for an option to turn the exerciser “On” or “Enable.” Select this option and confirm your choice. The controller should acknowledge the change.
5. Set the exercise day and time. The RDC2 will prompt you to choose which day of the week you want the generator to exercise (most people choose a day when they’re home, like Saturday morning). Then set the time—typically a time when the load on the generator will be light or zero. Early morning or late evening often works well.
6. Set the exercise duration. You’ll be asked how long the exercise cycle should run. Most manufacturers recommend 10–30 minutes. Check your manual for the recommended duration; typically 15 minutes is a good starting point.
7. Confirm and save settings. After entering all parameters, the controller will ask you to confirm. Select “Yes” or “Save” to store the schedule. The display should show a confirmation message.
8. Verify the schedule is active. Exit the menu and return to the main display. The “Exer Not Sch” warning should disappear within a few seconds or after the next status update cycle. If it persists, repeat the steps or consult your manual’s troubleshooting section.

Step-by-Step: Setting the Exercise Schedule

Here’s a more detailed walkthrough for setting up weekly exercise on the RDC2 controller:

1. Power on the controller. Make sure your generator’s main disconnect switch is in the “On” position and the RDC2 display is lit and responsive.

2. Enter the main menu. Press the “Menu” button on the control panel. You should see a list of options such as “Exerciser,” “Maintenance,” “Alarms,” and “Settings.”

3. Navigate to Exerciser settings. Use the up and down arrow buttons to highlight “Exerciser” and press “Select” or “Enter.”

4. Enable the exerciser. You’ll see an option like “Exerciser: Off” or “Exerciser: Disabled.” Change this to “On” or “Enabled.” Confirm the change.

5. Choose the exercise day. The controller will ask you to select a day of the week (Monday through Sunday). Pick a day when you’re typically home and the generator won’t be needed for actual power. Saturday or Sunday morning is common.

6. Set the exercise time. Enter the time you want the exercise to start. Use 24-hour format if prompted (e.g., 09:00 for 9 AM). Choose a time when household loads are low.

7. Set the exercise duration. Enter how many minutes the generator should run. Kohler typically recommends 10–30 minutes; 15 minutes is a safe default.

8. Save and exit. Press “Save,” “Confirm,” or “OK” to store the schedule. The menu should close and return to the main display.

What Happens During Exercise

Once you’ve scheduled exercise, here’s what your generator will do automatically each week:

• On the day and time you set, the generator will start automatically.
• It will run at a light load (or no load if no appliances are drawing power) for the duration you specified.
• The RDC2 controller monitors the run, checking that the engine starts, reaches proper RPM, and operates normally.
• After the set time expires, the generator will shut down automatically.
• The controller logs the exercise event in its history for your records.

You don’t need to do anything during the exercise cycle—it’s fully automatic. However, it’s a good idea to be home the first time it runs so you can hear that everything sounds normal and no alarms are triggered.

When to Call a Pro

Contact a licensed Kohler service technician if:

• The “Exer Not Sch” warning persists after you’ve completed all the steps above and saved the schedule.
• The RDC2 display is unresponsive, frozen, or showing garbled text.
• The generator starts the exercise cycle but shuts down prematurely or runs roughly.
• You hear unusual noises (grinding, knocking, or loud rattling) during the first scheduled exercise run.
• The controller shows additional error codes beyond the exercise warning.
• You’re unable to locate the Exerciser menu on your specific RDC2 firmware version.

Parts You May Need

To maintain your generator after setting up the exercise schedule, keep these items on hand:

• Spark plugs (correct type for your Kohler model)
• Oil and oil filter (check your manual for the correct grade and capacity)
• Air filter and pre-filter
• Fuel stabilizer (for long-term storage or seasonal use)
• 12V battery (if your unit has one for the starter motor)
• Coolant or antifreeze (for liquid-cooled models)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the exercise day or time after I’ve set it?

Yes. Return to the Exerciser menu on the RDC2 controller, select the schedule you want to edit, and update the day or time. Save the changes. The new schedule will take effect on the next occurrence of that day.

What if my generator is in “Standby” mode and an actual power outage occurs during a scheduled exercise?

The RDC2 controller is smart enough to interrupt a scheduled exercise cycle if it detects a utility power loss. The generator will immediately switch to supplying power to your home and skip the exercise run. Once power is restored, the exercise schedule resumes normally on the next scheduled day.

How often should I check that the exercise schedule is still active?

Check the RDC2 display once a month to confirm the “Exer Not Sch” warning is gone and no new warnings have appeared. If you hear the generator start on its scheduled day, that’s a good sign the exercise is running. You can also review the exercise history in the controller menu to see logs of past runs.

Will setting up exercise increase my fuel consumption?

Minimally. A 15-minute weekly exercise cycle uses only a small amount of fuel—typically less than a gallon per month depending on your generator’s size and load. This is a worthwhile trade-off for keeping your unit reliable and ready for emergencies.

Disclaimer

This article provides general guidance for homeowners and small contractors. Always consult your Kohler generator’s owner’s manual and the RDC2 controller documentation for your specific model before making any changes to settings or performing maintenance. Procedures and menu options may vary between firmware versions and model years. If you are unsure about any step, contact a licensed Kohler service technician. Improper configuration or maintenance can affect generator performance and warranty coverage.

Source: Information adapted from official manufacturer documentation (reference). Always consult your generator owner’s manual for model-specific procedures.