Battery Voltage Below Cranking Threshold
The ATLAS-COPCO-E010 (Atlas Copco Xc4002 / Xc2003 / Xc4004 controller) diesel fault code means: Battery Voltage Below Cranking Threshold. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- No -- stop driving
- DIY difficulty
- easy
- Estimated cost
- $20-$60 DIY for terminal cleaning supplies and a new battery (Group 31, roughly $120-$180 at a parts store). Pro shop labor for alternator diagnosis and replacement runs $150-$400 depending on the engine platform.
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Common Symptoms
- Controller LCD on the side panel displays E010 and the unit will not crank
- START button press produces no engine response, or you hear a single click from the starter relay
- Battery charge indicator light is on or flashing on the panel
- READY light does not illuminate after pressing AUTO
- Unit sat in storage or on a rental lot for an extended period before this fault appeared
- Battery terminals feel warm or show visible white or blue corrosion buildup
- DiagPro service software via the J1939 / CAN data port shows battery supply voltage under 9.5 V DC
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Battery discharged from extended storage or parasitic controller draw with no charge input Very Likely
- Battery has reached end of service life and can no longer hold a charge above the controller threshold Very Likely
- Corroded or loose battery terminals creating high resistance and a false low-voltage reading at the Xc4002 / Xc2003 / Xc4004 controller input Likely
- Faulty or failed alternator / battery charging circuit not replenishing the battery during run cycles Likely
- Parasitic DC draw from a shorted harness, stuck relay, or aftermarket accessory draining the battery at rest Possible
- Blown fuse or failed battery isolation relay preventing charge from reaching the battery Possible
- Damaged or undersized battery cable with high resistance dropping voltage below the 10.5 V DC crank-enable threshold Less Likely
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
Measure battery open-circuit voltage with a multimeter before attempting to start. A healthy 12 V battery at rest should read 12.4 V DC or higher. A reading below 11.8 V DC means the battery is discharged. A reading below 10.5 V DC is why E010 is set on the Xc4002 / Xc2003 / Xc4004 controller.
Inspect both battery terminals and cable ends for corrosion, looseness, or cracking. Clean terminals with a wire brush and baking-soda solution. Re-tighten clamps to a snug fit. Recheck voltage after cleaning because a corroded connection can drop 1-2 V DC under load.
Charge the battery with an external 12 V DC smart charger until you reach at least 12.6 V DC. Then press AUTO on the panel and watch whether E010 clears and the READY light comes on. If it does, the battery was simply discharged.
If the battery charges up but E010 returns within a day or two without running, perform a load test. Most auto-parts stores will do this free. A battery that drops below 9.5 V DC under load is failed and needs replacement. Spec for these Atlas Copco towable units is typically a Group 31 or Group 94R 12 V battery rated 750 CCA or higher.
Check the charging alternator output while the engine is running. With the compressor running at full RPM, battery voltage should read 13.4 to 14.8 V DC at the battery terminals. A reading below 13.0 V DC points to a failed alternator or regulator not keeping the battery topped up during operation.
Inspect the battery fuse or fusible link in the main power circuit, usually a 40-80 A blade or strip fuse near the battery positive terminal. A blown fuse means the battery cannot receive charge. Replace with the same amperage rating.
If all hardware checks out, connect DiagPro service software via the J1939 / CAN data port and log live battery voltage during a crank attempt. This confirms whether the controller is seeing an accurate reading or if there is a wiring fault between the battery sense circuit and the Xc4002 / Xc2003 / Xc4004 controller. This step requires the DiagPro laptop kit, so call your Atlas Copco service tech if you do not have it.
After any repair, clear the E010 fault on the controller LCD using the STOP then AUTO sequence per the unit's operator manual, or use DiagPro to reset active faults. Confirm READY lights and no return of E010 before returning the unit to service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Atlas Copco code E010 mean?
E010 means the Xc4002 / Xc2003 / Xc4004 controller measured the battery voltage below the minimum threshold needed to reliably crank the diesel engine. On most Atlas Copco towable units that threshold is around 10.5 V DC. The controller blocks the start sequence to protect the starter motor and engine from a failed crank attempt.
Can the compressor still run with E010 active?
No. E010 is a hard lockout. The unit will not crank until battery voltage is restored above the threshold and the fault is cleared. You need to charge or replace the battery before the compressor will start.
How much does it cost to fix E010?
If the battery just needs a charge, a jump-start or an overnight charge with a smart charger costs almost nothing. A replacement Group 31 battery runs $120-$180 at most parts suppliers, and swapping it yourself is straightforward. If the alternator is not charging the battery during operation, expect a shop bill of $150-$400 depending on parts and labor for your engine platform.
Will the compressor start once I charge the battery?
Yes, in most cases. Charge the battery to at least 12.6 V DC, clear the E010 fault using the STOP then AUTO sequence on the panel, and attempt a normal start. If the fault returns quickly after charging, the battery is likely failed and needs replacement, or the charging alternator is not maintaining voltage during operation.