High Temperature 1/2/3 — Discharge Over-Temperature Fault
The SULLAIR-HIGH-TEMPERATURE (Sullair WS Controller) diesel fault code means: High Temperature 1/2/3 — Discharge Over-Temperature Fault. This is a critical severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
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Common Symptoms
- WS display shows High Temperature 1, 2 or 3 and the machine faults (red LED)
- Compressor shuts down and stays inoperative until cleared
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Compressor fluid level low High
- Cooler fins or tubes dirty / plugged High
- Thermal valve fault Moderate
- Low water flow or high water temperature (water-cooled units) Moderate
- Ambient temperature above 105°F (41°C) Moderate
- Temperature probe or sensor failure Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
The WS Controller is fitted to Sullair STATIONARY electric shop compressors. Portable towable Sullair units (185-class and similar) use different engine-driven controls and a different fault system — this page does not apply to them.
Replenish compressor fluid to the proper level — the factory list starts there.
Clean the cooler fins and fan blades; on water-cooled machines check for a closed valve, stopped pump or broken pipe, and increase water flow or lower water temperature as needed.
Check thermal valve operation.
If ambient exceeds 105°F (41°C), improve local ventilation.
If the machine is genuinely cool and the fault repeats, check the temperature sensor and its wiring.
Factory limits for this condition: T1 warning 225°F; fault 235°F (time-delayed) / 255°F (immediate)
Per the factory manual: after resolving a fault condition, press the STOP pad to clear the FAULTED state. If the problem persists after the recommended checks, consult your Sullair distributor or factory service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actual temperature limits?
Per the manual's parameter table, air-end discharge temperature (T1) warns at 225°F and faults at 235°F time-delayed or 255°F immediate. A fault lights the red LED and keeps the compressor inoperative until the condition is fixed and STOP is pressed.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- Sullair WS Controller User Interface Manual, P/N 02250165-411 (Table 5-1 Troubleshooting Guide) — distributor-hosted copy of the official Sullair manual — distributor-hosted copy of an official Sullair factory manual
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