What Is the Indramat F218 Fault Code?

May 09, 2025

Understanding the Indramat F218 Fault Code

Indramat, before its integration into Bosch Rexroth, built a reputation for delivering high-performance, long-lasting motion control products such as servomotors, drive controllers, encoders, and power supplies.
Although no longer in production, Indramat products remain widely used due to their remarkable reliability.

When an Indramat device encounters an issue, fault codes are displayed to guide troubleshooting.
One such code is the F218 fault, which specifically relates to heatsink overheating in DKC drive controllers.

What the F218 Fault Code Means

The F218 fault code is classified as a non-fatal error but must be addressed promptly to prevent hardware damage.

According to Indramat manuals, the F218 error is described as:

Heatsink Overtemperature Shutdown.

In simple terms, if the heatsink—responsible for dissipating heat from the drive—exceeds its safe operating temperature, the drive will automatically shut down to protect itself.

Causes of the F218 Fault Code

The F218 fault can occur due to several environmental or mechanical factors:

Cause	Description
1. High Ambient Temperature	If the surrounding air temperature exceeds 45 °C (113 °F), the heatsink cannot cool the system effectively.
2. Dirty Heatsink	Dust, grime, or debris accumulation on the heatsink blocks airflow, causing overheating.
3. Constricted Airflow	Improper control panel designs or nearby assemblies can obstruct proper ventilation.
4. Defective Blower Fan	If the blower assisting the heatsink fails, it severely limits cooling performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can the F218 Fault Code Be Resolved?

Resolution depends on the root cause:

High Ambient Temperature: Implement cooling solutions such as air-conditioning for the control cabinet.
Dirty Heatsink: Thoroughly clean the heatsink to remove dust, grime, and other obstructions.
Poor Ventilation: Reinstall the drive controller vertically with sufficient space around it to promote airflow.
Defective Blower Fan: If the blower is defective, you will likely need to replace the drive controller or have it serviced professionally.