Applicable Systems
EFC
FEX
FEI
HNC
Symptoms
The drive reports a watchdog timeout. The control board has detected that a critical task did not execute within its allotted time window. The power stage is disabled.
Possible Causes
- Watchdog timer expired due to firmware hang
- Excessive processing load on the control CPU
- Interference from external communication traffic
- Control board hardware fault affecting timing
Troubleshooting Steps
- Step 1: Power-cycle the drive and observe if F9003 recurs
Single occurrence may be transient; recurring indicates hardware issue - Step 2: Reduce communication polling rate if using fieldbus
Lower polling rate reduces CPU load and may prevent watchdog timeout - Step 3: Check for ground loops or EMI sources near the control cabinet
Eliminate sources of electrical interference - Step 4: Replace control module if the fault recurs after all checks
New module does not exhibit watchdog timeouts
How to Reset
1) Power off 24V DC control power for 30 seconds. 2) Reapply power. 3) If F9003 recurs immediately, reduce fieldbus polling rate. 4) Check grounding. 5) Replace control module if persistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What triggers the watchdog timer F9003?
A watchdog monitors critical firmware tasks. If a task exceeds its time budget, the watchdog fires and disables the drive for safety.
- Q: Is F9003 dangerous?
It indicates the control system cannot guarantee deterministic operation. The drive is disabled for safety; the risk is unplanned downtime, not equipment damage.
Source: Rexroth IndraDrive HCS/HMS Fault Code List, Bosch Rexroth AG
Category: PLC & VFD