Code 233131: <location>Encoder 3: Deviation, position incremental/absolute too large
Issue Description & Safety Warning
The Siemens SINUMERIK 840D CNC has triggered a critical <location>Encoder 3: Deviation, position incremental/absolute too large alarm. Immediate attention from a qualified operator or maintenance technician is required to prevent secondary damage to the equipment or spoiled parts during the manufacturing cycle. Always ensure standard safety and LOTO procedures are followed before accessing electrical cabinets.
Official Troubleshooting Steps
Message value: %1 Drive object: All objects Reaction: A_INFEED: NONE SERVO: OFF1 (IASC/DCBRAKE, NONE, OFF2, OFF3, STOP1, STOP2) VECTOR: OFF1 (IASC/DCBRAKE, NONE, OFF2, OFF3, STOP1, STOP2) Acknowledge: PULSE INHIBIT Cause: Absolute encoder: When cyclically reading t he absolute position, an ex cessively high difference to the incremental position was detected. The absolute position that was read is rejected. Limit value for the deviation: - EnDat encoder: Is supplied from the encoder and is a minimum of 2 quadrants (e.g. EQI 1325 > 2 quadrants, EQN 1325 > 50 quadrants). - other encoders: 15 pulses = 60 quadrants. SINAMICS-Alarms Diagnostics Manual (DAsl), 03/2009 Incremental encoder: When the zero pulse is passed, a deviation in the incremental position was detected. For equidistant zero marks, the following applies: - The first zero mark passed supplies the referenc e point for all subsequent checks. The other zero marks must have n times the distance referred to the first zero mark. For distance-coded zero marks, the following applies: - the first zero mark pair supplies the reference poi nt for all subsequent checks. The other zero mark pairs must have the expected distan ce to the first zero mark pair. Fault value (r0949, interpret decimal): Deviation in quadrants (1 pulse = 4 quadrants). Remedy: - check that the encoder cables are routed in compliance with EMC. - check the plug connections. - replace the encoder or encoder cable. - check whether the coding disk is dirty or there are strong ambient magnetic fields. - adapt the parameter for the distance between zero marks (p0425). - if message output above speed threshold, reduce filter time if necessary (p0438).
Source: SINUMERIK 840D sl / 840Di sl / SINAMICS S120 Diagnostics Manual (DAsl, 03/2009)
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Verified against the manufacturer’s official documentation.
About Siemens SINUMERIK 840D CNC Alarms
Siemens controllers include extensive self-diagnostics that flag or halt the machine when a fault is detected. Error code 233131 on the SINUMERIK 840D CNC identifies one specific fault condition — its documented cause and the official corrective steps are listed above, sourced from Siemens's service documentation. Always confirm against the manual for your exact machine configuration and follow LOTO procedures before servicing.
Complete Alarm List: 4014 Siemens SINUMERIK 840D CNC codes.
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