What causes fault code AB-F013 (Kinetix Servo Drive Fault 16 - Excess Position Error)?

Servo tuning too aggressive or too loose for the load. Mechanical binding — axis cannot follow commanded profile. Encoder cable intermittent — losing position feedback momentarily. Load inertia mismatch — load much heavier than servo can handle. Servo coupling slipping — motor moves but load doesn't follow

How do I fix fault code AB-F013?

Check axis properties in Logix — review position error threshold. Run servo tune/hookup test to auto-tune gains. Check for mechanical binding — move axis by hand with motor disabled. Inspect coupling between motor and load — tighten set screws. Verify encoder cable connections at motor and drive. Increase position error threshold if nuisance faulting on fast moves

Kinetix Servo Drive Fault 16 - Excess Position Error

AB-F013

Kinetix 5500/5700 servo reports excessive following error. Actual position is too far behind commanded position.

high allen-bradley

allen-bradley kinetix servo following error position

Probable Causes (ranked)

Servo tuning too aggressive or too loose for the load
Mechanical binding — axis cannot follow commanded profile
Encoder cable intermittent — losing position feedback momentarily
Load inertia mismatch — load much heavier than servo can handle
Servo coupling slipping — motor moves but load doesn't follow

Fix Steps

1 Check axis properties in Logix — review position error threshold
2 Run servo tune/hookup test to auto-tune gains
3 Check for mechanical binding — move axis by hand with motor disabled
4 Inspect coupling between motor and load — tighten set screws
5 Verify encoder cable connections at motor and drive
6 Increase position error threshold if nuisance faulting on fast moves

Field Trick

Run a servo hookup test in Studio 5000. If the auto-tune can't stabilize, the mechanical coupling is the problem — not the servo or tuning.

Suggested Replacement Parts

Parts matched to fault category: Motor

Baldor/ABB 1HP TEFC Motor P/N: EM3554T 1HP, 1765RPM, 143TC frame, 230/460V, TEFC, premium efficiency

AutomationDirect $285.00 Amazon $310.00 Grainger $345.00

Prices are estimates. Verify part numbers match your equipment before ordering.

Need a deeper diagnosis with photo analysis and AI-powered troubleshooting?

Run Full Diagnosis