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Curtis Code 38
Main Contactor Welded — controllers 1234 / 1236 / 1238

Possible causes (from the Curtis manual)

1. Main contactor tips are welded closed. 2. Motor phase U or V is disconnected or open. 3. An alternate voltage path (such as an external precharge resistor) is providing a current to the capacitor bank (B+ connection terminal).

When it sets / how it clears

Set: Just prior to the main contactor closing, the capacitor bank voltage (B+ connection terminal) was loaded for a short time and the voltage did not discharge. Clear: Cycle KSI

Effect of the fault

ShutdownMotor; ShutdownMainContactor; ShutdownEMBrake; ShutdownThrottle; FullBrake; ShutdownPump.

Curtis 1234/1236/1238 controllers are fitted to many electric forklifts and industrial trucks (including models from Chinese brands that use Curtis control). If your display shows code 38 with a Curtis controller, this entry applies; the vehicle maker’s manual may add model-specific notes.

Need the part?

For controller, contactor, sensor or throttle parts, send us the code (Curtis 38), controller model and vehicle model on WhatsApp — we quote genuine and OEM parts for export.

Source: Curtis 1234/36/38 Controller Manual, OS 11, Section 8 Diagnostics & Troubleshooting, Table 5. Compiled 2026-10-29. No affiliation with Curtis Instruments.