FANUC codes
FANUCProgram/G-codeIntermediate5-30 minutes

048

Fanuc 48 - Reference return not performed

REFERENCE RETURN NOT PERFORMED

Fanuc PS program alarm 48: REFERENCE RETURN NOT PERFORMED. This alarm is triggered by an illegal or incorrectly formatted command in the part program, or a programming condition that the Fanuc control cannot execute.

Root Cause Summary

Alarm 048 occurs when the CNC program attempts to execute motion commands or call tool offsets before the machine axes have completed their reference/home position return after power-up. The control requires all axes to be homed to establish the machine coordinate system before executing programmed moves or applying work coordinate offsets.

Safety

  • Verify corrected program or parameters before resuming machining

Causes and Fixes

  1. 1

    Press the RESET button to clear the alarm.

  2. 2

    Select Manual Reference Return mode (typically a key position labeled 'REF' or 'HOME' on the mode selector).

  3. 3

    Manually jog each axis in the positive direction until the reference position indicator lights up for all axes (X, Y, Z, and any rotary axes).

    Ensure the path is clear before moving each axis. The machine will move to its reference position at the preset reference return speed.

  4. 4

    Verify all axis reference position indicators are illuminated on the screen, then switch to your desired operating mode and restart the program.

Service Recommended confidence

Seeing Multiple Alarms?

Seeing another alarm with this one? Enter the code.

Get machine-aware diagnosis

AxisMD logs alarms against your actual machines, tracks patterns, and gives AI context your manual doesn't have.

Start free

Was this guide helpful?

Always verify with your machine manual or a certified technician before performing service procedures.