Intermittent electrical problems are sometimes resolved by disconnecting and reconnecting connectors. It is very important to check for diagnostic codes immediately before disconnecting a connector. Also check for diagnostic codes after reconnecting the connector. If the status of a diagnostic code is changed due to disconnecting and reconnecting a connector, there are several possible reasons. The likely reasons are loose terminals, improperly crimped terminals, moisture, corrosion, and inadequate mating of a connection.
Follow these guidelines:
- Always use a 1U-5804 Crimp Tool to service Deutsch HD and DT connectors. Never solder the terminals onto the wires. Refer to "SEHS9615, Servicing Deutsch HD and DT Style Connectors".
- Always use ea 147-6456 Wedge Removal Tool to remove wedges from DT connectors. Never use a screwdriver to pry a wedge from a connector.
- Always use a breakout harness for a voltmeter probe or a test light. Never break the insulation of a wire in order to access to a circuit for measurements.
- If a wire is cut, always install a new terminal for the repair.
The connection of any electrical equipment and the disconnection of any electrical equipment may cause an explosion hazard which may result in injury or death. Do not connect any electrical equipment or disconnect any electrical equipment in an explosive atmosphere. |
- Determine If The Problem Is Intermittent.
If the problem is intermittent, attempt to test the circuit before you disconnect any electrical connectors. This helps identify the root cause of intermittent problems.
The "Wiggle Test" on the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) may be able to test the circuit. Refer to the documentation that accompanies Cat ET.
Perform the wiggle test on the circuit, when possible. Otherwise, continue with this procedure.
- Check the Connectors for Moisture and For Corrosion.
- Inspect all wiring harnesses. Ensure that the routing of the wiring harness allows the wires to enter the face of each connector at a perpendicular angle. Otherwise, the wire will deform the seal bore. Refer to Illustration 1. This will create a path for the entrance of moisture. Verify that the seals for the wires are sealing correctly.
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Leaky seal at the connector (typical example)
- Ensure that the sealing plugs are in place. If any of the plugs are missing, replace the plug. Ensure that the plugs are inserted correctly into the connector. Refer to Illustration 2.
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Diagram for the installation of a connector plug (typical example)
(1) Electronic Control Module (ECM) connector
(2) Correctly inserted plug
(3) Incorrectly inserted plug
- Disconnect the suspect connector and inspect the connector seal. Ensure that the seals are in good condition. If necessary, replace the connector.
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Seal for a three-pin connector (typical example)
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Seal for ECM connector (typical example)
- Thoroughly inspect the connectors for evidence of moisture entry.
Note: It is normal to see some minor seal abrasion on connector seals. Minor seal abrasion will not allow the entry of moisture.
If moisture or corrosion is evident in the connector, the source of the moisture entry must be found and the source of the moisture entry must be repaired. If the source of the moisture entry is not repaired, the problem will recur. Simply drying the connector will not fix the problem. Check the following items for the possible moisture entry path:
- Missing seals
- Improperly installed seals
- Nicks in exposed insulation
- Improperly mated connectors
Moisture can also travel to a connector through the inside of a wire. If moisture is found in a connector, thoroughly check the connector's harness for damage. Also check other connectors that share the harness for moisture.
Note: The ECM is a sealed unit. If moisture is found in an ECM connector, the ECM is not the source of the moisture. Do not replace the ECM.
- Missing seals
- Check the Wires for Damage to the Insulation.
- Carefully inspect each wire for signs of abrasion, of nicks, and of cuts.
Inspect the wires for the following conditions:
- Exposed insulation
- Rubbing of a wire against the engine
- Rubbing of a wire against a sharp point
- Exposed insulation
- Check all of the wiring harness fasteners in order to verify that the harness is properly secured. Also check all of the fasteners in order to verify that the harness is not compressed. Pull back the harness sleeves in order to check for a flattened portion of wire. A fastener that has been overtightened flattens the harness. This damages the wires that are inside the harness.
- Carefully inspect each wire for signs of abrasion, of nicks, and of cuts.
- Inspect the Connector Terminals.
Visually inspect each terminal in the connector. Verify that the terminals are not damaged. Verify that the terminals are properly aligned in the connector and verify that the terminals are properly located in the connector.
- Perform a Pull Test on Each Wire Terminal Connection.
- Ensure that the locking wedge for the connector is installed properly. Terminals cannot be retained inside the connector if the locking wedge is not installed properly.
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Receptacle lock wedge (typical example)
- Perform the 45 N (10 lb) pull test on each wire. Each terminal and each connector should easily withstand 45 N (10 lb) of tension and each wire should remain in the connector body. This test checks whether the wire was properly crimped in the terminal and whether the terminal was properly inserted into the connector.
- Check Individual Pin Retention into the Socket.
- Verify that the sockets provide good retention for the pins. Insert a new pin into each socket one at a time in order to check for a good grip on the pin by the socket.
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Diagram for testing pin retention (typical example)
- Check the Locking Mechanism of the Connectors.
- Ensure that the connectors lock properly. After locking the connectors, ensure that the two halves cannot be pulled apart.
- Verify that the latch tab of the connector is properly latched. Also verify that the latch tab of the connector returns to the locked position.
- Check the Allen Head Screws on the Connectors.
Visually inspect the allen head screws for the ECM connectors. Ensure that the threads on each allen head screw are not damaged.
- Connect the ECM connectors.
- Torque the allen head bolt for the 120 pin ECM connector to 7.0 ± 0.5 N·m (60 ± 4 lb in).
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Allen head screw for the 120 pin ECM connector (typical example)
- Torque the allen head screw for the 40 pin ECM connector to 2.25 ± 0.25 N·m (20 ± 2 lb in).
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Allen head screw for the 40 pin ECM connector (typical example)
- Connect the customer connector.
- Torque the allen head screw for the 40 pin customer connector and the 70 pin customer connector to 2.25 ± 0.25 N·m (20 ± 2 lb in).
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Allen head screw for the 40 pin customer connector and the 70 pin customer connector (typical example)