3406E, C-10, C-12, C-15, C-16 and C-18 On-highway Engines Caterpillar

Probable Causes

The probable root causes are listed in order below:

• Diagnostic codes

• Battery power or ground to the ECM

• Aftermarket engine protection devices

• Fuel supply

• Engine speed/timing sensors

• ECM or personality module

Note: Induce the engine to shut down before attempting to troubleshoot the problem.

Recommended Actions

Perform the following diagnostic procedures in order:

1. Check for diagnostic codes.

   1. Connect the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET).

   2. Check for active diagnostic codes on Cat ET.

      Note: Certain diagnostic codes will cause the engine to shut down. Troubleshoot all diagnostic codes before continuing with this procedure.

2. Check the Battery power or ground to the ECM.

   1. Ensure that the following connectors have been installed correctly:
      • J1/P1 and J2/P2 ECM connectors

      • J300/P300 Injector connector

      • J401/P401 Primary engine speed/timing sensor connector

      • J402/P402 Secondary engine speed/timing sensor connector

   2. If the problem occurs only after engine warm-up and the problem disappears after the engine cooldown, the circuit breakers may be tripping because of the heat. Check the circuit breakers on the vehicle in order to determine if the circuit breakers reset automatically.

3. Check aftermarket engine protection devices. These devices usually interrupt power to the ECM and the ECM will not communicate with Cat ET.

   1. Check for the correct installation of the aftermarket engine protection device.

   2. Check for the correct operation of the aftermarket engine protection device.

   3. Verify that the ECM is receiving battery voltage.

4. Check the fuel supply.

   1. Monitor the exhaust for smoke while the engine is being cranked.

      If no smoke is present, there may be a problem with the fuel quality or there may be a problem with the fuel supply.

   2. Check the fuel quality. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel Quality - Test".

   3. Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System Pressure - Test".

   4. Ensure that the fuel system has been primed. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System - Prime".

   5. Check for fuel supply lines that are restricted.

   6. Check the fuel filters.

   7. If the temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F), check for solidified fuel (wax).

5. Check the engine speed/timing sensors.

   Refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Speed/Timing Sensor Circuit - Test".

6. Check the ECM or the personality module.

   Refer to Troubleshooting, "ECM Memory - Test".