- Diagnostic codes
- Event codes
- Programmable parameters
- Cold mode
- Altitude derate
- Personality module (Flash File)
- Throttle signal
- Electrical connectors
- Turbocharger outlet pressure sensor (intake manifold air), rated fuel position and/or FRC fuel position
- Air inlet and exhaust system
- Fuel supply
Diagnostic Codes and Event Codes
Certain diagnostic codes and/or event codes may cause poor performance. Connect the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) and check for active codes and for logged codes. Troubleshoot any active codes that are present before continuing with this procedure.
Check the following parameters on Cat ET:
- "Acceleration Delay Limit"
- "Acceleration Ramp Rate"
Note: If the parameters are not programmed correctly, then the engine will have poor performance.
Monitor the status screen on Cat ET in order to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. Observe the reading for coolant temperature on Cat ET. The engine should exit cold mode whenever the coolant temperature is above
The engine may be derated due to high elevation. If an altitude derate is active, the warning lamp will flash for the first 15 seconds of the derate. Connect Cat ET to the service tool connector. Check for an active engine derate on the status screens.
Note: There are no event codes that are associated with the altitude derate.
Personality Module (Flash File)
Verify that the correct personality module (flash file) is installed.
Connect Cat ET to the service tool connector. View the status for the throttle position on the status screen. Operate the throttle from the LOW IDLE position to the HIGH IDLE position. The status should be 0 percent at low idle and the status should be 100 percent at high idle. If the status cannot operate in the full range, refer to Troubleshooting, "Throttle Position Sensor - Calibrate".
Diagnostic codes that are related to the J1939 data link will prevent correct operation of the throttle if the throttle position is transmitted over the data link. If there is a problem with the data link, the engine will remain at low idle until the data link is repaired.
Check for correct installation of ECM connectors J1/P1 and J2/P2 and the unit injector connectors. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Connectors - Inspect".
- With the engine at full load, monitor "Fuel Position" and "Rated Fuel Limit" on the status screen. If "Fuel Position" does not equal "Rated Fuel Limit", then check the air inlet manifold pressure.
- Monitor air inlet manifold pressure and atmospheric pressure on the status screen for normal operation.
Note: Atmospheric pressure is not a default parameter on the status screen. A new parameter screen must be set up in order to monitor the atmospheric pressure sensor.
- Check for an air filter restriction indicator. Clean plugged air filters or replace plugged air filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.
- Check the air inlet and exhaust system for restrictions and/or for leaks. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System".
- Check the fuel lines for the following problems: restrictions, collapsed lines and pinched lines. If problems are found with the fuel lines, repair the lines and/or replace the lines.
- Check the fuel tank for foreign objects which may block the fuel supply.
- Check for air in the low pressure fuel supply system if any of the following procedures have been performed:
- Replacement of the fuel filters
- Service on the low pressure fuel supply circuit
- Replacement of unit injectors
Note: A sight glass in the low pressure supply line is helpful in diagnosing air in the fuel. Refer to Testing and Adjusting for more information.
Show/hide tableNOTICE Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.
- Purge air from the low pressure fuel supply circuit. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" for the correct procedure.
- Check fuel quality. In temperatures below
0 °C (32 °F) , check for solidified fuel (wax). Refer to Special Publication, SEBD0717, "Diesel Fuels And Your Engine". - Check the fuel pressure after the fuel filter while the engine is being cranked. Refer to Testing and Adjusting for the correct pressure values. If the fuel pressure is low, replace the fuel filters. If the fuel pressure is still low, check the following items: fuel transfer pump, fuel transfer pump coupling and fuel pressure regulating valve. Refer to Testing and Adjusting for more information.