Illustration 1 | g00527913 |
The Caterpillar Monitoring System consists of an action alarm, an action light (1), and a monitoring panel (2). There are individual alert indicators (3) for the different machine systems. The system has a tachometer (4). In addition, the system has a gauge panel (5) .
Note: An auxiliary action light is located on the right side of the console. The action light is near the elbow of the operator. If the operator is facing rearward, this will alert the operator.
The monitoring system alerts the operator of a problem or of an impending problem. The panel is designed to alert the operator of faulty machine systems.
Functional Test
Check the operation of the monitoring system. Observe the self testing feature when you start the engine.
The self testing feature verifies that the modules of the monitoring system are properly operating. The self testing feature verifies that the display module is properly operating.
The internal circuits are automatically checked. The outputs (display, action light, and the action alarm) are automatically checked.
Illustration 2 | g00527938 |
The operator must observe the outputs in order to determine if the modules (1) are operating properly. This self testing feature is three seconds long.
During the self test, all alert indicators (2) flash.
The digital display window (3) shows the following readouts:
- All indicators of units (Deg C, kPa, miles, kilometers, rpm, and liters)
- "X10"
- Symbol for the hour meter
- "8.8.8.X8.8" readout
The pointers in the tachometer and in the gauges point upward. The pointers then point to the left (minimum). The pointers will then point to the right (maximum). Finally, the pointers will point to the actual value.
- The action light stays illuminated.
- The action alarm sounds once.
Warning Categories
The monitoring system provides three warning categories. The first category requires only operator awareness. The second category requires the operator to respond to the warning. The third category requires immediate shutdown of the machine systems.
Warning Category 1
In category 1, only the alert indicator will flash. This category alerts the operator that the machine system needs attention.
Illustration 3 | g00527942 |
Electrical System (1) - This panel indicates a malfunction in the electrical system. If this alert indicator flashes, the system voltage is too high or too low for machine operation. |
Increase the engine speed to high idle, if the electrical loads are high. The electric loads consist of the air conditioning and/or the lighting. An alternator will generate more output when the engine is at high idle. If the alert indicator for the electrical system stops within one minute, the electrical system is operating normally. During the periods of low engine speeds, the alternator is overloaded.
Modify the operating cycle. This will prevent the electrical system from overloading. This will also prevent the electrical system from discharging the batteries. You can also reduce the loads on the electrical system. Use the medium fan speed in the cab instead of using the high fan speed in the cab.
Run the engine speed at normal rpm. Run the electrical system at a light load. If the light remains on, drive the machine to a convenient stop. Investigate the cause of the problem. The cause may be a loose alternator belt, a broken alternator belt, a damaged battery, a damaged alternator, etc.
Engine Air Intake (2) - This indicator shows that the filter for the engine air intake should be changed. If this indicator flashes, change the filter for the engine air intake. The electronic controls may derate the engine horsepower if the filter is not changed. For detailed information on the filter for the engine air intake, see the topic "Engine Air Filter Primary Element". |
Check Engine (3) - This indicator indicates that diagnostic information is present in the engine control system. This does not indicate a problem with the engine operation. If this indicator lights, the operator should check the engine at the earliest possible time. |
Engine Overspeed (4) - The tachometer enters the yellow zone when engine speed exceeds 2500 rpm. The yellow zone is a visual warning. The yellow zone indicates that the machine is approaching the maximum recommended engine speed limit. The operator should adjust operating techniques in order to minimize these events. |
Warning Category 2
In this category, the alert indicator flashes and the action light flashes. The warning category requires you to change the machine operation. Changing the machine operation will reduce the excessive temperature in one of the systems or in more than one of the systems. Also, changing the machine operation will reduce the excessive engine speed.
If warnings continue to flash after changing the machine operation, do not operate the machine.
Illustration 4 | g00527944 |
Engine Coolant Temperature (5) - The needle in the red zone of the gauge indicates excessive coolant temperature. Change the operation of the machine in order to reduce coolant temperature. If the coolant temperature is not reduced, pull the machine to a convenient stop. Investigate the cause. |
Transmission Oil Temperature (6) - The needle in the red zone of the gauge indicates excessive transmission oil temperature. Change the operation of the machine in order to reduce transmission oil temperature. If the transmission oil temperature is not reduced, pull the machine to a convenient stop. Investigate the cause. |
Engine Overspeed (7) - The tachometer provides a visual warning when the engine is overspeeding. The red zone informs the operator that the engine is exceeding the maximum recommended speed limits. The red action light and the auxiliary light will turn on at 2700 rpm. The red action light and the auxiliary light will turn off at 2600 rpm. The pointer on the tachometer will remain at the maximum speed reached for several seconds. The pointer will then return to the position for actual monitoring. The maximum speed will automatically appear on the digital display window until the operator acknowledges the warning by pressing the diagnostic scroll switch. The hourmeter will then reappear. These features are designed to alert the operator that machine operation needs to be adjusted in order to reduce the risk of engine damage. |
Hydraulic Oil Temperature (8) - The needle in the red zone of the gauge indicates excessive hydraulic oil temperature. Change the operation of the machine in order to reduce hydraulic oil temperature. Cycling implements without load will reduce oil temperature. If the hydraulic oil temperature is not reduced, pull the machine to a convenient stop. Investigate the cause. |
Transmission Oil Filter (9) - This indicator indicates that the transmission oil filter should be changed. If this alert indicator flashes, change the transmission oil filter. See the topic "Transmission Oil Filter-Replace Every 500 Hours". |
Warning Category 3
In this category, the alert indicator lights and the action light flashes. The action alarm will also sound. This category requires immediate shutdown of the machine in order to prevent severe damage to the system.
Do not operate the machine until the cause has been corrected.
Illustration 5 | g00527948 |
Engine Oil Pressure (10) - This indicator indicates low oil pressure. If this indicator flashes, stop the machine immediately. Stop the engine and investigate the cause. |
Coolant Flow (11) - This indicator indicates no coolant flow in the engine. If this alert indicator flashes, stop the machine immediately. Stop the engine and investigate the cause. |