C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Caterpillar


Oil Pressure Is Low

Usage:

305E2 CR BZ5
Note: Severe slopes can cause low oil pressure. If the machine is operated on severe slopes, the oil level in the engine crankcase must be at the "FULL" mark on the dipstick. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for details.

Table 1
Diagnostic Trouble Codes 
J1939 Code  Code Description
(code descriptions may vary) 
Conditions Present  Comments 
100-1  Engine Oil Pressure : Low - most severe (3)  Battery voltage is normal.

Key switch turned on

At least 10 seconds after starting with engine speed at least 700 rpm.

Oil pressure switch ON: continues 1 sec or more
 
Warning Level 3. 

Probable Causes

  • Low engine oil level

  • Exceeded slope capability of engine

  • Aeration in the oil

  • Low oil viscosity

  • Plugged Oil Filter

  • Faulty oil pump

  • Faulty engine oil pressure switch

  • Faulty bypass valve

  • Damaged suction tube or cracked suction tube

  • Excessive wear of engine components

Recommended Actions

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

1. Engine Oil Level

A. Check the engine oil level in the crankcase. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for calibration of the dipstick gauge. The oil level can possibly be too far below the oil pump supply tube. The oil pump cannot supply enough lubrication to the engine components.
 

Oil 

Result: The engine oil level is low.

Add engine oil to obtain the correct engine oil level. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil.

Start the engine. Inspect the exterior of the engine for oil leaks. Repair any oil leaks.

Result: The engine oil is not low.

Proceed to Test Step 2. 

2. Slope Capability

A. Engine is approved for 25 degrees continuous operation and 30 degrees for less than 2 minutes. 

Slope Capability 

Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for more information on slope capability. 

3. Aerated Oil

A. Sample the engine oil for aeration.

Foamy oil on the dipstick is a good indication of aeration.
 

Aeration 

Result: The oil is aerated.

Proceed to Test Step 9.

Result: The oil is not aerated.

Proceed to Test Step 4.
 

4. Obtain an Oil Sample to Check for Oil Viscosity and Wear Metals.

A. Sample the engine oil viscosity. Obtain an S·O·S Oil Analysis to determine the characteristics of the oil.
 

Oil viscosity 

Result: The oil viscosity is not correct.

Replace the engine oil.

Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil. If the symptom is corrected, return the unit to service. If the symptom still exists, proceed to Test Step 5.

Result: The oil viscosity is correct.

Proceed to Test Step 5.

Result: The oil sample analysis shows a problem.

Make necessary repairs.
 

5. Oil Filter

A. Replace the engine oil filter.
 

Filter 

Result: The oil filter was changed.

If the symptom is corrected, return the unit to service.

If the symptom still exists, proceed to Test Step 6.
 

6. Oil Pump

A. Manually check the engine oil pressure and oil pressure relief valve. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Engine Oil Pressure - Test" for the correct procedure.
 

Oil pressure 

Result: The oil pressure meets specifications.

Proceed to Test Step 7.

Result: The oil pressure does not meet specifications.

Replace the oil pump or the oil pressure relief valve. If the symptom is corrected, return the unit to service.

If the symptom still exists, proceed to Test Step 6.
 

7. Engine Oil Pressure Switch

A. Refer to System Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Engine Oil Pressure - Test".
 

Sensor 

Result The pressure is within specification range.

Proceed to Test Step 8.

Result The pressure is not within specification range.

Replace the switch. If the symptom is corrected, return the unit to service.

If the symptom still exists, proceed to Test Step 8.
 

8. Engine Oil Filter Bypass

A. Replace the oil filter base.
 

Filter base 

Result: The oil filter base was replaced.

If the symptom is corrected, return the unit to service.

If the symptom still exists, proceed to Test Step 9.
 

9. Oil Pump Suction Tube

A. Remove the oil pan.

B. Inspect the suction tube. Check the joints of the tube for cracks or for a damaged O-ring seal at the connection to the pump.

C. Inspect the inlet screen of the suction tube for a restriction. This restriction will cause cavitation and a loss of engine oil pressure.
 

Suction tube 

Result: The suction tube and seal are OK.

Return to service.

Result: The suction tube and seal are not OK.

Replace any damaged parts.
 

If the procedure did not correct the issue, contact your Cat dealer Technical Communicator (TC). For further assistance, your TC can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).

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