Oil Pressure Is Low
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.
Show/hide table
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. |
- 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
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.
Show/hide table
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).
Caterpillar Information System:
C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Oil Contains Fuel
C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Oil Contains Coolant
C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Oil Consumption Is Excessive
C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Intake Manifold Air Temperature Is High
950 GC Wheel Loader Braking and Hydraulic Fan System Brake Accumulator
953K Track-Type Loader Power Train Equalizer Bar - Remove and Install
986H Wheel Loader Machine Systems Ride Control Accumulator - Remove and Install
D6T XE Electrical & Hydraulic Troubleshooting Indicator Lamp - Test
854K Wheel Dozer Maintenance Interval Schedule
986H Wheel Loader Machine Systems Tilt Cylinder - Remove and Install
986H Wheel Loader Machine Systems Boom - Remove and Install
986H Wheel Loader Machine Systems Rear Bumper - Remove and Install
C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Valve Lash Is Excessive
C2.4 Tier 4 Final Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Injector Data Incorrect - Test
994K Wheel Loader Engine Supplement Water Temperature Regulator - Remove and Install
D8R and D8T Track-Type Tractors Fire Extinguisher Location
D8R and D8T Track-Type Tractors Parking
910K, 914K and 920K Compact Wheel Loaders Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Clean
950 GC Wheel Loader Steering System Monitoring System (Steering Functions)
950 GC Wheel Loader Steering System Piston Pump (Steering)
950 GC Wheel Loader Steering System Metering Pump (HMU)
814K Wheel Dozer General Information (Hydraulic System)
854K Wheel Dozer TA2 Technical Inspection {0372, 0374, 1000, 7000, 753T, 7565} 854K Wheel Dozer TA2 Technical Inspection {0372, 0374, 1000, 7000, 753T, 7565}
910K, 914K and 920K Compact Wheel Loaders Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Replace