Caterpillar provides a factory installed engine monitoring system. The system is part of the engine software inside the Engine Control Module (ECM). The system monitors the following operating conditions:
- Engine oil pressure
- Intake manifold temperature
- Coolant temperature
- Air inlet temperature
- Inlet manifold pressure
- Atmospheric pressure
- Oil pressure
- Crankcase pressure
- Fuel temperature
- Operating conditions of the Aftertreatment Regeneration Device (ARD)
- Operating conditions of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
The monitoring system can be programmed to provide one of the following levels of response to operating conditions:
- Warning
- Derate
- Shutdown
This option is only available for ratings for emergency vehicles. The ECM illuminates the amber warning lamp and the optional red stop lamp. A code is logged. No further action by the ECM occurs.
The ECM turns on the amber warning lamp and the ECM flashes the optional red stop lamp. A code is logged. The ECM derates the engine's performance in order to get the driver's attention so the driver can take action in order to avoid engine damage.
If the system is programmed to "Shutdown", the ECM takes all the actions that are indicated for "Derate" and the ECM will eventually shut down the engine. The engine can be restarted as many times as needed after shutdown. This allows the vehicle to be pulled off of the road.
Monitoring of the DPF and the ARD
The ECM monitors the DPF and the ARD. The monitoring system can be programmed to provide one of the following levels of response to operating events:
- Warning
- Derate
- Shutdown
This option is only available for emergency vehicles. The ECM illuminates the amber warning lamp and the optional red stop lamp. A code is logged. No further action by the ECM occurs.
The ECM flashes the amber warning lamp and the optional red stop lamp. A code is logged. The ECM derates the engine's performance in order to get the driver's attention so the driver can take action in order to avoid damage.
If the system is programmed to "Shutdown", the ECM takes all the actions that are indicated for "Derate" and the ECM will eventually shut down the engine. The engine can be restarted as many times as needed after shutdown. This allows the vehicle to be pulled off of the road.