C175-16 Locomotive Engine Caterpillar


Fuel Pressure Is Low

Usage:

C175-16 3B9
Use this procedure to troubleshoot a problem with low fuel pressure. Also, use this procedure if one of the following event codes is active or logged.

Table 1
J1939 Code and Description  CDL Code and Description  Comments 
5578-14
Engine Fuel Delivery Absolute Pressure : Special Instruction 
E489 (1)
Intake Valve Actuation Pressure System Failure 
The prelubrication cycle completed, but the fuel pressure after the secondary filter is lower than expected. 
5580-17
Engine Filtered Fuel Delivery Absolute Pressure : Low - least severe (1) 
E198 (1)
Low Fuel Pressure 
The fuel pressure after the secondary fuel filter is lower than expected while the engine is running. 
5580-18
Engine Filtered Fuel Delivery Absolute Pressure : Low - moderate severity (2) 
E198 (2)
Low Fuel Pressure 
The fuel pressure after the secondary fuel filter is lower than expected while the engine is running. 

Table 2
Associated Codes 
J1939 Code  CDL Code  Troubleshooting Procedure 
1381-17  E2172 (1)  Troubleshooting, "Fuel Transfer Pump Inlet Pressure Is Low" 
5584-0  E390 (3)  Troubleshooting, "Fuel Filter Is Restricted" 
5584-15  E390 (1)  Troubleshooting, "Fuel Filter Is Restricted" 
5584-16  E390 (2)  Troubleshooting, "Fuel Filter Is Restricted" 

Probable Causes

  • Codes

  • Fuel level

  • Leaks

  • Voltage

  • Sensor

  • Low-pressure regulator

  • Relief valve

  • Back-pressure regulator

  • Bypass valve

  • Starting priority valve

Recommended Actions

Table 3
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

1. Check for Codes

A. Connect Cat® Electronic Technician (ET) to the service tool connector.

B. Look for active codes that are associated with the system for the event code.
 

Codes
 

Result: An associated code is active.

Repair: Troubleshoot any associated codes before continuing with this test.

Result: A code is active or logged.

Proceed to Test Step 2.
 

2. Check the Fuel Tank Level

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Inspect the fuel level to make sure that the tank level is not too low.
 

Fuel Level
 

Result: The fuel level is NOT low.

Proceed to Test Step 3.

Result: The fuel level is low.

Repair: Add fuel to the fuel tank.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 

3. Check for Fuel Leaks

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Inspect the low-pressure fuel system for leaks.

C. Check the low-pressure fuel system connections to make sure that the connectors are properly torqued.

D. Check the fuel filter drain plug fittings.

E. Check for air in the fuel. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Air in Fuel - Test" for the proper procedure.
 

Leaks
 

Result: A fuel leak was found.

Repair: Repair or replace damaged fuel system components.

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: There are no fuel leaks.

Proceed to Test Step 4.
 

4. Check for Power to the Low-Pressure Fuel Supply Pump

A. Turn the keyswitch to OFF.

B. Disconnect the wiring harness from the low-pressure fuel supply pump.

C. Turn the keyswitch to ON.

D. Connect Cat ET.

E. Use Cat ET to perform the following override:

- "Electric Fuel Transfer Pump Relay Override"

F. Measure the voltage between the following pins on the wiring harness connector for the low-pressure fuel supply pump:

- Pin 2 and Pin 3
- Pin 2 and Pin 4

G. Inspect and clean the fuel supply clean.
 

Voltage 

Result: The voltage at the low-pressure fuel supply pump module connector is equal to system voltage.

Proceed to Test Step 5.

Result: The voltage at the low-pressure fuel supply pump module connector is NOT equal to system voltage.

Repair: There is a problem with the power supply circuit between the low-pressure fuel supply pump connector and the battery supply. Check the circuit protection device, low-pressure fuel supply pump relay, and the ground for the low-pressure fuel supply pump circuit. Refer to the appropriate wiring diagram to troubleshoot the circuit.

Proceed to Test Step 5. 

5. Prime the Fuel System

A. Prime the fuel system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" for the additional information.
 

Fuel System 

Result: The fuel system priming sequence was completed.

Proceed to Test Step 6.
 

6. Check the Fuel Pressure Sensor

A. Connect Cat ET.

B. Use Cat ET to monitor the following parameter in the status screen:

- "Fuel Pressure"
 

Sensor 

Result: The fuel pressure reading is 0 ± 11 kPa (0 ± 2 psi).

For an E198 or 5580 code, proceed to Test Step 7.

For a 5578 code, proceed to Test Step 10.

Result: The fuel pressure reading is NOT 0 ± 11 kPa (0 ± 2 psi).

Repair: Replace the fuel pressure sensor.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 


Illustration 1g06307940
(1) Starting priority valve
(2) Low-pressure system regulator
(3) Priming loop check valve

Table 4
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

7. Check the Low-Pressure Fuel System Pressure Regulator

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Remove the low-pressure fuel system pressure regulator from the secondary fuel filter auxiliary manifold. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for additional information.

C. Check the low-pressure fuel system pressure regulator by actuating the spool within the cartridge assembly.
 

Pressure Regulator
 

Result: The low-pressure fuel system pressure regulator moves freely through the full travel.

Reinstall the low-pressure fuel system pressure regulator.

Proceed to Test Step 8.

Result: The low-pressure fuel system pressure regulator does NOT freely move through the full travel.

Repair: Replace the low-pressure fuel system pressure regulator.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 


Illustration 2g03813358
Pressure relief valve

Table 5
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

8. Check the Fuel Transfer Pump Pressure Relief Valve

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Remove the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve from the fuel transfer pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for additional information.

C. Check the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve by actuating the spool within the cartridge assembly.
 

Relief Valve
 

Result: The fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve moves freely through the full travel.

Reinstall the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve.

Proceed to Test Step 9.

Result: The fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve does NOT freely move through the full travel.

Repair: Replace the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 


Illustration 3g06307994
(4) Injector back-pressure regulator

Table 6
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

9. Check the Injector Back-pressure Regulator

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Remove Injector backpressure regulator from the low-pressure injector cooling manifold in the fuel cooling rail. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for additional information.

C. Check the Injector back-pressure regulator by actuating the spool within the cartridge assembly.
 

Back-pressure Regulator
 

Result: The Injector back-pressure regulator moves freely through the full travel.

Reinstall the Injector back-pressure regulator.

Proceed to Test Step 13.

Result: The Injector back-pressure regulator does NOT freely move through the full travel.

Repair: Replace the Injector back-pressure regulator.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 

10. Check the Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Bypass Valve

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Remove the low-pressure fuel pump bypass valve from the priming pump housing. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for additional information.

C. Check the low-pressure fuel pump bypass valve by actuating the spool within the cartridge assembly.
 

Bypass Valve
 

Result: The low-pressure fuel pump bypass valve moves freely through the full travel.

Reinstall the fuel priming pump bypass valve.

Proceed to Test Step 11.

Result: The low-pressure fuel pump bypass valve does NOT freely move through the full travel.

Repair: Replace the low-pressure fuel pump bypass valve.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 

11. Check the Starting Priority Valve

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Remove the starting priority valve from the secondary fuel filter head. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for additional information.

C. Check the starting priority valve operation by actuating the spool within the cartridge assembly.

Note: For starting priority valve location, refer to Illustration 1.
 

Priority Valve
 

Result: The starting priority valve moves freely through the full travel.

Reinstall the starting priority valve.

Proceed to Test Step 12.

Result: The starting priority valve does NOT freely move through the full travel.

Repair: Replace the starting priority valve.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 

12. Check the Fuel Transfer Pump Pressure Relief Valve

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Remove the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve from the fuel transfer pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for additional information.

C. Check the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve by actuating the spool within the cartridge assembly.

Note: For fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve location, refer to Illustration 2.
 

Relief Valve
 

Result: The fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve moves freely through the full travel.

Reinstall the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve.

Proceed to Test Step 13.

Result: The fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve does NOT freely move through the full travel.

Repair: Replace the fuel transfer pump pressure relief valve.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 

13. Replace the Fuel Transfer Pump

A. Remove electrical power from the engine.

B. Replace the fuel transfer pump.
 

Fuel Transfer Pump
 

Result: The transfer pump was replaced.

Proceed to Test Step 14.
 

14. Check for Codes

A. Start the engine.

B. Run the engine until normal operating temperature has been reached.

C. Bring the engine to high idle for 1 minute.

D. Connect Cat ET.

E. Use Cat ET to monitor the following:

- Codes.
 

Codes
 

Result: A code is not active.

Return to service.
 

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:

CX48–P2560–3060 Petroleum Transmission Modulating Valve (Torque Converter Lockup Clutch) - Test
D8T Track-Type Tractor Machine Systems Quick-Drop Valve - Remove and Install
336 Excavator Machine Systems Recoil Spring - Disassemble
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Fuel Pressure Is High
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Engine Cranks but Does Not Start
CX48–P2560–3060 Petroleum Transmission Relief Valve (Transmission Hydraulic Control) - Test and Adjust
New Software Updates Are Now Used On Certain Tier 4 Final Machines {1920} New Software Updates Are Now Used On Certain Tier 4 Final Machines {1920}
CX48–P2560–3060 Petroleum Transmission Transmission Oil Supply
D8T Track-Type Tractor Machine Systems Refrigerant Dryer - Remove and Install
986K Wheel Loader Systems Cutting Edge
C27 and C32 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Exhaust Manifold
903D Compact Wheel Loaders Machine Systems Creeper Control
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Manifold DEF Temperature Is High
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Manifold DEF Temperature Is Low
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Injector Solenoid - Test
CX48–P2560–3060 Petroleum Transmission Relief Valve (Torque Converter Inlet) Pressure - Test
CX48–P2560–3060 Petroleum Transmission Pressure for Transmission Lubrication - Test
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Dosing Signal - Test
CX48–P2560–3060 Petroleum Transmission Modulating Valve (Electronic Clutch Pressure Control) - Test
986K Wheel Loader Systems Fender - Front
966M XE and 972M XE Wheel Loaders Power Train, Steering, Braking, Hydraulic, and Machine Systems Tilt Cylinder
986K Wheel Loader Systems Window Wiper and Washer
Improved Information Display is Now Available for Certain Cat® Products {5258, 7450, 7451, 7490} Improved Information Display is Now Available for Certain Cat® Products {5258, 7450, 7451, 7490}
986K Wheel Loader Systems Trim
Back to top
The names Caterpillar, John Deere, JD, JCB, Hyundai or any other original equipment manufacturers are registered trademarks of the respective original equipment manufacturers. All names, descriptions, numbers and symbols are used for reference purposes only.
CH-Part.com is in no way associated with any of the manufacturers we have listed. All manufacturer's names and descriptions are for reference only.