2010/06/04 Caterpillar

Engine:

C7 (S/N: JTF1-UP)

Use the following procedures in order to start the machine in environments where the ambient air temperature is cold.

Starting Procedure in Cold Ambient Temperature

1. Perform all of the required daily maintenance and periodic maintenance that is needed. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cold Weather Operation".

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The yellow light will be illuminated for 5 seconds. The engine preheater will be activated for 30 seconds after the yellow light is turned off.

3. Observe the murphy panel for the voltage reading. Attempt to start the engine if the panel displays 12V or greater.

   Note: Charge the batteries before attempting to start the engine if the panel displays less than 12V.

4. Allow the starting motor to cool for 2 minutes if the engine does not start within 30 seconds.

The air inlet heater can continue to operate in a "Continuous" mode or in "Intermittent" mode after the engine has started. The air inlet heater is disabled when the sum of the coolant temperature and the air inlet temperature exceed 35° C (95° F)

Consult a technician or refer to "Diagnostic Procedure" if the engine does not start after all of the checks that are listed above have been completed.

Diagnostic Procedure

Use the following procedure in order to perform several diagnostic checks on the starting system.

1. Check the battery voltage at the battery posts if the battery voltage is less than 12.6V, if the engine cranks slowly or will not crank.

2. Check the voltage to the dump valve or manually open the dump valve.

3. Crank the engine and check the battery voltage at the battery posts on both batteries.

4. Crank the engine and check the battery voltage at the starter posts.

   Refer to Table 1 for ambient temperature compensation. Compare the voltage readings between the batteries and the starter.

   Show/hide table

   Table 1

   Cranking System Voltage Versus Ambient Temperature
   Temp.	−23° C to −7° C (−9° F to 19° F)	−7° C to 10° C (19° F to 50° F)	10° C to 27° C (50° F to 80° F)
   24V System	12V to 16V	14V to 18V	16V to 20V
   12V System	6V to 8V	7V to 9V	8V to 10V

5. Charge or replace the batteries if the readings on the batteries and starter are low.

   Note: Use a battery package that will crank the engine 4 times at 30 second intervals without dropping to 60 percent of the battery voltage if the batteries are replaced.

6. Clean the battery cables and connections if the voltages are different between the battery and the starter.

7. Change the starter if the voltages are the same between the battery and the starter.

8. Check the battery voltage at all of the batteries to ensure that the alternator is operating correctly once the engine is started.

9. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Cranks but Will Not Start" for more information, if the engine will not start after all of the checks that are listed above have been completed.