C280 Marine and Petroleum Engines Caterpillar

Note: If the symptom is intermittent and the symptom cannot be repeated, refer to Troubleshooting, "Power Is Intermittently Low or Power Cutout Is Intermittent". If the symptom is consistent and the symptom can be repeated, continue with this procedure.

Probable Causes

• Check for Diagnostic codes and event codes

• Slow cranking speed

• Battery condition

• Keyswitch power to the Electronic Control Module (ECM)

• ECM supply voltage

• Fuel quality

• Starting aids

• Gear train problem

Recommended Actions

Table 1

Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. Check for Codes A. Connect Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to the service tool connector. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary. B. Download the "Product Status Report" from the engine ECM before performing any troubleshooting or clearing diagnostic trouble codes. Codes for the following are associated with the problem: -Fuel system - Engine speed/timing sensors - Shutdown devices 2. Check for event codes that are logged repeatedly. Repeated codes may be evidence of an impending problem. Check for logged events that have a severity of level 3. 3. Use Cat ET to confirm the status of any shutdown devices that are installed on the application. If the application has any shutoff devices that are latched mechanically, ensure that the devices have been reset. Also, check the status of any aftermarket shutdown devices that may be installed on the application.	Codes	Result: An associated code is present. Repair: Troubleshoot any associated codes before continuing with this test. Result: An associated code is not present. Proceed to the next step.
2. Check for Slow Cranking Speed A. Check the air inlet system for restrictions and/or for leaks. 1. Use Cat ET to check the engine speed while you crank the engine. If the engine cranks too slowly, the engine will not start. 2. Check for the following problems: - Low voltage for an electric starting system - Low air pressure for an air start system - Excess parasitic load - Engagement of a single starting motor on a dual starting motor system	Speed	Result: The engine speed is greater than 100 rpm for a duration of four revolutions. Proceed to the next step. Result: The engine speed is not greater than 100 rpm for a duration of four revolutions. Continue with this step. Repair: Or replace all that is necessary. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.
3. Check the Battery Condition A. Check the charge on the engine batteries. B. Load-test the batteries. Refer to Special Instruction, SEHS9249, "Use of 4C-4911 Battery Load Tester for 6 V, 8 V, and 12 V Lead Acid Batteries".	6 V, 8 V, and 12 V	Result: The batteries are charged. Proceed to the next step. Result: The batteries are not charged. Repair: Charge the batteries, if necessary. Refer to Special Instruction, SEHS7633, "Battery Test Procedure". Proceed to the next step. Result: The batteries are OK. Proceed to the next step. Result: The batteries are NOT OK. Repair: Repair or replace the battery. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.
4. Check the Keyswitch Power to the Electronic Control Module A. Use a 7X-1708 Multimeter Probe (RED) and a 7X-1709 Multimeter Probe (BLACK). Check the voltage between terminal P1-69 (−Battery) and terminal (70) (keyswitch) at the ECM connector. B. Use a multimeter to measure the keyswitch power at the ECM while the engine is cranked. C. Remove the multimeter probes from the engine.	18 V	Result: The keyswitch power is greater than 18 VDC. Proceed to the next step. Result: The keyswitch power is below 18 VDC. Repair: Troubleshoot the problem. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Power Supply - Test" for details that are related to troubleshooting a low voltage at the keyswitch circuit. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.
5. ECM Supply Voltage A. Install a 7X-1708 Multimeter Probe (RED) and a 7X-1709 Multimeter Probe (BLACK) onto the test leads of a multimeter. B. Check the battery supply voltage at the ECM during engine cranking. 1. Check the voltage between terminal locations P1-48 (+Battery) and P1-61 (−Battery) while you crank the engine. 2. Check the voltage between terminal locations P1-52 (+Battery) and P1-61 (−Battery) while you crank the engine. 3. Check the voltage between terminal locations P1-53 (+Battery) and P1-61 (−Battery) while you crank the engine. 4. Check the voltage between terminal locations P1-55 (+Battery) and P1-61 (−Battery) while you crank the engine. 5. Check the voltage between terminal locations P1-57 (+Battery) and P1-61 (−Battery) while you crank the engine. C. Remove the multimeter probes from the engine.	18 V	Result: The supply voltages are greater than 18 VDC. Proceed to the next step. Result: The supply voltage is not greater than 18 VDC. Repair: Troubleshoot the problem. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Power Supply - Test" for details that are related to troubleshooting a low voltage at the keyswitch circuit. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.
6. Check the Fuel Quality A. Obtain a fuel analysis. B. Check for air in the fuel system. Note: Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold-weather operation.	Fuel	Result: The fuel quality is OK. Proceed to the next step. Result: The fuel quality is NOT OK. Repair: For further information, refer to the engine Operation and Maintenance Manual. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.
7. Check the Starting Aids A. Ensure that the ether canister is not empty or low. B. Use Cat ET in order to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. Note: During cold mode, fuel injection timing is modified. When the engine is in cold mode, the cold cylinder cutout strategy may be active. C. Check for proper operation of the jacket water heater (if applicable).	Ether and Heater	Result: All starting aids check out OK. Continue to the next step. Result: A starting aid checked out NOT OK. Repair: Remedy the problem. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.
8. Check for a Gear Train Problem A. Verify that the crankshaft and the camshaft drive gears are set with the proper orientation for engine timing. B. Check the gear train for excessive wear.	Timing and Wear	Result: The crankshaft and the camshaft drive gears are in time. The gear train is OK. Result: The crankshaft and the camshaft drive gears are not in time. Repair: Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual. Result: The gear train has excessive wear. Repair: Refer to the Reuse and Salvage Guidelines manual.