C280 Marine and Petroleum Engines Caterpillar


Engine Shutdown Occurs Intermittently

Usage:

C280-16 A4F
Note: Use this procedure only if the engine shuts down completely during operation.

Probable Causes

  • Active codes and logged codes

  • Air shutoff (if equipped)

  • Unstable fuel supply

  • Electrical connections

  • Switches

  • Circuit protection

  • Engine speed/timing

Recommended Actions

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in the order of the listed test steps.

Table 1
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

1. Active Codes and Logged Codes

A. Establish communication between Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) and the Electronic Control Module (ECM).

B. Monitor the diagnostic codes on Cat ET. Check for active diagnostic codes.

Note: Wait at least 30 seconds in order for diagnostic codes to become active.
 

Codes
 

Result: There are active codes.

Repair: Troubleshoot any codes before continuing with this procedure.
Verify if the problem has been resolved.

Result: There are no active codes.

Proceed to Test Step 2.
 

2. Air Shutoff (if applicable)

A. Check the operation of the air shutoff system.
 

Air shutoff
 

Result: The air shutoff system is operating properly.

Proceed to Test Step 3.

Result: The air shutoff system is not operating properly.

Repair: Repair the air shutoff system. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Air Shutoff - Test" for troubleshooting information.
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
 

3. Electrical Connections

A. Check for the correct installation of the ECM J1/P1 and the J2/P2 connectors. Check for correct installation of the fuel injector connectors.
 

Connectors
 

Result: There are suspect connectors.

Repair: Repair connectors that are suspect or replace connectors that are suspect. Perform the "Wiggle Test" on Cat ET.
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: There are no suspect connectors.

Proceed to Test Step 4.
 

4. Unstable Fuel Supply

If there is an immediate engine shutdown, troubleshoot the electrical connectors before proceeding with this procedure.

A. Inspect the fuel system. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System - Inspect" for additional information.

Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the engine Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold-weather operation.

B. Check fuel quality. Check the fuel tank for debris or foreign objects which may block the fuel supply.

C. Check the filtered fuel pressure while the engine is being cranked.
 

Fuel
 

Result: The fuel quality is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 5.

Result: The fuel quality is not OK.

Repair: Replace the fuel.
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
 

5. Electrical Connections

A. Check the power and ground connections to the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Power Supply - Test".
 

Electrical connectors
 

Result: The electrical connections are OK.

Proceed to Test Step 6.

Result: The electrical connections are not OK.

Repair: Repair or replace the damaged connectors.
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
 

6. Switches

A. Check the keyswitch input to the ECM.

B. Check any engine shutdown switches and associated wiring.
 

Switches
 

Result: The shutdown switches and wiring are OK.

Proceed to Test Step 7.

Result: The shutdown switches and wiring are not OK.

Repair: Make the necessary repairs.
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
 

7. Circuit Protection

A. Inspect the wires and connectors to all circuit protection for the engine.

B. Check the device for circuit protection.
 

Circuit protection
 

Result The circuit protection device is tripped.

Repair: Reset the circuit breakers if the circuit breakers are tripped. If necessary, replace fuses (if equipped). Prior to returning the engine to service, determine the condition that caused the circuit breaker to trip. Make the necessary repairs.
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result The circuit protection device is not tripped.

Proceed to Test Step 8.
 

8. Engine Speed/Timing

A. Thoroughly inspect the connectors for the engine speed/timing sensors.

B. Crank the engine, if the engine starts and no speed timing codes are logged, the speed timing circuit is operating properly.
 

Speed/Timing
 

Result: The Speed/Timing sensor circuit is not operating properly.

Repair: Make the necessary repairs, Verify that the repair eliminated the problem. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Speed/Timing `- Test"
Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
 

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).

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