Coolant Temperature Is High
This procedure covers the following diagnostic trouble codes:
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| Diagnostic Trouble Codes for High Coolant Temperature | ||
|---|---|---|
| J1939 Code | Code Description | Comments |
| 110-15 | Engine Coolant Temperature : High - least severe | The coolant temperature has been at 109° C (228° F) for 10 seconds. The ECM has been powered for at least 2 seconds. The engine has been running for at least 185 seconds. There are no electrical faults or battery faults on the circuit. |
| 110-16 | Engine Coolant Temperature : High - moderate severity | The coolant temperature has been at 111° C (232° F) for 10 seconds. The ECM has been powered for at least 2 seconds. The engine has been running for at least 185 seconds. There are no electrical faults or battery faults on the circuit. |
| 110-0 | Engine Coolant Temperature : High - most severe | The coolant temperature has been at 114° C (237° F) for 10 seconds. The ECM has been powered for at least 2 seconds. The engine has been running for at least 185 seconds. There are no electrical faults or battery faults on the circuit. |
| Access the monitoring system on the electronic service tool in order to view the current trip points for these codes. | ||
Probable Causes
- Diagnostic codes
- Coolant level
- Coolant temperature sensor
- Radiator and hoses
- Radiator cap and pressure relief valve
- Water temperature regulator
- Engine cooling fan (if equipped)
- Coolant quality
- Coolant pump
- Cylinder head gasket
Recommended Actions
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.
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| Troubleshooting Test Steps | Values | Results |
|---|---|---|
1. Diagnostic Codes A. Use the electronic service tool to check for diagnostic codes that relate to the temperature in the cooling system. |
Diagnostic Codes |
Result: Diagnostic codes are not present. Return the unit to service. Result: Diagnostic codes are present. Proceed to Test Step 2. |
2. Coolant Level A. Check the coolant level. |
Engine coolant level |
Result: The engine coolant level is low. Check the cooling system for leaks. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Coolant Level is Low" for additional information. Repair any leaks immediately. Result: The engine coolant level is OK. Proceed to Test Step 3. |
3. Coolant Temperature Sensor A. Compare the reading for the coolant temperature on the electronic service tool to the reading for the coolant temperature on a calibrated test gauge. |
Coolant temperature sensor |
Result: The temperature sensor is not accurate. Troubleshoot the circuit and the coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Sensor Signal (Analog, Passive) - Test". Result: The temperature sensor is reading accurately. For engines with radiator cooling, proceed to Test Step 4. For engines with keel cooling, proceed to Test Step 5. For engines with raw water cooling, proceed to Test Step 6. |
4. Radiator and Hoses Note: This Test Step is only applicable to engines with radiator cooling. A. Check the radiator fins for dirt, debris, and/or damage. B. Check for collapsed hoses and/or other restrictions. C. Check the radiator for internal blockage. |
Radiator and hoses |
Result: The radiator fins are blocked or damaged. Remove any dirt and/or debris and straighten any bent fins. Result: The radiator has internal blockage. Remove the blockage. Result: The radiator fins are not damaged and the radiator does not have an internal blockage. Proceed to Test Step 7. |
5. Keel Cooling System and Hoses Note: This Test Step is only applicable to engines with keel cooling. A. Check the cooling system for dirt, debris, and/or damage. B. Check for collapsed hoses and/or other restrictions. C. Check that the auxiliary water pump is operating correctly. D. Check the skin tank for internal blockage. E. Ensure that the skin tank size is sufficient. An undersized skin tank does not have enough area for the effective release of heat. An undersized skin tank may cause the engine to run at a temperature that is higher than normal. The normal temperature is dependent on the ambient water temperature. |
Cooling system and hoses |
Result: The cooling system is blocked or damaged. Remove any dirt and/or debris and repair/replace any damaged components. Result: The skin tank has internal blockage. Remove the blockage. Result: The cooling system is not damaged and the skin tank does not have an internal blockage. Proceed to Test Step 7. |
6. Raw Water Cooling System and Hoses Note: This Test Step is only applicable to engines with raw water cooling. A. Check the cooling system for dirt, debris, and/or damage. B. Check for collapsed hoses and/or other restrictions. C. Check that the auxiliary water pump is operating correctly. D. Check the raw water inlet for blockage or restriction. E. Check the heat exchanger for internal blockage. |
Cooling system and hoses |
Result: The cooling system or the raw water inlet is blocked or damaged. Remove any dirt and/or debris and repair/replace any damaged components. Result: The heat exchanger has internal blockage. Remove the blockage or replace the heat exchanger. Result: The cooling system is not damaged and the heat exchanger does not have an internal blockage. Proceed to Test Step 7. |
7. Filler Cap and Pressure Relief Valve A. Pressure-test the cooling system. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Cooling System" for the correct procedure. B. Check that the seating surfaces of the pressure relief valve and the filler cap are clean and undamaged. C. Check operation of the pressure relief valve and/or the water temperature regulator. |
Filler cap |
Result: The pressure relief valve and/or the water temperature regulator are not operating properly. Clean the components or replace the components. Result: The pressure relief valve and/or the water temperature regulator are operating properly. Proceed to Test Step 8. |
8. Water Temperature Regulator Check the water temperature regulator for correct operation. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Cooling System" for the proper procedure. |
Water Temperature Regulator |
Result: The water temperature regulator is not operating correctly. Replace the water temperature regulator. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Temperature Regulator - Remove and Install". Result: The water temperature regulator is operating correctly. Proceed to Test Step 9. |
9. Engine Cooling Fan (If Equipped) A. Check for a loose drive belt. Note: A loose fan drive belt will cause a reduction in the air flow across the radiator. B. Check the engine cooling fan for damage. |
Fan and drive belt |
Result: The drive belt is not tensioned correctly. Check the automatic tensioner and replace the tensioner, if necessary. Result: The fan is damaged. Repair the fan or replace the fan, as necessary. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Fan - Remove and Install". Result: The fan is OK and the fan belt is tensioned correctly. Proceed to Test Step 10. |
10. Coolant Quality A. Check the quality of the coolant. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations - Coolant". |
Coolant |
Result: The coolant is not of an acceptable quality. Drain and refill the coolant system with coolant of the correct quality. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations - Coolant". Result: The coolant is of an acceptable quality. Proceed to Test Step 11. |
11. Coolant Pump A. Inspect the impeller of the coolant pump for damage and/or erosion. B. Make sure that the drive gear is not loose on the drive shaft of the coolant pump. |
Coolant pump |
Result The coolant pump is damaged or not operating correctly. If necessary, replace the coolant pump. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Pump - Remove" and Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Pump - Install". Result The coolant pump is not damaged and the pump is operating correctly. Proceed to Test Step 12. |
12. Cylinder Head Gasket Switch off the engine and allow the engine to cool to below normal working temperature. Remove the pressure cap for the coolant system. Start the engine and inspect the coolant for the presence of bubbles or discoloration of the coolant. Note: If bubbles are present in the coolant or the coolant is discolored, combustion gases may be entering the cooling system. |
Cylinder Head gasket |
Result: Bubbles are present in the coolant or the coolant is discolored. Check the cylinder head gasket. Refer to the recommended action for the cylinder head gasket within Troubleshooting, "Oil Contains Coolant". Check the cylinder head for flatness. Refer to the recommended action for checking flatness of the cylinder head within Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Cylinder Head - Inspect". Result: There is no evidence of gas leakage into the cooling system. Contact the Technical Communicator at a Cat dealer. |
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