C7.1 Engines Caterpillar


DEF Tank Level Is Low

Usage:

C7.1 881
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank Level Inducement

Inducements are engine derates or other actions intended to prompt the operator to seek repair or maintenance of the emissions control system.

Table 1
Diagnostic Trouble Codes for DEF Tank Level Is Low 
J1939 Code  CDL Code  Code Description
(code descriptions may vary) 
Comments 
1761-1  E954 (3)  Aftertreatment #1 DEF Tank Volume : Low - most severe (3)  This code is a Level 3 inducement that becomes active when the DEF tank is empty. The engine is derated 100%, limited to low idle or 1000 RPM, and may experience 5 minute rolling shutdowns. 
1761-17  E954 (1)  Aftertreatment #1 DEF Tank Volume : Low - least severe (1)  This code is a Level 1 inducement that becomes active when the DEF level is critically low. 
1761-18  E954 (2)  Aftertreatment #1 DEF Tank Volume : Low - moderate severity (2)  This code is a Level 2 inducement that becomes active when the DEF level is critically low. Power loss may occur. 
Follow the troubleshooting procedure to identify the root cause of the problem. 

Refer to Systems Operation, "DEF Dosing Control System" for details on inducement configuration options and inducement actions for specific tank levels.

Note: Always turn the keyswitch to the OFF position before adding DEF to the tank.

Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

1. Check the DEF Level

A. Turn the keyswitch to the ON position. Do not start the engine.

B. Check the current position of the DEF gauge.

C. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position.

D. Clean dirt and debris from around the cap before removing the cap.

E. Fill the DEF tank to at least 25% capacity.

Note: Only use DEF that meets ISO 22241 quality standards.

F. Turn the keyswitch to the ON position.

G. Check for a change in the gauge position.
 

Gauge position
 

Result: The gauge did not move when DEF was added to the tank.

Proceed to Test Step 2.

Result: The gauge moved when DEF was added to the tank. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position for 2 minutes to allow the DEF pump to purge, reset the code, and reset the Dosing Control Unit (DCU).

Return the unit to service.
 


Illustration 1g03410399
(1) DEF Tank Header connector
(2) DEF Tank Header

Table 3
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

2. Check the Electrical Connection at the DEF Tank Header

A. Inspect the electrical connector (1) to the DEF tank header. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Connectors - Inspect" for further information.

Look for corrosion or loose wires.
 

Electrical connections
 

Result: The electrical connectors are free of corrosion and are not loose.

Proceed to Test Step 3.

Result: The electrical connections are not free of corrosion and/or are loose.

Repair: Make the necessary repairs to the connectors. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position for 2 minutes to allow the DEF pump to purge, reset the code, and reset the Dosing Control Unit (DCU).

Repeat the procedure from Test Step 1.
 

3. Inspect the DEF Tank Header

A. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position.

B. Remove the DEF tank header (2) from the DEF tank. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Manifold (DEF Heater) - Remove and Install".

C. If necessary, remove the filter sock from the DEF tank header.

C. Inspect the DEF tank header for a stuck float.
 

Correct operation of the float
 

Result: The float was not operating correctly.

Repair: If possible, repair the float and then install the filter sock. If the float cannot be repaired, replace the DEF tank header. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Manifold (DEF Heater) - Remove and Install".

Return the unit to service.

Result: The float was operating correctly.

Repair: Replace the DEF tank header. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Manifold (DEF Heater) - Remove and Install".

If the fault is still present, contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).
 

Caterpillar Information System:

2015/04/17 New Air Shutoff Assemblies Are Used On Certain C175 Engines {1078}
C3.4B Engines Exhaust System Contains Coolant
C3.4B Engines Exhaust Has Excessive White Smoke
C32 Marine Engines Auxiliary Water Pump - Assemble
NEHS1214: 455-0126 Nitrogen Booster Pump Group {0374, 0599, 0647, 0756, 4263, 4331, 5077, 7200} NEHS1214: 455-0126 Nitrogen Booster Pump Group {0374, 0599, 0647, 0756, 4263, 4331, 5077, 7200}
3512E Land Electric Drive Manual Stop Procedure
C13 Generator Set Engine Water Pump - Remove and Install
2015/01/16 A New Air Starter Service Kit and Strainer Are Used on the Air Starting Systems of Certain C27, C32, 3512, and 3516C Engines {1451}
2015/02/27 A New Procedure Exists for Marking Diesel Particulate Filters that Are Being Returned to Cat ® Reman {108F, 7754}
2014/11/26 New Electrical Schematic Is Available for Certain Retrofit Aftertreatment Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems {108F, 1091, 7566}
C7.1 Engines DEF Pressure Is Low
C32 Marine Engines Auxiliary Water Pump - Disassemble
G3600 A4 Engines Product Description
C13 Generator Set Engine Water Temperature Regulator Housing - Remove and Install
C13 Generator Set Engine Fumes Disposal Filter - Remove and Install
C7.1 Engines DEF Tank Temperature Is High
C7.1 Engines DEF Temperature Is Low
C13 Generator Set Engine Valve Mechanism Cover - Remove and Install
C3.4B Engines Data Link - Test
2014/12/12 Engine Overhaul Foundational Kits Are Available for C18 Marine Engines {1000}
XQC1600 Power Module Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator - Drain
XQC1600 Power Module Welding on Engines with Electronic Controls
Modification to Control Panel Supply Wiring on Certain C6.6 Marine Generator Sets{1408, 4490, 7451} Modification to Control Panel Supply Wiring on Certain C6.6 Marine Generator Sets{1408, 4490, 7451}
C7.1 Engines Engine Cranks but Does Not Start
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.