Oil Pressure Is Low
Use this procedure to troubleshoot low engine oil pressure. Also, use this procedure if one of the following event codes is active.
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J1939 Codes and Description | CDL Codes and Description | System Response |
---|---|---|
100-17
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - least severe (1) |
E360 (1)
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - least severe (1) |
The engine oil pressure is below the map-based trip point and the delay time has expired. The code is logged. |
100-18
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - moderate severity (2) |
E360 (2)
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - moderate severity (2) |
The engine oil pressure is below the map-based trip point and the delay time has expired. The code is logged. |
100-1
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - most severe (3) |
E360 (3)
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - most severe (3) |
The engine oil pressure is below the map-based trip point and the delay time has expired. The code is logged.
The engine is shutdown. |
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Associated Codes | ||
---|---|---|
J1939 Code | CDL Code | Comments |
99–0 | E73 (3) | Troubleshooting, Oil Filter Differential Pressure Problem |
99–15 | E73 (1) | Troubleshooting, Oil Filter Differential Pressure Problem |
99–16 | E73 (2) | Troubleshooting, Oil Filter Differential Pressure Problem |
If the engine shuts down due to low oil pressure, power to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) must be cycled before restarting the engine.
- Codes
- Engine oil level
- Oil viscosity
- Contaminated engine oil
- Sensor problem
- Sensor circuit components
- Suction tube
- Oil cooler
- Oil pressure regulator
- Oil pump gears
- Inlet strainer
- Worn components
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in the order of the listed test steps.
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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 troubleshooting or clearing any diagnostic trouble codes. C. Determine if the event code that directed to this story is present. D. Look for active diagnostic codes that are associated with the system for the event code that directed to this story. |
Codes |
Result: An associated code is present. Repair: Troubleshoot any associated codes before continuing with this test. Result: An E360, 100-1, 100-17, or 100-18 code is present. Proceed to Test Step 2. |
2. Check the Engine Oil Level |
Engine oil level |
Result: The engine oil level is OK. Proceed to Test Step 3. Result: The engine oil level is NOT OK. Repair: Inspect the engine for signs of external leaks. Add engine oil to obtain the correct engine oil level. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, Engine Oil for recommendations of engine oil. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 3. |
3. Check the Oil Pressure Sensors A. Use Cat® Electronic Technician (ET) to compare the readings of the following pressures : "Unfiltered Oil Pressure" "Engine Oil Pressure" |
Parameters |
Result: Both sensors read 0+ or -2 psi while the engine is off. Repair: Refer to Testing and Adjusting, Engine Oil System - Inspect. Result: A sensor does not read 0+ or -2 psi while the engine is off. Repair: A sensor has failed in range, replace the sensor. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 4. |
4. Ensure that the Oil Viscosity is Correct NOTE: For the correct engine oil to use, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual. |
Viscosity |
Result: The engine oil is OK. Proceed to Test Step 5. Result: The engine oil is NOT OK. Repair: Determine the reason why incorrect oil is in the engine. Change the engine oil and the engine oil filter. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 5. |
5. Check for Contaminated Engine Oil A. Obtain an analysis of the engine oil. NOTE: High engine oil level can be an indication of contamination with fuel or coolant. Engine oil that is contaminated with another liquid will cause low engine oil pressure. |
Contamination |
Result: The oil is OK. Proceed to Test Step 6. Result: The oil is NOT OK. Repair: Determine the reason for contamination of the engine oil and make the necessary repairs. Change the engine oil and the engine oil filter. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 6. |
6. Examine the Oil Pump A. Look for signs of excessive heat, including discolored or bubbled paint. |
Oil pump |
Result: The oil pump is OK. Proceed to Test Step 7. Result: The oil pump is NOT OK. Repair: Replace the oil pump. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 7. |
7. Inspect the Oil Pump Gears A. Remove the inlet tube to the oil pump between the oil pan and the oil pump. B. Inspect the gears as the engine is being turned over for damaged teeth or gears not turning. |
Oil pump gears |
Result: The oil pump gears are OK. Proceed to Test Step 8. Result: The oil pump gears are NOT OK. Repair: Replace the oil pump. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 8. |
8. Check the Oil Inlet Strainer for Debris A. Remove the 4 nuts on the access cover studs and inspect the strainer. |
Oil inlet strainer |
Result: There is no debris. Proceed to Test Step 9. Result: There are large quantities of metallic debris. Repair: Contact the Cat dealer to do a metal analysis to determine the root cause of debris. Check connecting rods for extruding bearings. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 9. |
9. Examine the Oil Pressure Regulator Valves A. Check if the valves are scuffed or worn. |
Valves |
Result: The oil pressure regulator valves are OK. Proceed to Test Step 10. Result: The oil pressure regulator valves are NOT OK. Repair: Replace the oil pressure regulator valves. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 10. |
10. Inspect the Oil Suction System A. Check the o-ring seals for damage or determine if the seals are missing. Check related components for damage. |
Oil suction system |
Result: The oil suction system is OK. Proceed to Test Step 11. Result: The oil suction system is NOT OK. Repair: Replace the components as necessary. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 11. |
11. Replace the Oil Pressure Regulator and Control Check Valves |
Regulator Check valves |
Repair: Replace the oil pressure regulator and control check valves. If the problem is not resolved, contact the TC for assistance. |
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