Initial Troubleshooting Procedure
- Turn the key start switch to the ON position.
- Insert a 7X-1710 Multimeter Probe Group into the rear of the middle wire in the connector. See figure 1. Insert the probe (spoon lead) between the black seal that surrounds the wire and the outer shell of the connector. Do not insert the probe between the wire insulation and the black seal. This terminal (IG) is the terminal for excitation.
Show/hide table
Illustration 1 | g00496660 |
- Read the voltage that is shown on the multimeter.
Expected Result: The voltage reads within .5 volts of battery voltage.
Results:
- YES - The voltage reads battery voltage. The excitation circuit is correct. Proceed to Step 2 .
- NO - The voltage is more than .5 volts less than battery voltage. There is a fault in the wiring harness to the alternator or there is a poor electrical connection. Correct the problem and operate the machine. Watch for a recurrence of the problem.
- YES - The voltage reads battery voltage. The excitation circuit is correct. Proceed to Step 2 .
- CHECK THE SYSTEM VOLTAGE.
- Before starting the machine, connect a voltmeter between the "B+" terminal and the case of the alternator. Turn OFF all electrical loads.
- Turn the key to the ON position but do not start the engine.
Expected Result: This voltage should be system voltage.
Results:
- YES - The voltage is system voltage. Go to Step 3
- NO - The voltage is less than system voltage. Verify that the batteries are good and verify that battery connections are good. Go to Testing and Adjusting, "T4 Alternator Drive System - Check" if the batteries are good.
- YES - The voltage is system voltage. Go to Step 3
- INITIAL CHECK OF ALTERNATOR OPERATION.
- The voltmeter remains connected in the configuration from Step 2 .
- Start the machine. Set the throttle to at least 75%. Read the voltage on the voltmeter.
Expected Result: The voltage is higher than the voltage recorded in the previous Step 2.
Results:
- YES - The voltage is higher than the voltage observed in the previous Step 2. The voltage is also lower than the maximum voltage that is listed in the specifications for the alternator. The alternator is charging partially. See the following diagnostic flow chart for reference in continued testing. Proceed to Testing and Adjusting, "T1 Alternator Output - Test" .
- YES - The voltage is higher than the voltage observed in the previous Step 2. The voltage is also higher than the maximum voltage that is listed in the specifications for the alternator. The alternator is over charging. Proceed to Testing and Adjusting, "T8 Alternator Overcharging - Test"
- NO - The voltage is not higher than the voltage observed in Step 2. Proceed to Testing and Adjusting, "T4 Alternator Drive System - Check" .
- YES - The voltage is higher than the voltage observed in the previous Step 2. The voltage is also lower than the maximum voltage that is listed in the specifications for the alternator. The alternator is charging partially. See the following diagnostic flow chart for reference in continued testing. Proceed to Testing and Adjusting, "T1 Alternator Output - Test" .
Show/hide table
Illustration 2 | g00496253 |
Charging System Troubleshooting Flow Chart |
Caterpillar Information System:
789C Off-Highway Truck Hoist, Torque Converter and Brake Tank Oil - Change
D250E Series II and D300E Series II Articulated Trucks Directional Turn Signal Control
D350E Series II and D400E Series II Articulated Trucks Engine Starting
789C Off-Highway Truck Fuel Tank Water and Sediment - Drain
789C Off-Highway Truck Fuel System Primary Filter (Water Separator) - Drain - If Equipped
CP-563D, CS-563D, CS-573D and CS-583D Vibratory Compactors Auxiliary Hydraulic System Hydraulic Oil Contamination - Test
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Machine Systems Lift Arms - Remove
CP-563D, CS-563D, CS-573D and CS-583D Vibratory Compactors Auxiliary Hydraulic System Steering System Troubleshooting
CP-563D, CS-563D, CS-573D and CS-583D Vibratory Compactors Propel System Piston Pump (Axle Propel)
CP-563D, CS-563D, CS-573D and CS-583D Vibratory Compactors Auxiliary Hydraulic System Visual Inspection
CP-563D, CS-563D, CS-573D and CS-583D Vibratory Compactors Auxiliary Hydraulic System Machine Preparation for Troubleshooting
D350E Series II and D400E Series II Articulated Trucks General Hazard Information
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Power Train Filling and Flushing the Hydrostatic System - Test
789C Off-Highway Truck Parking Brake Release Oil Filter - Replace
784C and 785C Off-Highway Truck/Tractors Engine Oil Level - Log Additions - If Equipped with the Oil Renewal System
784C and 785C Off-Highway Truck/Tractors Fuel Filter (Oil Renewal System) - Replace - If Equipped
789C Off-Highway Truck Service Brakes - Inspect
789C Off-Highway Truck Steering System Oil Level - Check
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Power Train General Testing and Adjusting Information
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Power Train General Troubleshooting Information
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Power Train Hydrostatic System - Test and Adjust
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Power Train Machine Preparation for Troubleshooting
IT14G Integrated Toolcarrier and 914G Wheel Loader Power Train Visual Inspection
789C Off-Highway Truck Torque Converter Outlet Screen - Replace