There are problems that could be reported with the Product Link System but the problems are not caused by the Product Link Module. The following section describes the problems. The section contains steps that are used to determine the possible cause. Check for active diagnostic codes for the Product Link. Correct any diagnostic codes before proceeding. The module, the antenna, and cables should be visually inspected for damage. Verify that there are no loose connections.
Description of the Problem:
- The position reports are not received in the office.
The Product Link system depends on several communication links in order to transfer data from the machine to the office. The following procedures assume that these communication links are operating properly. The proper Communication links are listed below:
- The Orbcomm satellite network is operational in the geographic area of concern. The network is operational when messages can travel to the satellite and the messages can travel to the earth and Caterpillar.
- The Product Link module is correctly configured to communicate on the Orbcomm network. This was verified during manufacturing tests.
- The worldwide network of Caterpillar's computers is passing messages to the software ("CPLS-Web: Caterpillar Product Link System - PC Software").
- The CPLS is configured properly and the software is functioning.
The Product Link module should not be replaced without verifying that these issues have been investigated. Contact the Service System Support Center for aid in resolving these issues.
Every 24 hours, in "power mode 1", four position reports and one SMU/Fuel report are transmitted. Fewer messages are sent in power mode 2 and power mode 3. If there is no position report after moving the machine and the SMU report is received, the unit is likely to be configured correctly. There is likely to be a problem with the system's GPS. Proceed with the following steps in order to determine the cause:
Test Step 1. CHECK THE LED INDICATORS.
Check the LED indicators on the Product Link.
Expected Result:
The red LED is OFF.
Results:
- RED LED OFF - The red LED is OFF. There are no diagnostic codes. Proceed to Test Step 2.
- RED LED BLINKING - The red LED is blinking. There is a diagnostic code.
Repair: First correct the diagnostic code. See Troubleshooting, "Diagnostic Code List" for more information.
Stop.
- RED LED ALWAYS ON - The red LED is always ON. The Product Link has failed.
Repair: Replace the Product Link.
Stop.
Test Step 2. ACCESS THE PRODUCT LINK THROUGH THE ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN.
- Connect the Electronic Technician to the machine.
- Verify that the ECM (Product Link) is available.
Expected Result:
The ECM (Product Link) is available.
Results:
- OK - The ECM (Product Link) is available. Proceed to Test Step 3
- NOT OK - The ECM (Product Link) is not present in the Electronic Technician screen.
Repair: Verify that the wiring for the Product Link has been installed correctly. See Systems Operation, "System Installation". Near the end of the installation procedure, Step 13 checks the wiring with a multimeter. If the ECM (Product Link) is not available, see Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tool Does Not Communicate with ECM".
Stop.
Test Step 3. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE IS IN POWER MODE 1.
- Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".
- Verify that the "Power Mode Status" is "Power Mode 1". Verify that the "Key Switch Status" is "On".
Expected Result:
The machine is in "Power Mode 1" and "Key Switch On".
Results:
- OK - The Electronic Technician screens are correct. Proceed to Test Step 4.
- NOT OK - Electronic Technician screens are not correct. A report of the position is sent in "Power Mode 2" and in "Power Mode 3" when the machine moves more than 200 m (656 ft). Fuel reports are sent in "Power Mode 1" only. Even if this explains the current reports that are arriving at the office, proceed to 4
Test Step 4. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE MONITORS THE MACHINE RUN STATUS PROPERLY.
- Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".
- Start the machine.
- Verify that the "Power Mode Status" changes to " Power Mode 1".
- Verify the "Alternator Running Input" switches to "Engine On".
- Verify that the "Key Switch Status" is "On".
Expected Result:
The ET Status screen changes to "Power Mode 1" and "Engine On". The "Key Switch Status" should be "On".
Results:
- OK - The Electronic Technician screens are correct. The Product Link should send four position reports and the Product Link should send one SMU/Fuel report daily until the Power Mode changes to "mode 2". The power mode can be viewed in CPLS. Proceed to Test Step 5.
- NOT OK - The Electronic Technician screen shows "Engine Off".
Repair: Verify that the Alternator R-Terminal wiring has not been damaged. It is likely that the machine's SMU and Product Link's SMU no longer match. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Operating Hours Discrepancy".
Stop.
- NOT OK - The Electronic Technician screen shows "Power Mode 2" or "Power Mode 3".
Repair: Verify that the wiring for the switched power (308-YL) is correct. Repair the wiring.
Stop.
Test Step 5. VERIFY THAT THE GPS RECEIVER FUNCTIONS.
- Go to ET "Status Group 5 - GPS".
- Verify that the "GPS Position Status" is "Valid".
- Verify that the GPS has calculated a location within the last 10 minutes. The "GPS Time Stamp" can be compared to the "PC Current Date/Time" in order to calculate the time since the last calculation of the position.
Expected Result:
The "GPS Position Status" is "Valid". The last calculation (GPS) of the position was within 10 minutes in "Power Mode 1".
Results:
- OK - The indications on the ET screen are correct. The GPS Receiver is functioning properly. Proceed to Test Step 8.
- NOT OK - The ET screens are incorrect. Proceed to Test Step 6.
Test Step 6. VERIFY THAT THE CENTER CONDUCTOR OF THE ANTENNA HAS NOT SHORTED TO THE SHIELD.
- Disconnect the connection of the GPS antenna at the module.
- Measure the resistance from the shield of the antenna cable to the conductor at the center of the cable. The shield is the threaded part of the connector.
Expected Result:
The resistance is 1 to 10 megohms.
Results:
- OK - The resistance is correct. Proceed to Test Step 7
- NOT OK - The resistance is incorrect.
Repair: The antenna cable or the antenna has a short from the center conductor to the outer shield. Disconnect the cable from the antenna in order to isolate the short. Replace the cable or the antenna. Verify that the module is operating correctly.
Stop.
Test Step 7. VERIFY THE WIRING OF THE GPS ANTENNA.
- Disconnect the connector for the GPS antenna at the module.
- Measure the resistance of the conductor at the center of the cable. Measure the resistance from one end of the cable to the other end of the cable.
Expected Result:
The resistance should be less than 10 ohms.
Results:
- OK - The resistance is less than 10 ohms. The cable does not have a problem. Verify that all connections are tight. If the problem persists, then replace the Antenna assembly. Stop.
- NOT OK - The resistance is incorrect. The antenna cable for the Product Link has failed.
Repair: Replace the cable and verify that the module operates correctly.
Stop.
Test Step 8. SEND A TEST MESSAGE IN ORDER TO VERIFY THE TRANSMISSION.
- Go to the drop-down menu in the ET and select "Service". Then select "PLM Commands" and "Position Report".
- Go to "ET Status Group 1 - Queued Messages".
- Verify that the "Queued Position Report" equals 1.
- Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".
- Verify the "Primary Communication Link" switches to "On-Line" within 15 minutes.
- Go to "ET Status Group 1 - Queued Messages".
- Verify that the Queued Position Report changes to 0 within 15 minutes. This signifies that the message has been successfully transmitted.
Expected Result:
The "Primary Communication Link" switches to "On-Line" and the "Queued Position Report" is transmitted within 15 minutes.
Results:
- OK - The Product Link appears to be operating properly. Verify that the message was successfully received at the office. Remember that the delay time is dependent on the configuration of the software at the office. Stop.
- NOT OK - There is a problem with the antenna or with the module. Do not replace the module until the antenna and cable are verified.
Repair: Go to Troubleshooting, "Reports and Messages Not Available"
Stop.