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:
- Discrepancy of the Service Meter Units
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.
Note: The Service Meter Units that are reported by the Product Link module should approximately match the machine operating hours.
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 - There is a diagnostic code.
Repair: There is a diagnostic code. First correct the diagnostic code. See Troubleshooting, "Diagnostic Capabilities" 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 Operations, "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 - Troubleshoot".
Stop.
Test Step 3. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE IS CONFIGURED PROPERLY.
- Go to the "Information" pull-down menu.
- Select "Current Totals".
- Verify that the "Product Link Machine Operating Hours" match the machine's service meter units.
Expected Result:
The hours are within 1%.
Results:
- OK - The hours are within 1%. The hours are synchronized. The Product Link is operating correctly. Stop.
- NOT OK - The hours not are within 1%. Proceed to Test Step 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".
- Verify that the "Alternator Running Input" displays "Engine Off".
- Start the machine.
- Verify that the "Alternator Running Input" changes to "Engine On".
- Verify that the "Key Switch Status" is "On".
Expected Result:
The "ET Status" screen changes from "Engine Off" to "Engine On" when the machine is started. The "Key Switch Status" should be "On".
Results:
- OK - The Electronic Technician screens are correct. The Product Link is correctly reading the machine run status. This allows the Product Link to monitor the machine operating hours correctly.
Repair: Check the splices for the R-Terminal wire (403-GN) and power wire (308-YL) in order to ensure that there are no intermittent connections. Monitor the Product Link module for further drift.
Stop.
- NOT OK - On the Electronic Technician screen, the status did not change from "Engine Off" to "Engine On".
Repair: Verify the Alternator R-Terminal wiring (403-GN). Verify the switched power wire (308-YL). If the problem is not corrected, replace the Product Link module.
Stop.