Product Link 151/201 Caterpillar


Reporting Interval Erratic

Usage:

631E 1AB
System Operation Description:

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 intervals between reports are erratic.

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.

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.

  1. Connect the Electronic Technician to the machine.

  1. 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 HAS NOT BEEN TURNED OFF.

  1. Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".

  1. Verify that the" Possible Device Power Disconnection" is labelled as "No".

Expected Result:

"Possible Device Power Disconnection" is labelled as "No".

Results:

  • OK - The "Possible Device Power Disconnection" is labelled as "No". The Product Link has operated since successfully transmitting the last report. Proceed to Test Step 4.

  • NOT OK - "Possible Device Power Disconnection" is labelled as "Yes". The Product Link has been disconnected from power and transmissions have been prevented. This could explain the failure to get any messages. Proceed to Test Step 4 in order to verify proper operation.

Test Step 4. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE HAS BEEN IN AN AREA OF BLOCKED COMMUNICATIONS.

  1. Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".

  1. Verify that the "Possible Periods of Communications Blockage" is "No".

Expected Result:

"Possible Periods of Communications Blockage" is "No".

Results:

  • OK - The Product Link has seen satellites since the transmission of the last report. Verify that the machine has a clear view of the sky. Proceed to Test Step 6.

  • NOT OK - Product Link has experienced blocked communications. Transmissions have been prevented. This could explain the failure to get any messages. Verify that the machine has a clear view of the sky. Proceed to Test Step 5.

Test Step 5. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE IS IN POWER MODE 1.

  1. Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".

  1. 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 6.

  • 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 6.

Test Step 6. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE MONITORS THE MACHINE RUN STATUS PROPERLY.

  1. Go to "ET Status Group 2 - PLM Operational Status".

  1. Start the machine.

  1. Verify that the "Power Mode Status" changes to " Power Mode 1".

  1. Verify the "Alternator Running Input" switches to "Engine On".

  1. 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 "Power Mode 2". The power mode can be viewed in CPLS. Proceed to Test Step 7.

  • 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 7. CHECK THE INSTALLATION OF THE ANTENNA.

Observe installation of the antenna for the Product Link. Verify that the antenna is installed with a clear view of the sky. The antenna must be in a location that is free from interference. Examples of interference include the following items: Devices on the roof of the machine that emit power, Other antennas that are close to the antenna for the Product Link, indoor machine, machine under large signs that are lighted and machine under power lines

Expected Result:

The antenna is installed on the highest point on the machine. There is a clear view of the sky.

Results:

  • OK - The antenna for the Product Link is installed properly. Verify that all of the connections for the antenna are tight. A test message can be sent in order to verify communications. Monitor the performance of the communication in order to verify that reports are not erratic. Stop.

  • NOT OK - Installation of the antenna is not optimal. Accept the current performance of the communication or reinstall the antenna at a superior location. Stop.
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