There are problems that may be reported by the Product Link PL102C system but the problems are not caused by the Product Link PL102C module. The following section describes the problems. The section contains steps that are used to determine the possible cause. 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 PL102C 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 cellular network is operational in the geographic area of concern. The cellular coverage is confirmed by clicking the "Status" tab on the Caterpillar Service Tool software screen. A green light icon will illuminate to indicate cellular coverage.
- The worldwide network of Caterpillar's computers is passing messages to the Equipment Manager (EM) software.
- EM is configured properly and the software is functioning.
The Product Link PL102C module should not be replaced without first verifying that the issues mentioned above have been investigated and if needed, resolved. 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 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. ACCESS THE PRODUCT LINK THROUGH CATERPILLAR SERVICE TOOL.
- Connect Caterpillar Service Tool to the machine.
- Verify that the Product Link PL102C module is available.
Expected Result:
The Product Link PL102C is available.
Results:
- OK - The Product Link PL102C is available. Proceed to Test Step 2.
- NOT OK - The Caterpillar Service Tool screen does not show a signal from the Product Link PL102C module.
Repair: Verify that the wiring for the Product Link PL102C has been installed correctly. Refer to Special Instuction, REHS2143, "Confirm Wiring Harness Connections". Step 4 of the procedure in the "Confirm Wiring Harness Connections" section, checks the wiring with a multimeter. If the ECM (Product Link) is not available, refer to System Operation Troubleshooting Testing and Adjusting, RENR8115, "Electronic Service Tool Does Not Communicate with ECM".
Stop.
Test Step 2. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE IS IN POWER MODE 1.
- Go to the Caterpillar Service Tool "Status" tab. Click on the "Status" tab.
- Turn the key to the ON position.
- Verify that the "Power Mode" is "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 Caterpillar Service Tool screens are correct. Proceed to Test Step 3.
- NOT OK - Caterpillar Service Tool screens are not correct. Even if this explains the current reports that are arriving at the office, proceed to 3.
Test Step 3. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE MONITORS THE MACHINE RUN STATUS PROPERLY.
- Go to the Caterpillar Service Tool "Status" tab. Click on the "Status" tab.
- Start the machine.
- Verify that the "Power Mode" changes to "Mode 1".
- Verify the "Engine Running Input" switches to "Engine On".
- Verify that the "Key Switch Status" is "On".
Expected Result:
The Caterpillar Service Tool Status screen changes to "Power Mode 1" and "Engine On". The "Key Switch Status" should be "On".
Results:
- OK - The Caterpillar Service Tool screens are correct. The Product Link should send four position reports and the Product Link should send one SMU report daily until the Power Mode changes to "Mode 2". The power mode can be viewed in Equipment Manager. Proceed to Test Step 4.
- NOT OK - The Caterpillar Service Tool 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 PL102C's total operating hours. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Operating Hours Discrepancy".
Stop.
- NOT OK - The Caterpillar Service Tool screen shows "Power Mode 2" or "Power Mode 3".
Repair: Verify that the wiring for the key switch and +Battery is correct. Repair the wiring.
Stop.
Test Step 4. VERIFY THAT THE GPS RECEIVER FUNCTIONS.
- Go to Caterpillar Service Tool "Status" tab. Click on the "Status" tab.
- 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 Caterpillar Service Tool screen are correct. The GPS Receiver is functioning properly. Proceed to Test Step 6.
- NOT OK - The Caterpillar Service Tool screens are incorrect. Proceed to Test Step 5.
Test Step 5. VERIFY THAT THE CENTER CONDUCTOR OF THE ANTENNA HAS NOT SHORTED TO THE SHIELD.
- Disconnect the GPS antenna cable at the Product Link PL102C 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 less than 10 ohms.
Results:
- OK - The resistance is correct. Proceed to test step 6.
- NOT OK - The resistance is incorrect.
Repair: Replace the faulty antenna and cable. Verify that the module is operating correctly.
Stop.
Test Step 6. SEND A TEST MESSAGE IN ORDER TO VERIFY THE TRANSMISSION.
- Select the "Position" and "SMU" option from the "PLM Commands" menu.
- Use Equipment Manager to verify that a message was sent.
Expected Result:
Equipment Manager shows a new position and SMU report with a time stamp that matches when the message was sent.
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.