Product Link - PL102C Caterpillar


Reports and Messages Not Available

Usage:

631E 1AB
System Operation Description:

There are problems that could be reported by the Product LinkPL102C System but the problems are not caused by the Product LinkPL102C module. The following section describes the problems. This 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:

Reports and messages are not received in the office.

The Product LinkPL102C 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.

  • 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 LinkPL102C module should not be replaced without verifying that the issues mentioned have been investigated and resolved if needed. Contact the Service System Support Center for aid in resolving these issues.

In "Power Mode 1", position and SMU reports are transmitted as scheduled in Caterpillar Service Tool. Fewer messages are sent in power mode 2 and power mode 3. If messages are not available in Equipment Manager, proceed with the following steps in order to determine the cause.

Test Step 1. ACCESS THE PRODUCT LINK THROUGH CATERPILLAR SERVICE TOOL.

  1. Connect Caterpillar Service Tool to the machine.

  1. Verify that the Product LinkPL102C module is available.

Expected Result:

The Product LinkPL102C module is available.

Results:

  • OK - The Product LinkPL102C module is available. Proceed to test step 2.

  • NOT OK - The Product LinkPL102C module is not present in the Caterpillar Service Tool screen.

    Repair: Verify that the wiring for the Product LinkPL102C module 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 CONFIGURED PROPERLY.

  1. In the Caterpillar Service Tool, go to the "Configuration" tab. See Testing and Adjusting, "Installation Parameters - Configure" for more information.

  1. Verify that the "PLM Enable Status" is configured as "Enabled".

  1. Verify that the "Dealer Identification Code" is configured with the correct code for the Dealer.

  1. Verify that the "DBS Machine Make Code" is configured correctly.

  1. Verify that the "Machine Serial Number" is configured with the correct machine serial number.

Expected Result:

All settings are correct.

Results:

  • OK - The Product LinkPL102C module is configured correctly. Proceed to Test Step 3.

  • NOT OK - The Product LinkPL102C module is not configured correctly.

    Repair: Correct the configuration information of the Product LinkPL102C module. Click the "Configure" tab in Caterpillar Service Tool to access the configuration parameters. Verify the configuration using the "Status" tab in the Caterpillar Service Tool.

    Stop.

Test Step 3. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK IS IN POWER MODE 1.

  1. In the "Caterpillar Service Tool", go to the "Status" tab.

  1. Turn the key to the ON position.

  1. Verify that the "Power Mode" is "Mode 1".

  1. Verify that the "Key Switch Status" is "On".

Expected Result:

The "Status" tab in the "Caterpillar Service Tool" shows that the machine is in "Mode 1" for "Power Mode" and the key switch is "On".

Results:

  • OK - The Caterpillar Service Tool screen is correct. The Product LinkPL102C module should send four position reports and one SMU report daily. Proceed to Test Step 5.

  • NOT OK - Caterpillar Service Tool shows "Power Mode 2" or "Power Mode 3". Even if this explains the current reports that are arriving at the office, proceed to Test Step 4.

Test Step 4. VERIFY THAT THE PRODUCT LINK MODULE MONITORS THE MACHINE RUN STATUS PROPERLY.

  1. Go to the Caterpillar Service Tool " Status" tab.

  1. Start the machine.

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

  1. Verify that the "Engine Running Input" changes to "Engine On".

  1. Verify that the "Key Switch Status" is "On".

Expected Result:

The "Status" tab in the Caterpillar Service Tool shows that the machine is in "Mode 1" for "Power Mode". The Caterpillar Service Tool shows that the "Engine Running Input" displays "Engine On". The Caterpillar Service Tool shows that the key switch is "On".

Results:

  • OK - Caterpillar Service Tool screens are correct. The Product Link PL102C module should send four position reports and one SMU report daily until the Power Mode changes to "Mode 2". The power mode can be viewed in Equipment Manager. Stop.

  • NOT OK - ENGINE OFF - "Engine Running Input" in the "Status" window of Caterpillar Service Tool shows "Engine Off".

    Repair: Verify that the alternator R-Terminal wiring has not been damaged. It is likely that the machine's SMU and the Product Link PL102C module's "Total Operating Hours" no longer match. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Operating Hours Discrepancy".

    Stop.

  • NOT OK - POWER MODE 2 OR 3 - Caterpillar Service Tool shows "Power Mode 2" or "Power Mode 3".

    Repair: Verify that the wiring for the switched power, wire 308-YL and the +Battery wire, has not been damaged. Repair the wiring.

    Stop.

Test Step 5. SEND A TEST MESSAGE IN ORDER TO VERIFY THE TRANSMISSION.

  1. Select the "Position" and "SMU" option from the "PLM Commands" menu.

  1. 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 condition of the antenna and the antenna cable are verified. Proceed to Test Step 6.

Test Step 6. VERIFY THAT THE CENTER CONDUCTOR OF THE ANTENNA HAS NOT SHORTED TO THE SHIELD.

  1. Disconnect the connection of the cellular antenna at the module.

  1. 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, or an open circuit.

Results:

  • OK - The resistance is 1 to 10 megohms. The resistance is correct. Proceed to Test Step 7

  • NOT OK - The resistance is less than 300 ohms. The resistance is incorrect.

    Repair: The antenna cable or the antenna has a short from the center conductor to the outer shield. Replace the cable and the antenna. Verify that the module is operating correctly.

    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, machine located indoors, machine parked under large signs that are lighted and machine parked under power lines.

Expected Result:

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

Results:

  • OK - The antennas for the Product Link are installed properly. Verify that all of the connections for the antennas are tight. Proceed to Test Step 8.

  • NOT OK - The installation of the antenna is not optimal.

    Repair: Accept the current performance of the communication or reinstall the antennas at an improved location. Refer to Special Instruction, REHS2143 for more information on Product Link PL102C antenna installation and locations.

    Stop.

Test Step 8. VERIFY THE WIRING OF THE GPS ANTENNA.

  1. Remove the connector for the GPS antenna at the module.

  1. Measure the resistance from the conductor at the center of the cable to the outer part of the GPS antenna cable connector.

Expected Result:

The resistance should be less than 10 ohms.

Results:

  • OK - The resistance is correct.

    Repair: Verify that all of the connections are tight. If the problem persists, replace the Product Link module.

    Stop.

  • NOT OK - The cable for the antenna or the antenna has an open circuit.

    Repair: Replace the cable and replace the antenna. Verify that the Product Link module operates correctly.

    Stop.

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