3406E and 3456 Generator Set Engines Caterpillar


Can Not Reach Top Engine RPM

Usage:

3406E 8AZ
Note: If this problem occurs only under load, refer to Troubleshooting, "Low Power/Poor or No Response to Throttle".

------ WARNING! ------

The connection of any electrical equipment and the disconnection of any electrical equipment may cause an explosion hazard which may result in injury or death. Do not connect any electrical equipment or disconnect any electrical equipment in an explosive atmosphere.


Probable Causes

  • Diagnostic codes and/or event codes

  • Programmable parameters

  • Cold mode

  • Altitude derate

  • Throttle signal

  • Turbocharger outlet pressure sensor, rated fuel position and/or FRC fuel position

  • Atmospheric pressure sensor

  • Fuel supply

  • Air inlet and exhaust system

  • Accessory equipment

  • Personality module

Recommended Actions

Diagnostic Codes and Event Codes

Certain diagnostic codes and/or event codes may cause poor performance. Connect the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) and check for active codes and logged codes. Troubleshoot any codes that are present before continuing with this procedure.

Programmable Parameters

Check the following parameters on Cat ET:

  • "Throttle Position Sensor"

  • "Desired Speed Input Configuration"

  • "Direct Fuel Control Mode"

Determine the type of throttle that is used in the application. Program the parameters to match the type of throttle that is used. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Throttle Position Sensor Circuit - Test" for more information.

Note: If parameters are not programmed correctly, then the engine will have poor performance.

Cold Mode

Use Cat ET in order to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. A status flag will appear if the engine is operating in cold mode. This may limit engine speed.

Altitude Derate

The engine may be derated due to high elevation. If an altitude derate is active, the warning lamp will flash for the first 15 seconds of the derate. Connect Cat ET to the service tool connector. Check for an active engine derate on the status screens.

Note: There are no event codes that are associated with the altitude derate.

Throttle Signal

Connect Cat ET to the service tool connector. View the status for the Throttle Position on the status screen. Operate the throttle from the LOW IDLE position to the HIGH IDLE position. The status should be 0 percent at low idle and the status should be 100 percent at high idle. If the status can not operate in the full range, refer to Troubleshooting, "Speed Control - Test".

Diagnostic codes that are related to the J1939 data link will prevent correct operation of the throttle if the throttle position is transmitted over the data link. If there is a problem with the data link, the engine will remain at low idle until the data link is repaired.

Turbocharger outlet pressure sensor (intake manifold air), rated fuel position and/or FRC fuel position

  1. With the engine at full load, monitor "Fuel Position" and "Rated Fuel Limit" on the status screen of Cat ET. If "Fuel Position" does not equal "Rated Fuel Limit" then check air inlet manifold pressure.

  2. Verify that there are no active diagnostic codes that are associated with the turbocharger outlet pressure sensor. Monitor turbocharger outlet pressure and atmospheric pressure on the status screen for normal operation. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Analog Pressure Sensor Supply Circuit - Test".

Atmospheric Pressure Sensor

Note: Atmospheric pressure is not a default parameter on the status screen. A new parameter screen must be set up in order to monitor the atmospheric pressure sensor.

  1. Turn the Engine Control Switch (ECS) to the STOP position.

  2. Monitor the atmospheric pressure (boost pressure) on Cat ET. The atmospheric pressure range is between 50 kPa (7.3 psi) and 100 kPa (14.5 psi).

  3. If the readings are changing rapidly and there is no reason for the change, there may be a intermittent problem with the wiring. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Pressure Sensor -- Calibrate".

Fuel Supply

  1. Check the fuel lines for the following problems: restrictions, collapsed lines and pinched lines. If problems are found with the fuel lines, repair the lines and/or replace the lines.

  2. Check the fuel tank for foreign objects which may block the fuel supply.

  3. Check for air in the low pressure fuel supply system if any of the following procedures have been performed:

    • Replacement of the fuel filters

    • Service on the low pressure fuel supply circuit

    • Replacement of unit injectors

  4. Purge air from the low pressure fuel supply circuit. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" for the correct procedure.

    Note: A sight glass in the low pressure supply line is helpful in diagnosing air in the fuel.

  5. Check fuel quality. In temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F), check for solidified fuel (wax). Refer to Special Publication, SEBD0717, "Diesel Fuels And Your Engine".

  6. Check the fuel pressure during engine cranking. Check the fuel pressure on the outlet side of the fuel filter. Refer to Specifications for correct pressure values. If the fuel pressure is low, replace the fuel filters. If the fuel pressure is still low, check the following items: fuel transfer pump, fuel transfer pump coupling and fuel pressure regulating valve.

Air Inlet and Exhaust System

  1. Clean plugged air filters or replace plugged air filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

  2. Check the air inlet and exhaust system for restrictions and/or leaks. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System".

Accessory Equipment

Check all accessory equipment for problems that may create excessive load on the engine. Repair any damaged components or replace any damaged components.

Personality Module

  1. Verify that the correct personality module has been installed.

  2. Verify that the personality module has been flashed. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Flash Programming".
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