- Engine:Truck Electronically Controlled
Introduction
There have been numerous reports from technicians about being unable to flash an ECM or technicians unable to communicate with an ECM.
Install a Bypass Harness.
Caterpillar recommends using a bypass harness especially when there is a communication problem or a flashing problem. Installing a Caterpillar Bypass Harness may rectify these issues. The bypass harness plugs into the J1/P1 side of the ECM. The bypass harness isolates the ECM from the rest of the wiring. This reduces the amount of information that is traveling on the data link. The bypass harness also eliminates any possible interference that is caused by the OEM harness. To order a Caterpillar Bypass Harness, use these part numbers:
- 129-2018 Power Cable (ADEM 2 ECM - 40 pin J1 connector)
- 167-9225 Harness (ADEM 3 and 4 ECMs - 70 pin J1 connector)
Check the Communications Adapter II.
Caterpillar recommends that you use a Caterpillar Communications Adapter II (CommAdapter II). Using an aftermarket communications device rather than a Caterpillar communications device may cause communication problems on ACERT engines and the aftermarket device may cause flashing issues on ACERT engines.
Check the Data Link Adapter Cable.
When you use the Caterpillar CommAdapter II, ensure that the data link adapter cable is the 207-6845 Adapter Cable As . The data link adapter cable is the cable that plugs into the round connector on the top end of the Caterpillar CommAdapter II. The previous cable with the braided shield may cause intermittent communication problems. Replace the cable with the braided shield with the 207-6845 Adapter Cable As .
Check the Baud Rate.
A baud rate that is too fast or a baud rate that is too slow may create a problem during flashing. Check the baud rate before flashing the software. Perform the following steps in order to access this feature:
- Open the "Utilities" drop-down menu in Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET).
- Select "Preferences".
- Click the "Advanced" button.
The recommended setting for the baud rate is 38400.
Check the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) Version.
Caterpillar recommends using the latest version of Cat ET. Some older versions of Cat ET with new software may cause a flashing problem.
Ensure that the Flash File is on the Hard Drive.
Always save the downloaded flash file to the hard drive ("C" drive) of you computer. Never attempt to flash software from a CD, a drive on a network, or a memory stick. This can cause the download to fail.
Ensure that the CommAdapter II is Powered.
When trying to connect, verify that the green lights on your Caterpillar CommAdapter II are flashing and ensure that the red power light is on. If these lights are not on, then there is a problem with the cable between your computer and the CommAdapter II.
"Not Compatible" Error
If the "The flash file and ECM are not compatible" error message occurs, then verify the part number for the flash file. In the "Winflash" screen, verify that the proper ECM has been selected. Often, this message is created because the wrong ECM is highlighted. An example would be attempting to flash engine software into a Cat Messenger or a Transmission controller. This combination of ECM and software is not compatible and this combination will generate this error code.
"ECM Not Flashable" Error
If the "The ECM is not flashable" error message occurs, then go to Winflash. Identify the data link which the ECM is trying to use for connection. In order to recognize the data link, locate the ECM serial number and view the selected data link to the left. The options are ATA, J1939, or CDL. Disconnect the appropriate wires from your harness. Retry the connection. This will force the ECM to communicate over a different data link and this may resolve the error.
Additional Assistance
If additional assistance is required, Contact your Technical Communicator.