C7 and C9 Industrial Engines Caterpillar


Fuel Pressure Is Low

Usage:

C7 JRA
Use this procedure in order to troubleshoot low fuel pressure or use this procedure if one of the following event codes are active. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Event Codes" for information about event codes.

Table 1
Diagnostic Trouble Codes 
J1939 Code  CDL Code  Code Description
(code descriptions may vary) 
Comments 
94-17  E198(1)  Engine Fuel Delivery Pressure : Low - least severe (1)  The code is logged. 
94-18  E198(2)  Engine Fuel Delivery Pressure : Low - moderate severity (2)  The code is logged.
The engine power will be derated. 
94-1  E198(3)  Engine Fuel Delivery Pressure : Low - most severe (3)  The code is logged.
The engine may shut down. 

Probable Causes

  • Fuel level

  • Fuel supply and return lines

  • Fuel pressure sensor installation

  • Fuel pressure sensor operation

  • Fuel filters and system prime

  • Air in the fuel

  • Fuel pressure regulator

  • Fuel transfer pump

Recommended Actions

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

1. Check the Fuel Level


A. Check the fuel level.
 

Fuel level
 

Result: The fuel level is OK.

Repair: Proceed to Test Step 2.

Result: The fuel level is low.

Fill the fuel tank with fuel.
 

2. Inspect the Fuel Supply and Return Lines

A. Visually inspect the fuel lines between the primary and secondary filter bases and the inlet to the fuel injection pump. Also, inspect the fuel cooler, if equipped. Inspect the fuel return line from the head to the fuel tank. Inspect the lines for restrictions, pinching, and swelling. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System - Inspect" for additional information.
 

Inspect Lines
 

Result: The fuel lines and the cooler (if equipped) are OK.

Proceed to Test Step 3.

Result: The fuel lines and the cooler (if equipped) are not OK.

Repair: Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the problem has been resolved.

If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 3.
 

3. Verify Correct Sensor Installation

A. Check the installation of the fuel pressure sensor.

B. Check the wiring of the fuel pressure sensor. Refer to the engine Electrical Schematic. Ensure that all of the wires and the connectors are properly connected. 

Sensor installation
 

Result: The sensor is properly installed and the wiring is correct.

Repair: Proceed to Test Step 4.

Result: The sensor is not properly installed and/ or the wiring is incorrect.

Repair: Install the fuel pressure sensor properly. Repair the wiring and/or the connectors.
 

4. Verify the Operation of the Fuel Pressure Sensor

A. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position.

B. Remove the fuel pressure sensor.

C. Install a suitable pressure gauge into the low-pressure fuel system with a Tee fitting in the port for the fuel pressure sensor.

D. Connect the fuel pressure sensor to the Tee fitting.

E. Monitor the status for "Fuel Pressure" on the electronic service tool.

F. Crank the engine.

G. Compare the pressure reading on the gauge to the pressure reading on the electronic service tool.
 

Within 35 kPa (5 psi) 

Result: The pressure readings are within 35 kPa (5 psi) of each other. The sensor is functioning properly.

Proceed to Test Step 5.

Result: The pressure readings are not within 35 kPa (5 psi) of each other. The sensor is not functioning properly.

Repair: Temporarily install a new fuel pressure sensor.
If the new sensor repairs the problem, reinstall the suspect sensor.
If the problem returns, replace the sensor.
 

5. Prime the Fuel System

A. Replace the primary and secondary fuel filters.

B. Use the hand priming pump to prime the fuel system.

C. Connect the electronic service tool to the data link connector.

D. Crank the engine. Monitor the status for "Fuel Pressure" during engine cranking 

At least 175 kPa (25 psi) 

Result: The fuel pressure exceeds 175 kPa (25 psi) during engine cranking. Replacing the fuel filters and priming the fuel system resolved the problem.

Return the engine to service.

Result: The fuel pressure does not exceed 175 kPa (25 psi) during engine cranking.

Repair: Proceed to Test Step 6.
 

6. Check for Air in the Fuel System

A. Check for air in the fuel. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Air in Fuel - Test".
 

Air in the System 

Result: Air is in the system.

Repair: Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Air in Fuel - Test" for the proper repairs.

Result: Air is not in the system.

Proceed to Test Step 7.
 

7. Replace the Fuel Return Pressure Regulator

A. Replace the fuel return pressure regulator.

B. Inspect the anti-drain check valve for proper operation.
 

Replace Pressure Regulator
 

Result: The problem has been resolved.

Return the engine to service.

Result: The problem has not been resolved.

Proceed to Test Step 8.
 

8. Replace the Transfer Pump

A. Replace the transfer pump.
For information about testing the transfer pump, Refer to Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System Pressure - Test".
 

Transfer Pump
 

Result: The transfer pump was replaced.

Repair: Reset all active codes and clear all logged codes by using the electronic service tool.
Verify that the problem has been resolved.
 
If the procedure did not correct the fault, contact the Dealer Solution Network (DSN). 

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