3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES Caterpillar


SECTION 4: Troubleshooting With A Diagnostic Code

Usage:

Diagnostic Codes

Diagnostic codes are used by the electronic system to alert the operator that a problem exists and indicate to the service technician the nature of the problem.

Diagnostic Codes may be viewed using Electronic Service Tools (ET or ECAP) or the various electronic display modules. The CID, or Component IDentifier, tells which component in the system the diagnostic code is for. The FMI, or Failure Mode Identifier indicates what the failure mode is.

The code number will direct you to a procedure in Functional Test Procedures. Do not confuse diagnostic codes with diagnostic events. Events can be logged in the ECM to track information about the engine. An example would be a low oil pressure event. An event is generated when the engine oil pressure is low but not out of range for the sensor. This does not indicate a problem with the sensor, rather it indicates a problem with the engine oil pressure.

ACTIVE Diagnostic Codes

An ACTIVE diagnostic code represents a problem with the electronic control system that should be investigated and corrected as soon as is practical. When an ACTIVE diagnostic code is generated, a display module such as EMS or Engine Vision may indicate the diagnostic code. If the condition generating the diagnostic code occurs only for a brief moment, the message will disappear and the diagnostic code will be LOGGED in the ECM memory.

To troubleshoot an active diagnostic code, refer to the Diagnostic Code Cross Reference to Functional Test Procedures in the beginning of this manual under the specific code number.

LOGGED Diagnostic Codes

When the ECM generates a diagnostic code, it will log the code in permanent memory within the ECM. The ECM has an internal diagnostic clock and will record the hour of the first occurrence, the hour of the last occurrence and the number of occurrences of the code. Knowing when and how often the code was generated can be a valuable indicator when troubleshooting intermittent problems.

NOTE: The ECAP Electronic Service Tool can be used but does not support all logged codes. Logged codes can be retrieved or erased using an Electronic Service Tool. Logged diagnostic codes will automatically be deleted if no additional occurrences are recorded in 100 hours. When investigating logged diagnostic codes, keep in mind the following information.

Some diagnostic codes may be sensitive, and may log occurrences that did not result in operator complaints. If the time the code was logged does not correlate to a complaint, there may be nothing to fix.

The most likely cause of an intermittent problem is a faulty connection or damaged wiring. Next likely is a component failure (sensor or switch). Least likely is failure of the ECM itself.

Diagnostic codes that are logged repeatedly may indicate a problem that needs special investigation.

To troubleshoot a logged diagnostic code, refer to the Diagnostic Code Cross Reference to Functional Test Procedures in the beginning of this manual under the specific code number.

The code number will direct you to a procedure in Functional Test Procedures. If the symptoms continue, use the proper procedure for troubleshooting the symptoms that have been experienced by the operator. Refer to Troubleshooting Without A Diagnostic Code.

NOTE: Always clear logged diagnostic codes after investigating and correcting the problem which generated the code.

Events

The ECM can long engine events. Events refer to engine operating conditions such as low fuel pressure or an Engine Overspeed Warning. Logged events do not indicate an electronic system problem, but may indicate an engine system problem.

Event Codes

Event Codes are issued by the ECM for each engine event. They are not necessarily an indication of problems within the Electronic System. These event codes are read and interpreted by the Electronic Service Tool, which displays a numeric code and a description of the LOGGED EVENT. The LOGGED Events can be found under the DIAGNOSTIC window on the Electronic Service Tool. The events are logged and some Events can only be cleared by factory passwords.

The information displayed for a LOGGED Event is as follows:

* CID- Event Identifier. The CID is a three digit number that corresponds to an ACTIVE or LOGGED engine event.
* Description- The text which describes the event.
* Number Of Occurrences- The number of "good to bad" transitions that have occurred.
* Time Of First Occurrence- The time that the first logged event occurred, measured in the ECM hours, by the diagnostic clock is shown on the Logged Events service tool screen.
* Time Of Last Occurrence- The time that the last logged diagnostic occurred, measured in ECM hours by the diagnostic clock.

This manual contains a table listing all of the CID-FMI diagnostic codes and Flash Codes, along with the page number where details regarding the cause, performance affect, and troubleshooting of the code can be found.

Programmable, Alarms and Derates

On some applications, alarms and derates are programmable. The Electronic Service Tool can be used to turn these features ON and OFF. When the features are turned ON, the display will appear on an electronic monitoring module (i.e. Engine Monitoring System, etc) and an EVENT will also be logged in the ECM. When the features are turned OFF, the display will not appear on a monitoring module, but an EVENT will still be logged. Refer to Section 2: Programmable Parameters for additional information.

Diagnostic Codes Effect on Engine Performance

When the ECM detects an engine problem, it generates an Active diagnostic code, activates the Diagnostic Lamp and the Warning/Alarm Lamp and also logs the code to indicate when, and how many times the problem occurs. There are two types of diagnostic codes: Fault (or problem) Codes and Event Codes.

Fault Codes are provided to indicate an electrical or electronic problem has been detected by the ECM. In some cases the engine performance can be affected when the condition causing the code exists. More frequently, however, the operator cannot detect any different in the engine performance.

If the operator indicates a performance problem occurs whenever the Diagnostic Lamp is flashing, the diagnostic code may indicate the cause of the problem, and should be corrected.

If the operator does not indicate a problem with the engine performance and a diagnostic code is logged by the ECM, it indicates the ECM detected an abnormal condition, but it did not affect performance.

If this is the case, unless there are several occurrences of the code in a very short period of time, or, the ECM is indicating an Active Code at the present time, there is most likely nothing wrong with the system.

Using ET to Display ACTIVE Diagnostic Codes

1. Connect ET and the Communication Adapter Tool to the Service Tool Connector and run the ET Program.
2. Turn the keyswitch to the ON position, engine OFF.
3. Select the Display Active Diagnostics option from the Tools Menu.
4. Each Diagnostic Code CID and FMI are listed and followed by a text description.

Using ET to Display LOGGED Diagnostic Codes

1. Connect ET and the Communication Adapter Tool to the Service Tool Connector and run the ET Program.
2. Turn the keyswitch to the ON position, engine OFF.
3. Select the Display Logged Diagnostics option from the Tools Menu.
4. Each Diagnostic Code CID and FMI are listed and followed by a text description.

Engine Monitoring Programmed to WARNING

Engine Monitoring Programmed to DERATE

ECM Snapshot

The ECM can record a "snapshot" of engine/unit parameters for a period of 13 seconds surrounding an event. The event is either a diagnostic code or an external trigger.

DO NOT replace electronic components based on snapshot data alone. The snapshot information is stored in frames every 0.24 seconds (if externally triggered) or every 0.48 seconds (if diagnostic code triggered). Frequently, the parameters are changing faster or slower than 0.24 seconds, the result will be a misdiagnosed problem if too much is interpreted from this information.

DO NOT attempt to interpret the information and analyze how the engine is operating from this historical information. Looking at this information under a "microscope" will lead to misdiagnoses because some parameters are not what are expected, even though they are completely unrelated to the problem under investigation.

When to Use a Snapshot

Use the snapshot data feature ONLY to help determine engine/unit operating conditions when an intermittent problem occurs. If an intermittent diagnostic code is causing problems, use the snapshot date to determine if the problem occurs (or appears to occur) at specific engine rpm or unit speed ranges, coolant temperature ranges, etc. Use this data to attempt to duplicate these conditions and allow the code to reoccur.

Engine Snapshot Data

Whenever most diagnostic codes occur, the ECM records the time (in engine hours), as well as engine operating parameters for 9.6 seconds before and 3.4 seconds after the diagnostic code. The engine operating parameters recorded are similar to those in the ECAP or ET status screens. Not all ECAP or ET status screens or parameters are recorded.

The Engine Snapshot is triggered from the ECAP or Electronic Technician Electronic Service Tools.

Diagnostic Code Triggered Snapshot

When viewing diagnostic triggered snapshots, the ECM sets a sensor value with an ACTIVE diagnostic code to a default value when the code is Active. The sensor value will suddenly jump to a specific value at the trigger point and remain there for the rest of the snapshot frames.

After the diagnostic code occurs, the ECM records many of the status parameters available on the Electronic Service Tool. The ECM records this information for 9.6 seconds before the code occurs, and 3.4 seconds after the code.

External Triggered Snapshot

If desired, a snapshot can be externally triggered using an Electronic Service Tool. The snapshot can be triggered from the Display/Trigger Snapshot screen, located under the Display Diagnostic Messages screen (follow the on-screen instructions).

ECM Storage of Snapshots

The ECM can store up to six diagnostic code triggered snapshots, and four externally triggered snapshots. They are stored in a "circular buffer". The newest snapshot will replace the oldest if a seventh diagnostic code triggered snapshot or fifth externally triggered snapshot is taken.

The ECM stores the snapshots in memory that is maintained through the Unswitched +Battery connection. If the Unswitched +Battery connection is disconnected, or if the unit batteries are disconnected, the snapshot information is cleared.

The snapshots can also be manually cleared using an Electronic Service Tool. Snapshots, like most diagnostic codes are automatically cleared by the ECM after 100 hours of operation.

Using ET to Display Snapshot Data

Reference Sheet For Diagnostic Codes.

NOTE: The following diagnostic codes are for engine Electronic Control Module diagnostics ONLY. Diagnostic Codes Cross-Reference to Section 5 Subsystem Functional Tests or Section 6 Calibration Procedures.

NOTE: The following codes are for engine Electronic Control Module diagnostics ONLY. Logged Codes Cross-Reference to Section 3 Troubleshooting Without A Diagnostic Code.

Diagnostic Terminology

Possible Performance Effect of Active Diagnostic Codes

Caterpillar Information System:

3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES SECTION 3: Troubleshooting Without A Diagnostic Code
3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES Section 2: Programming Parameters
3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES Section 1: Electronic System Overview
3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES Quick Reference Sheet For Diagnostic Codes
3406E MARINE ENGINE Testing & Adjusting
3406E MARINE ENGINE Systems Operation
3126 HEUI INDUSTRIAL ENGINES ENGINES EQUIPPED WIT Glossary Of Terms
3126 HEUI INDUSTRIAL ENGINES ENGINES EQUIPPED WIT P-693: Vehicle Speed Calibration And Adjustment
3126 HEUI INDUSTRIAL ENGINES ENGINES EQUIPPED WIT P-621: Analog Sensor Calibration
3126 HEUI INDUSTRIAL ENGINES ENGINES EQUIPPED WIT P-614: Speed/Timing Sensor Calibration
3126 HEUI INDUSTRIAL ENGINES ENGINES EQUIPPED WIT P-5100: Injection Actuation Pressure System
3126 HEUI INDUSTRIAL ENGINES ENGINES EQUIPPED WIT P-599 Event Codes
3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES Section 5: System Functional Tests
3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES SECTION 6: Sensor Calibrations
3176C, 3196 & 3406E MARINE ENGINES SECTION 7: Glossary of Terms
3176C ; 3196 Marine Engines Electrical System 3176C & 3196 Marine Engines Electrical System
3176C & 3196 INDUSTRIAL ENGINE Systems Operation
3176C & 3196 INDUSTRIAL ENGINE Testing & Adjusting
MG-5061A MARINE TRANSMISSION Section 1 - Introduction.
MG-5061A MARINE TRANSMISSION Section 2 - Description and Specification.
MG-5061A MARINE TRANSMISSION Section 3 - Operation
MG-5061A MARINE TRANSMISSION Section 4 - Preventive Maintenance.
MG-5061A MARINE TRANSMISSION Section 5 - Trouble Shooting.
MG-5061A MARINE TRANSMISSION Section 6 - Removal and Unit Disassembly.
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