1999/09/06 Caterpillar

994D (3TZ) Wheel Loaders

Reference: Service Manual Module, SENR6059-06, "Vital Information Management System (VIMS)"

Reference: Service Magazine January 5,1998; "VIMS Version 9.5X On-board Source Software Available"

Reference: Electrical Schematic, RENR2516, "994D Wheel Loader"

This announcement summarizes the improvements and enhancements that have been made to the VIMS 9.6X class of on-board software. These include improvements to loader payload. The 9.6X class of on-board software is 157-2892 Software Group.

To fully utilize 9.6X capabilities it is necessary to have VIMS Version 3.0 on-board hardware and use VIMS-PC V2.4.2 or later off-board software. The version 3.0 hardware consists of two parts:

* 165-8682 (VIMS main module) Electronic Control Group.

* 144-7172 (VIMS interface module) Electronic Control Group.

NOTE: The 9.6X class of on-board software will operate with VIMS Version 2.0 hardware but the message center display backlight intensity and contrast features will not be available.

Loader Payload Enhancements

Fuel Usage/Cycle: The fuel usage data for each payload cycle will only be accessible with new VIMS-PC off-board software available later this year.

The payload cycle data is stored in on-board memory. The data is stored in a first in, first out format. This means that oldest data is replaced with the newest data when the on-board payload memory is full, this usually occurs after approximately 2500 payload cycles with the 9.0X or later class of VIMS on-board software and approximately 1200 payload cycles with on-board software prior to 9.0X.

Key Start Switch ON/OFF and Payload Count: If the key start switch is turned to the OFF position with a fully loaded bucket that has been lifted high enough to be weighed, the payload system no longer cycles the payload cycle count. When the key start switch is returned to the ON position, the payload cycle that was in operation at key OFF continues and terminates when the bucket is dumped. Histograms also count this load cycle correctly. Prior to the 9.6X on-board software, turning the key start switch to the OFF position would incorrectly increment (increases) the payload cycle count and start a new payload cycle. However, the histogram data would record the correct payload cycle count.

The default setting for broadcast (telemetry) has been turned off in the configuration software.

General Source Software Enhancements

1. "ESET" Service Program Code command - Allows the user to turn ON/OFF the functions that are listed here only while the service tool (VIMS-PC) is connected:

* Event Storage - Event will store to the event list.

* Event Display - Event will be displayed for the operator.

* Broadcast (telemetry) - Event will be broadcast via telemetry.

* Service Light - Event will turn on the service light.

NOTE: The parameter must be designated as "configurable" in the on-board VIMS configuration software before the "ESET command can be used to configure these functions. Refer to the Service Operations section of the Service Manual Module, SENR6059-06, "Vital Information Management System (VIMS)" for the step by step procedure of the "ESET command.

2. Automatic lubrication - The automatic lubrication system has been enhanced to allow an initial lubrication with each start up. The automatic lubrication system will apply lubricant for the designated time period after the engine has exceeded 400 RPM for the first time following each new start up. The automatic lubrication system will operate as configured after this initial lubrication.

3. Conditional parameters - At start up, VIMS checks the configuration software for parameters that are listed as "conditional" and compares them to the present attachment code in order to determine if the parameters should be removed from VIMS parameter tables (source and configuration). When the parameter is removed from the table, diagnostic codes will not be sent over the CAT data link to the VIMS main module.

4. Conditional Electronic Control Modules - At start up, the VIMS main module checks the configuration software for Conditional Electronic Control Modules. If an ECM is marked as "conditional" and there is no communication during start up (power loss, communication error, etc.) VIMS will remove the missing module from the VIMS listing so diagnostics will not be reported to VIMS for that ECM. When a new ECM is introduced into the system VIMS must be shutdown and restarted in order to recognize the new ECM on the CAT data link.

NOTE: There were several changes in parameter names used in the 9.6X class of source software that are not recognized by the current VIMS-PC V2.4.2 software. However, the Service Manual Module, SENR6059-06, "Vital Information Management System (VIMS)" has an updated listing of parameter names and definitions. The names listed in VIMS PC will be updated in a future release.

The VIMS 994D Wheel Loader configuration part numbers are shown in the following table.