Check For Correct Operation Of Oil Level Switch Caterpillar

Check For Correct Operation Of Oil Level Switch

Usage:

EXCAVATORS-311B (8GR, 8HR, 2LS, 2MS),
312B (9GR, 9HR, 2NS, 3ES, 6SW, 9NW),
312B L (8JR, 3FS, 9FS, 2KW),
313B SR (9PR),
315B (1SW, 2DW, 5SW),
315B L (3AW, 7RZ),
317B L (9WW),
317B LN (6DZ),
318B (5BJ),
318B L (ADC),
318B N (7KZ),
320B (3MR, 5BR, 1CS, 1XS, 4FS),
320B CR (8GZ),
320B L (4MR, 6CR, 7JR, 5CS, 9WS, 6LW, 2WZ),
320B LL (6LS, 9JS),
320B LN (3YZ),
320B LU (7ZZ),
320B N (4NR, 2AS),
320B S (5MS),
320B U (8GZ),
321B LCR (9CZ),
322B (3NR, 8MR),
322B L (5CR, 8NR, 1AS, 1YS, 2ES),
322B LN (1ZS),
325B (8GM, 8PR),
325B L (6DN, 7EN, 2JR, 8RR, 1GS, 4DS, 5BS),
325B LN (8FN),
330B (9HN, 8SR, 5EZ),
330B L (2RR, 3YR, 6DR, 8TR, 1JS, 4RS, 5LS),
330B LN (5LR),
345B (6XS, 2NW, 6MW, 8KW),
345B L (4SS, 5WS, 7KS, 9GS, 2SW, 8RW, 9CW),
365B (9PZ),
365B L (4XZ, 9TZ) EXCAVATORS

Reference: Service Magazine; SEPD0445; November 23, 1998; "The Correct Procedure for Starting the Engine Provides Accurate Prestart Fluid Level Monitoring on Electronic Monitor."

Problem:

The oil level switch is located on the engine oil pan and/or on the hydraulic tank of the listed excavators. If the switch fails, the following symptom may occur: The LOW OIL LEVEL icon, for the appropriate compartment, which is located on the bottom portion of the monitor panel, will remain lit even though the oil level will be at the correct level in the compartment. The icon is only used for a prestart condition to check the oil level prior to starting the machine. The light should remain off while the engine is running, even though the oil level in the compartment will be at a lower level during operation. The Reference article will describe the monitor panel prestart information.

Solution:

Please verify that the correct operation is being performed for prestart checks. See the reference article. If it is determined that the 111-4760 Switch Assembly is faulty, replace the switch and check the date code located on the switch.

Identify the Date Code Example: "7Y".

The 1st position, "7", indicates the year that the switch manufactured. The number "7" in the example is 1997.

The 2nd position, "Y", indicates the month of manufacture for the switch. The letter, "Y", in the example is November. Numbers 1 through 9 = JANUARY through SEPTEMBER and letters, X, Y, Z = OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER.

Investigation of failed parts has shown that the resin filled glass tube within the switch fails. This resin filled glass tube protects the switch lead wire. The failure of this glass tube causes the wire to be cut. The quantity of the resin in the glass tube has been increased to prevent this failure mode. This change was effective with 111-4760 Switch Assembly date code 93 (March 99). Engineering will continue to monitor the field machine population with switches above the 93 date code for a predetermined period.

Engineering is requesting the return of failed parts. If you experience failures of this switch above the indicated date code, please contact the appropriate Excavator Product Support personnel for an authorized parts return request.