C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Caterpillar

Fuel Contains Water

Usage:

C7.1 770

This procedure covers the following diagnostic code:

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Table 1
Diagnostic Trouble Code for Water in Fuel
J1939 Code	CDL Code	Code Description (code descriptions may vary)	Comments
97-15	E232 (1)	Water In Fuel Indicator : High - least severe (1)	Water has been detected in the fuel that is contained in the fuel/water separator bowl. The water has been present for at least 40 seconds. The warning lamp will come on.
97-16	E232 (2)	Water In Fuel Indicator : High - moderate severity (2)	Water has been detected in the fuel that is contained in the fuel/water separator bowl. The water has been present for at least 60 minutes. The warning lamp will come on. The engine will be derated at 17.5% per second up to a maximum of 35%.

Note: Visual identification of water in the bowl may be impossible. Water may turn dark yellow in the fuel system. The similarity in color would prevent the ability to differentiate the water from the fuel.

Recommended Actions

Note: Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.

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Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. Drain the Fuel/Water Separator Bowl A. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. B. Drain the fuel/water separator bowl. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator - Drain". C. If necessary, prime the fuel system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime". D. Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Do not start the engine. Wait for 1 minute.	Fuel/water separator	Result: The "Water-In-Fuel" warning disappears within 1 minute. Proceed to Test Step 2. Result: The "Water-In-Fuel" warning remains on. Proceed to Test Step 3.
2. Confirm that there is no Water in the Fuel A. Run the engine for 5 minutes.	Water in fuel	Result: The "Water-In-Fuel" warning does not reappear within the 5 minutes. Return the unit to service. Result: The "Water-In-Fuel" warning reappears within the 5 minutes. Repair: The fuel supply is contaminated with water. Drain the fuel tank and then fill the fuel tank with clean fuel. Repeat the procedure from Test Step 1. If the fault is still present, contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).
3. Water-In-Fuel Sensor A. Check the operation of the Water-In-Fuel sensor. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Water In Fuel - Test".	Water in fuel switch	Result: The Water-In-Fuel sensor circuit required a repair. Repeat the procedure from Test Step 1. Result: The Water-In-Fuel sensor is OK. Repair: The fuel supply is contaminated with water. Drain the fuel tank and then fill the fuel tank with clean fuel. Repeat the procedure from Test Step 1. If the fault is still present, contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).