C13 and C15 On-highway Engines Caterpillar

Diesel Particulate Filter Has High Ash Load

Usage:

C15 B5R

This procedure covers the following codes.

Show/hide table

Table 1
Diagnostic Codes for a High Load of Ash for the DPF
J1939 Code	Code Description	Information
3720-15	Particulate Trap #1 Ash Load Percent : High - least severe (1)	The code indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) must be cleaned of ash. The DPF requires periodic removal of ash that accumulates from engine oil.
3723-15	Particulate Trap #2 Ash Load Percent : High - least severe (1)

Probable Causes

A limit for mileage for servicing the DPF has been exceeded and the DPF is being regenerated frequently.
A maximum limit for mileage for servicing the DPF has been exceeded.
A "Diesel Particulate Filter Ash Service Reset" was not performed after the last service of the DPF.

Recommended Actions

Perform the following tasks in the order that is shown.

Note: The status of the "Diesel Particulate Filter Ash Service Reset" can be determined by selecting the following menus on Cat ET:

"Configuration parameters"
"System Settings"
"Diesel Particulate Filter Ash Service Reset"

The status of the parameter should be "Not Reset". In order to change the status to "Reset", a factory password will be required.

Verify that the mileage and frequency of regeneration is appropriate for setting the code.
1. Record the current mileage for the engine.
2. Access Cat ET in order to determine the frequency of regeneration.
  Note: A successful active regeneration causes the 310 code's number of occurrences to increment. No troubleshooting is required.
  Perform the following procedure:
  - Observe the 310 code.
  - Determine the number of occurrences for the 310 code.
  - Determine the time between the first occurrence and the last occurrence for the 310 code.
  - Divide the time by the number of occurrences for the code.
  - Record this average time.
3. Refer to Special Instruction, REHS3826, "Procedure for Cleaning Ash from the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)" in order to determine the interval for cleaning ash that is appropriate for your engine.
4. Compare the current mileage for the engine to the interval for mileage that is recommended.
  A current mileage for the engine that exceeds the maximum limit for mileage will set the code.
Clean the DPF if the mileage or the frequency of regeneration is appropriate for setting the code.
Refer to Special Instruction, REHS3826, "Procedure for Cleaning Ash from the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)".
Check the engine's history for repair if the mileage and the frequency of regeneration is not appropriate for setting the code.
1. Access "SIMSi" in order to verify the engine's history for repair. Look for service to the DPF for ash or replacement of the DPF for ash. Confirm that a "Diesel Particulate Filter Ash Service Reset" was performed after the last service of the DPF.
  Note: When a DPF is serviced for being plugged with soot, a reset is not required. A reset is only required for servicing for ash.
2. Reset the "Diesel Particulate Filter Ash Service Reset" if a reset was not performed after the last service of the DPF for ash. Return the engine to service.