C27 and C32 Tier 4 Engines Caterpillar


Engine Cranks but Does Not Start

Usage:

C27 AT4
Note: If the symptom is intermittent and the symptom cannot be repeated, refer to Troubleshooting, "Power Is Intermittently Low or Power Cutout Is Intermittent". If the symptom is consistent and the symptom can be repeated, continue with this procedure.

Download the "Product Status Report" from the Electronic Control Module (ECM) before performing any troubleshooting or clearing diagnostic trouble codes. Use Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to check for the associated code that is listed in Table 1. Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.

Table 1
Associated Code 
J1939 Code  Description 
5580-17  Engine Filtered Fuel Delivery Pressure (After Secondary Filter Gauge): Low - least severity (1) 
5580-18  Engine Filtered Fuel Delivery Pressure (After Secondary Filter Gauge): Low - moderate severity (2) 

Probable Causes

Note: If the engine will not start and Cat ET will not communicate, the problem is most likely with the electrical power supply to the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Power Supply - Test".

Fuel Supply System

  • Low fuel level

Engine Shutdown Switches (if applicable)

  • Engine shutdown switches

Starting Aids (if applicable)

  • Starting aids

Restrictions in the Air Inlet and Exhaust System

  • Restriction in the air inlet and exhaust system

Theft Deterrent System (if applicable)

Active theft deterrent system

Sensors

  • Coolant temperature sensor

  • Atmospheric pressure sensor

Engine Speed/Timing

  • Engine speed/timing sensor

Fuel System

  • low-pressure fuel system

Recommended Actions

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.

Low Fuel Level

  1. Visually check the fuel level in the fuel tank. Do not rely on the fuel gauge only.

  2. Ensure that the fuel supply valve (if equipped) is in the full OPEN position.

Engine Shutdown Switches (if applicable)

The engine shutdown switches must be in the OFF position. Use Cat ET to verify the status of the engine shutdown switches. When a shutdown occurs, the keyswitch must be turned to the OFF position for at least 15 seconds before restarting the engine.

Starting Aids (if applicable)

If cold ambient conditions exist, check the operation of the starting aids. Verify that the starting aid is operating correctly. Refer to the appropriate circuit test in order to troubleshoot the starting aid.

Restriction in the Air Inlet and Exhaust System

  1. Check for an air filter restriction indicator. Replace plugged air filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the correct procedure.

  2. Check the air inlet and exhaust system for restrictions and/or leaks. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System" for additional information.

Active Theft Deterrent System (if applicable)

Verify that the theft deterrent system is not active.

Coolant Temperature Sensor and Atmospheric Pressure Sensor

Use Cat ET to check the output signals of the sensors.

The coolant temperature sensor must provide a correct signal in order for cold mode operation to operate correctly. Verify that the coolant temperature on Cat ET is reasonable for the conditions that are present.

The atmospheric pressure sensor is used to provide calibrations for the other pressure sensors that are on the engine. Verify that the sensor is reading the correct barometric pressure for the conditions that are present.

Engine Speed/Timing

Crank the engine and observe the engine speed on the Cat ET status screen. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Speed/Timing - Test" for additional information.

Note: Upon initial cranking, the status for engine speed may indicate that the engine speed signal is abnormal. This message will be replaced with an engine speed once the ECM is able to calculate a speed from the signal.

Low Pressure Fuel System

  1. Inspect the fuel system. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System" for additional information.

  2. Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold-weather operation.

  3. Check fuel quality. Check the fuel tank for debris or foreign objects which may block the fuel supply.

  4. Check the filtered fuel pressure while the engine is being cranked. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System" for the test procedure and for the correct pressure values.

    If the fuel pressure is low, replace the fuel filters. Clean the primary filter/water separator of debris. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for details.

    Also, check for the proper operation of the fuel transfer pump. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System" for test information.

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