Distance (odometer), service hours or calendar time, whichever occurs first, can be used to determine the maintenance intervals. Frequency of fluid and filter changes are determined by the severity of the transmission application. More frequent changes are necessary when high levels of contamination, overheating, or S·O·S oil analysis indicates that the transmission oil has been contaminated. Contamination may include a viscosity change, a strong odor, or a discolored black appearance.
- Caterpillar recommends the CX31 main transmission filter be changed after the initial 200 hours of operations.
- Always inspect and clean the magnetic screen with each oil change.
- The breather needs to be cleaned with a petroleum-based solvent as necessary based on the operating environment.
When a maintenance interval has been reached, all of the specified maintenance for that particular interval must be performed.
Note: During a system failure of internal components, the power train generates abrasive debris that circulates throughout the system. The debris can cause the valves, the power train, pumps, and actuators to suffer repeat failures. Thoroughly clean debris from the system after a component failure and replace the transmission oil cooler core in order to prevent repeat failures. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for information on improving the durability of machine components and for additional fluid information.
Fluid Recommendations
The CX Series of on-highway transmissions are designed to operate with ATF fluids that meet Caterpillar AT-1 or Dexron® IIIH specifications. Extended oil change intervals require synthetic oils meeting Caterpillar AT-1 specifications. Caterpillar ATF synthetic oil is available through Cat dealers.
Note: Do not use Caterpillar TDTO-4 oil in the CX Series of on-highway transmissions.
Application Severity Definitions
Severe Application vehicles operate both on and off highway. Typical applications are the following: dump trucks, transit mixers, refuse trucks, all wheel drive public utility trucks, snow removal, yard spotters and concrete pumpers. Heavy equipment transport and specialty PTO applications are also considered severe applications.
General Application vehicles operate exclusively on paved or improved roads. Typical applications are the following: line haul, pickup and delivery, beverage delivery, public service dump and emergency vehicles.
| Sumps |
Non-Synthetic ATF Specification (TES 389) | Sump Refill Volumes Gallons (Liters) CX31 Standard 6.6 (25) Retarder 7.0 (27) |
|||||
| General Applications (1) | Severe Applications (2) | ||||||
| Fluid Change Intervals | Main Filter Change | Magnetic Filter Clean | Fluid Change Intervals | Main Filter Change | Magnetic Filter Clean | ||
| Standard |
25,000 mi (40,000 km) 1000 hours 12 months |
Every fluid change interval | Every fluid change interval | 12,000 mi (20,000 km) 500 hours 6 months |
Every fluid change interval | Every fluid change interval | |
| Full Synthetic ATF Oil Meeting Caterpillar® AT-1 or TES 295 Specifications (3) (4) | |||||||
| General Applications (1) | Severe Applications (2) | ||||||
| Fluid Change Intervals | Main Filter Change | Magnetic Filter Clean | Fluid Change Intervals | Main Filter Change | Magnetic Filter Clean | ||
| Standard and Retarder (5) | 150,000 mi (240,000 km) 3,000 hours 36 months |
150,000 mi (240,000 km) 1,500 hours 36 months |
Every fluid change interval | 75,000 mi (120,000 km) 3,000 hours 36 months |
75,000 mi (120,000 km) 1,500 hours 36 months |
Every fluid change interval | |
| ( 1 ) | Vehicle operated exclusively on paved or improved roads. Typical applications include: line haul, pickup and delivery, beverage delivery, public service dump, emergency vehicles, and recreational vehicles with living accommodations. |
| ( 2 ) | Vehicle operates on both on and off highway. Typical applications include: dump trucks, transit mixers, refuse trucks, all wheel drive public utility trucks, yard spotters, concrete pumpers, heavy equipment transport, and specialty PTO applications. |
| ( 3 ) | Caterpillar® Synthetic ATF - HD fluid available: 394-4780 1 Gal , 287-1531 5 Gal , 287-1532 55 Gal . |
| ( 4 ) | S·O·S required when using Synthetic oil; sampling required every 15,000 miles or 600 hours for severe applications. |
| ( 5 ) | Retarder transmissions require Synthetic Oil. |
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S·O·S Information
S·O·S Services is a highly recommended process for Caterpillar customers to use in order to minimize owning and operating costs. Customers provide oil samples, coolant samples, and other vehicle information. The dealer uses the data in order to provide the customer with recommendations for management of the equipment. In addition, S·O·S Services can help determine the cause of an existing product problem.
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluid Recommendations" for detailed information concerning S·O·S Services.
Refer to the OMM for a specific sampling location and a service hour maintenance interval for your application.
Consult your Cat dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing an S·O·S program for your equipment.