C13 and C15 Engines for Combat and Tactical Vehicles Caterpillar

Probable Causes

Note: If this problem occurs under load, refer to Troubleshooting, "Low Power/Poor or No Response to Throttle".

The probable root causes are listed in order below:

• Diagnostic codes

• Customer specified parameters (normal operation)

• Cold mode

• Accelerator pedal position sensor

• Vehicle speed signal

• Fuel supply

• Power train data link

• Air intake and exhaust system

Recommended Actions

1. Check for diagnostic codes.

   1. Connect the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to the data link connector.

   2. Check for active diagnostic codes and/or logged diagnostic codes.

      Certain diagnostic codes will limit the engine speed.

   3. Troubleshoot all active diagnostic codes before continuing with this procedure.

2. Check customer specified parameters.

   1. Verify that the complaint is not normal operation (programmed parameter).

   2. Access the "Configuration" screen on Cat ET.

   3. Check the following parameters:

      • "Vehicle Speed Limit"

      • "Lower Gears Engine RPM Limit"

      • "Intermediate Gears Engine RPM Limit"

      • "Gear Down Protection Engine RPM Limit"

      • "Top Engine Limit" Engines with software prior to DEC 02

      • "VSL Protection"

      • "PTO Top Engine Limit" with the PTO On/Off Switch turned ON.

      • "PTO Vehicle Speed Limit" with the PTO On/Off Switch turned ON.

   4. Set each parameter to the parameter's maximum value one at a time and determine whether the problem is corrected.

3. Check Cold Mode operation.

   Note: This is normal operation if the problem occurs only after start-up in cold weather.

   Note: Cold Mode operation for C13 engines for Combat & Tactical Vehicles is different than C15 truck engines. Refer to the Operation & Maintenance Manual, SEBU8568 for C13 Cold Mode.

   1. Monitor Cat ET in order to verify that the engine has progressed from Cold Mode.

      "Cold Mode" is indicated in the upper corner of any status screen.

4. Check the accelerator pedal position sensor.

   1. Use the Cruise/Idle On/Off Switch to put the engine in idle mode.

   2. Vary the engine rpm with the Set/Resume switches.

      If both of the following conditions are met, monitor the status of the accelerator pedal position sensor.

      • The engine is stable by using idle mode to control the engine rpm.

      • The engine is unstable by using the accelerator pedal position sensor.

      If the status of the accelerator pedal position sensor is unstable, refer to Troubleshooting, "Accelerator Pedal (Throttle) Position Sensor Circuit - Test".

5. Monitor the vehicle speed signal. Ensure the accuracy of the vehicle speed signal by comparing the vehicle speed signal to the actual vehicle speed.

   If the vehicle speed is greater than the VSL, the engine rpm is limited to the programmed "VSL Protection". If a problem is discovered, refer to Troubleshooting, "Vehicle Speed and Speedometer Circuit - Test".

6. Check the fuel supply.

   1. Monitor the exhaust for smoke while the engine is being cranked.

      If no smoke is present, there may be a problem with the fuel quality or there may be a problem with the fuel supply.

   2. Check the fuel quality.

   3. Check the fuel pressure.

   4. Ensure that the fuel system has been primed.

   5. Check for air in the fuel system.

   6. Check for fuel supply lines that are restricted.

   7. Check the fuel filters . Refer to Testing and Adjusting for more information on the fuel system. Also refer to Truck Application and Installation Guide, LEBT5109.

   8. If the temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F), check for solidified fuel (wax).

7. Check the "Powertrain Data Link". Ensure that the power train data link is not limiting the power.

   1. Monitor the "Powertrain Data Link" status screen while the vehicle is experiencing problems.

      If the "Powertrain Data Link" status screen indicates that the "Powertrain Data Link" is limiting the power or the rpm, verify that this is not normal operation. If this is not normal operation, refer to the vehicle OEM for repairs.

8. Air intake and exhaust system

   1. Clean plugged air filters or replace plugged air filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

   2. Check the air intake and the exhaust system for restrictions and/or leaks. Refer to Testing and Adjusting for more information.