Oil Pressure Is Low
Use this procedure to troubleshoot low engine oil pressure. Also, use this procedure if one of the following event codes is active.
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J1939 Codes and Description | CDL Codes and Description | Comments |
---|---|---|
100-17
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - least severe (1) |
E360 (1)
Low Engine Oil Pressure |
The code is logged. |
100-18
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - moderate severity (2) |
E360 (2)
Low Engine Oil Pressure |
The code is logged. |
100-1
Engine Oil Pressure : Low - most severe (3) |
E360 (3)
Low Engine Oil Pressure |
The code is logged. |
If the engine shuts down due to low oil pressure, power to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) must be cycled before restarting the engine.
- Codes
- Engine oil level
- Oil pressure sensor
- Oil viscosity
- Contaminated engine oil
- Excessive heat
- Inspect oil pump
- Oil inlet strainer
- Oil pressure regulator valves
- Oil suction system
- Inlet strainer
- Regulator and check valve
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in the order of the listed test steps.
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Troubleshooting Test Steps | Values | Results |
---|---|---|
1. Check for Codes A. Connect Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to the service tool connector. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary. B. Look for active codes that are associated with the system for the event code. |
Codes |
Result: An associated code is present. Repair: Troubleshoot any associated codes before continuing with this test. Result: A 100-1, 100-17, or 100-18 code is present. Proceed to the next step. |
2. Check the Engine Oil Level |
Level |
Result: The engine oil is not low. Proceed to the next step. Result: The engine oil level is low. Repair: A: Inspect the engine for signs of external leaks. B: Add engine oil in order to obtain the correct engine oil level. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, Engine Oil for the recommendations of engine oil. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step. |
3. Check the Oil Pressure Sensors A. Use the Cat ET to compare the readings of the following: - Unfiltered Oil Pressure (abs) - Engine Oil Pressure (abs) |
Parameter value |
Result: Both sensors read Repair: Refer to Testing and Adjusting, Engine Oil System - Inspect. Result: A sensor does not read Repair: A sensor has failed in range, replace the sensor. |
4. Ensure that the Oil Viscosity is Correct NOTE: For the correct engine oil to use, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual. |
Viscosity |
Result: The engine oil is of the correct type. Proceed to the next step. Result: The engine oil is not of the correct type. Repair: Determine the reason why incorrect oil is in the engine. Change the engine oil and the engine oil filter If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step. |
5. Check for Contaminated Engine Oil A. Obtain an analysis of the engine oil. NOTE: High engine oil level can be an indication of contamination with fuel or coolant. Engine oil that is contaminated with another liquid will cause low engine oil pressure. |
Contamination |
Result: The oil is not contaminated. Proceed to the next step. Result: The oil is contaminated. Repair: Determine the reason for contamination of the engine oil and make the necessary repairs. Change the engine oil and the engine oil filter Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step. |
6. Examine the Oil Pump for any Signs of Excessive Heat, Including Discolored or Bubbled Paint |
Component |
Result: Oil pump shows signs of excessive heat. Repair: Replace the oil pump. Result: Oil pump looks normal. Proceed to the next step. |
7. Remove the Inlet Tube to the Oil Pump (Between Oil and Pan and Oil Pump). Inspect the Oil Pump Gears as the Engine is Barred Over |
Oil pump |
Result: Oil pump teeth show damage to the teeth or the oil pump does not turn. Repair: Replace the oil pump. Result: Oil pump gears look normal or show minimal wear, and the oil pump turns with the engine. Proceed to the next step. |
8. Check the Oil inlet Strainer for Debris by Removing the Four Nuts on the Access Cover Studs |
Debris |
Result: Oil inlet stainer shows large quantities of metallic debris. Repair: Something on the engine is failing. Contact your Cat dealer to do a metal analysis to help determine what is failing, and/or examine connecting rods looking for extruded bearings. Result: Oil inlet strainer looks normal Proceed to the next step. |
9. Examine the Oil Pressure Regulator Valves |
Valves |
Result: Oil pressure regulator valves are scuffed or worn. Repair: Replace the oil pressure regulator. Result: Oil pressure regulator valves look good. Proceed to the next step. |
10. Inspect the Oil Suction System |
Suction |
Result: O-rings are damaged or missing, or components are damages. Repair: Replace the components in question. Result: oil suction system looks good. Proceed to the next step. |
11. Replace the Oil Pressure Regulator and Control Check Valve |
Check valve |
If problem still persists, there is likely a mechanical issue with the engine. There may be bearings or valves missing from an internal passage. |
If the procedure did not correct the issue, contact your Cat dealer Technical Communicator (TC). For further assistance, your TC can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).
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