C27 and C32 Tier 4 Engines Caterpillar


Acceleration Is Poor or Throttle Response Is Poor

Usage:

C27 AT4
Download the "Product Status Report" from the engine ECM before performing any troubleshooting or clearing diagnostic trouble codes. Check Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) for any associated codes that are listed in Table 1. Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.

Table 1
Associated Codes 
J1939 Code  Description 
107-15  Engine Air Filter 1 Differential Pressure : High - least severe (1) 
107-16  Engine Air Filter 1 Differential Pressure : High - moderate severity (2) 
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

Codes

  • Event codes and diagnostic codes

Parameters

  • Incorrect parameters

Throttle Signal

  • Intermittent throttle signal

Air Inlet and Exhaust System

  • Restriction in the air inlet and exhaust system

Fuel System

  • Cold mode operation (if applicable)

  • Unstable fuel supply

Valve Lash

  • Valve lash that is not set to the correct specifications

Engine Load

  • Accessory and/or parasitic loads

Recommended Actions

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

Note: If the problem only occurs under certain conditions, test the engine under those conditions. Examples of certain conditions are high engine speed, full load, and engine operating temperature. Troubleshooting the symptoms under other conditions can give misleading results.

Engine Derate and Active Codes

Certain diagnostic codes and/or event codes may cause poor performance. Refer to the histogram information for engine derates in Cat ET. If derates are indicated in the histogram, and no diagnostic codes are present, then the engine is operating normally. The following list contains conditions that can cause derates:

  • Elevated altitude

  • Elevated inlet air temperature

If a diagnostic code is present, troubleshoot the code and then reset the histogram.

Incorrect Parameters

Use Cat ET to verify that the configuration parameters are programmed correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Configuration Parameters" for the proper information.

Throttle Signal

Monitor the status for "Throttle Position" on Cat ET. Verify that the status for "Throttle Position" is stable and that the engine is able to reach high idle speed. If a problem is suspected with the throttle, refer to the appropriate circuit test for information that is related to troubleshooting the throttle signal.

Restriction in the Air Inlet and Exhaust System

  1. Observe the check engine lamp. Check for an air filter restriction indicator. Replace any plugged air filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

  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 details.

Check the Fuel System

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

  2. Ensure that the vent in the fuel cap is not filled with debris.

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

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

  5. Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the engine Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold-weather operation. Cold mode (if applicable) is activated whenever the engine coolant temperature falls below a predetermined value. Monitor the status screen on Cat ET in order to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. Observe the reading for coolant temperature on the Cat ET.

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

  7. 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.

Valve Lash

Check the valve lash. The valve lash can affect the performance of the engine. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust" for the correct procedure.

Engine Load

Check for accessories and parasitic loads that are causing excessive loads on the engine.

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