Caterpillar Blog

How to connect the Caterpillar ET software to the ECM

The Communications tab in the Settings dialog box can be used to set the communication interface device and ports required to run the service tool. NOTE: The information on the Communications tab depends on the selected communication interface device.

#To set the communication settings:
1). Open the Caterpillar ET Software. It will automatically connect to the ECM.
2). Click Stop Connect.

3). Select Utilities – Preferences – Modify…

#If using Caterpillar Comm Adapter III, select J1939 Baud Rate.
→The J1939 data link speed may support values of “250K”, “500K” and “Auto”. The selected value must match the product being serviced.

NOTE: If the Enable Dual Data Link Service checkbox is checked, two ECMS using two different data links can be served simultaneously without having to switch data links. If applicable, this check box is selected by default.

#If you are using the Caterpillar Comm Adapter II, set Ports (e.g. COM1) as your COM port in Device Manager.

#If using NEXIQ USB-Link, select RP1210 Compliant Device, and select Advanced… button to select a specific RP1210/ USB-Link (1) – NEXIQ Technologies USB-Link.

→Select another Communication Adapter and RP1210 Compliant Devices.


#Driver Download:
-NEXIQ USB-Link
-Caterpillar Comm Adapter 3 – V2.0
-Caterpillar Comm Adapter 3 – V4.4

→When a data connection is established, the service tool returns to the main menu and displays the ECM summary screen.

→When a data link connection is not established, the service tool provides information for correcting the problem.

→Click Help for open the Troubleshooting Guide.

#Setting the Default Settings (Preferences)
The Default Settings feature allows the user to configure the service tool to show a desired feature at startup. By default, the service tool displays the ECM overview screen on startup. In addition, this feature allows the user to configure whether histogram data is displayed as raw data or as a percentage.

#To set the default Startup Tool:
1). In the Settings dialog box, select the Default Settings Tool tab.2). Select the feature you want from the Startup Tool drop-down menu and click OK. The following may appear at startup:

ECM Summary
Status
Configuration
Active Diagnostic Codes
Logged Diagnostic Codes
Active Event Codes
Logged Event Codes

NOTE: If the selected function is not supported by the ECM, the ECM summary function is displayed at startup.

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How to Create New Caterpillar Injector Trim Files

Caterpillar ET 2019C is a good replacement for the CAT ET 2018b, 2019A,2019B Electronic Technician Diagnostic Software. 2019C Caterpillar Electronic Technician softwarer With CAT ET 3 Cat caterpillar adapter 3 support caterpillar diagnostic till 2019.

It is necessary to program injector for Caterpillar after replacement.And you need use related injector trim files to program them.

How to Create New Caterpillar Injector Trim Files?

Procedures:

Open a trim file (also available read it by CAT ET diagnostic software) with txt

Copy the content from <Data>…</Data>

 

 

Paste it into CAT Trim File calculator

 

Here you can find the InjectorSeriaNo is same as the one in trim file

Now input new injector serial number then click “Change” button

Content between <Data>…</Data> will renew,now copy it and paste it into trim file

 

 

And change the InjectorSerialNo you input in the Cat trim file calculator

 

 

After then save this file and change the file format as .trm

 

 

Now use CAT ET diagnostic software Service function to load this trim file to program injector.

Then your job get done

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Steps before starting Programming/Flashing

You need to perform stationary & driving check.
Connect Your laptop to the truck, and read diagnostic codes.
If it has CAT engine, use CAT ET.
If it has Cummins engine, use Cummins Insite.
If it has Detroit Diesel engine, use DDDL.
If it has MaxxForce engine, use ServiceMaxx (or NEDs).
If it has Paccar MX engine, use JPRO.
Check both ACTIVE & INACTIVE codes, and write them down & inform the customer.
Keep close attention to codes related to:
– VGT
– VGT actuator
– intake manifold pressure or temperature
– fuel pressure
– fuel pump
– injectors
These codes (and many others) can cause low power issues.
Pay close attention for following codes:
– low coolant
– low oil level
– low oil pressure
– excessive engine temperatures
These codes could tell You that You are dealing with poorly maintained truck that could be hiding potential engine issue, or that the engine had been damaged already.
Once You noted the codes, start the engine.
Verify that You don’t have any funny noises when reeving the engine.
Whistling noises could mean that You have INTAKE LEAK or BAD TURBO.
The delete tuning will NOT FIX any issues related to turbo/intake leak/fuel pressure.
Make sure that engine responds well, and that the foot pedal/high idle/cruise/jakes/PTO/fan/manual fan activation are working.
Once the stationary check is done, take the truck for a spin to see how it runs.
While driving it make sure that cruise control, jakes, PTO, fan, manual fan…are working as they should.
Note all issues, strange noises…that You’ve found.
If You have access to a program like JPRO, that will allow You to read all modules (engine, ABS, transmission, body controller…), connect to truck with it.
Read all fault codes in all modules, and save report.
Engine tuning can not effect ABS, transmission…computers.
If there is any chance, You should remove intake from turbo & check for:
– carbon build up (I recommend cleaning this after the delete)
– verify that turbo moves freely
– verify that turbo doesn’t have excessive play (excessive play means the turbo is probably bad)
– excessive oil in intake (sign of a bad turbo)
It is a good thing to perform intake pressure test.
Inform the owner of the turck about Your findings.
Even though there are a lot of honest clients, there are some who will try to hide a problem, and later try to blame it on You – since You were the last person who touched it.
With this check up, Your job is to find those hidden problems before we do anything, and notify the client.

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Change Measurement System on Caterpillar ET Software

How to Change Measurement System on CAT ET  ?

To change measurement systems in Windows 7/ 10:
1. Connect  CAT ET Software to the ECM,
Read More: How to Connect Caterpillar ET Software to the ECM
2. Select “Utilities – Preferences – Modify…” as Figure 1-1 above.
3. Select “Regional – International”, the Information dialog is displayed.. Click “Yes” to continue to make international PC adjustments.

NOTE: To set the current language;
-The languages installed with the service tool are displayed in the Set Current Language dialog box.
-Select the desired language by clicking on the appropriate radio button (English, Deutsch, Portugues, Dansk, Francais, Italiano, Espanol). Click “OK”. The Changing Language message box is displayed. Click “OK”.

4. The Regional and Language Options dialog box is displayed. Click Additional settings… in the lower right corner, and the Customize Format dialog box is displayed.

 

 

5. In the Numbers tab, select the desired measurement system (Metric or U.S.) from the Measurement system drop-down.
6. Click “Apply”, and then click “OK”.

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Step by Step Guide to Troubleshoot and Repair a VGT

What is a VGT?

Variable-geometry Turbochargers or VGTs are a type of turbo charger designed to allow the optimum amount of air flow to change depending on engine conditions. The optimum air flow or aspect ratio changes depending on engine RPM and engine load conditions. The aspect ratio at low speeds is very different than the aspect ratio at higher speeds. Most variable-geometry turbochargers are now equipped with electronically controlled actuators, that use a signal from the ECM to move either vanes or a sliding sleeve in the turbocharger, which increases or decreases the exhaust gasses driving the turbine wheel which in turn increases or decreases the air flow from the turbocharger.

What Causes Failure?

VGT actuators while very effective for creating optimal power under different engine conditions can also cause issues in the event of a failure. These actuators may be electronically controlled, but they actuate the turbo mechanically, meaning they are subject to mechanical failures, as well as electronic failures. This means these actuators are not only affected by wiring issues, but good old fashion wear and tear. Issues with the turbocharger vanes can also cause actuator failure. For Instance, if the turbo vanes are seized and will not move the actuator, trying to rotate to move the vanes open or closed may put a bind on the actuator gear and cause the motor that operates the gear to overheat and fail. It is very rare that you have a VGT Actuator gear break, but it is in the realm of possibility.

Along with mechanical failures VGT actuators are subject to electronic failures as well. It is important to note that most electronically controlled VGT actuators are considered “smart devices” which means that they send messages back and forth between the ECM. These “smart devices” also have the ability to perform diagnostics on themselves, meaning if for example the turbo vanes were seized and the gear could not reach the desired position, this information is relayed to the ECM and in most cases a fault code is set and an warning light is activated to alert the operator that there is an issue. A typical VGT actuator circuit will have a 12-volt power supply wire, a return or ground wire, and 2 CAN bus or datalink wires. A short to ground on the 12-volt power supply wire has the potential to short the actuator out causing a failure. If there are any issues with the CAN wires the ECM will not be able to send/receive messages to the actuator thus the ECM will not be able to correctly control the position of the actuator and in turn can cause performance issues.

Why is it Calibrated?

It is important to note that most electronically controlled VGT actuators will need to be calibrated once removed or replaced. The reason behind the calibration of these actuators is simply for the actuator to learn the range of movement that opens and closes the vanes or sliding sleeve of the turbocharger, so that it can move the vanes to the correct position when the ECM commands. Without calibration it would be impossible for the ECM and VGT actuator to position the vanes to optimize air flow to the engine and would cause performance issues and possibly premature failure of other components. For example, there is a potential to create too much boost a low engine speeds and too little at high engine speeds. This will cause high exhaust manifold pressures and affect the air-fuel ratio ultimately causing low power issues.

Troubleshooting a VGT

Proper troubleshooting of turbo components is an area that cannot be talked about enough. When dealing with Turbo and Actuator failures you are looking at several thousand dollars for the cost to repair. Replacing an actuator is much cheaper than buying a turbo meaning it is very important to separate the 2 components to determine failure. During any troubleshooting of a VGT actuator you should always verify mechanical turbo parts are functioning properly as well.

In the video below, we used a Diesel Laptops Cojali Commercial Vehicles Kit and determined we had a failed actuator on a 2014 Cummins ISX CM2350 Engine. We first found a fault code of 1894 that is a VGT Actuator Circuit Abnormal Update Rate fault. This fault is set when the ECM does not detect any messages from the VGT Actuator for 1 second. At this point the Check engine, or warning light will be illuminated, and the ECM will no longer attempt to Actuate the VGT and will also no longer perform EGR Valve actuations. Eventually the ECM will reduce power if the fault is active for an extend period.

There are a several things that can cause this fault code to come active. The VGT Actuator not receiving power from the ECM, or an open circuit in the datalink between the ECM and VGT Actuator are just a few. The only way to find out is to begin the troubleshooting procedure:

  1. The first step is to determine if there are any associated or related fault codes that could be causing the issue. In this case there were not.
  2. The next thing to verify is battery voltage. Ideally, we would like to see 12.6-volts, but anything over 12-volts will be enough to consider our voltage check a pass and move on. Using our multimeter, we found 12.56-volts on the batteries indicating we had the correct voltage.
  3. Once we have determined we have proper voltage the next step is to verify voltage at the VGT Actuator. Using our multimeter, we checked voltage between our power supply pin or pin 1, and our return pin or pin 2 of the VGT actuator connector and found 12.53 volts. When checking for voltage at the component we are looking for a reading within 1 volt of battery voltage, this means we were well within our specification.
  4. Our next step is to determine any failures in the datalink circuits. In this case we should have had a few associated faults if there was an issue with the circuit, and we would need to correct those issues and recheck for our fault.
  5. Our last step before determining a failure is to verify terminating resistance of the VGT actuator. Using our multimeter, we checked the resistance between pin 3 and 4 of the VGT Actuator and found an OL reading meaning an open. The resistance spec on the terminating resistance of the VGT Actuator is between 108 and 132 Ohms. With a reading of OL we know we are out of spec and that the VGT Actuator has failed. After determining the VGT actuator failure we would need to replace and calibrate the new VGT actuator.

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How to Setup Caterpillar CAT ET Diagnostic Adapter 3,II,I

Caterpillar Electronic Technician offers several options for communication hardware. Communication Adapters are service tools consisting of a portable hardware adapter and a software PC program designed to run under Microsoft® Windows™. MPSI Pro-Link is a portable computer diagnostic analyzer.

 

Setup Configuration Parts:

 

Cat Communication Adapter 3

Setting Up the Wireless CA3 (W-CA3) Radio

Cat Communication Adapter II

Cat Communication Adapter I

NOTE:Engines that do not have the service connector may also require the 140-9442 ATA/CDL T-Adapter.

NOTE:For specific part number information, contact the Parts Department of your local dealership.

Exceptions

The requirements for Hydraulic Excavators B-Series (HEX) are the following:

Cable Assembly HEX to PC Adapter cable

 

In the Communications tab of the Preferences dialog box, select the Communication Adapter option from the Communication Interface Device drop-down list. Then click the Advanced button. Select the 19200 baud rate radio button. Click OK.

NOTE:For specific part number information, contact the Parts Department of your local dealership.

 

Setting Up the Communication Adapter 3

Requirements

317-7484 – Cat Communication Adapter 3 Group

The following equipment is included in this group:

Description

Cat Communications Adapter 3

Data Link Cable

USB PC connector

Carrying Case

Block/Foam for carrying case

Communication Adapter 3 CD-ROM

Communication Adapter 3 User’s Manual

NOTE:For specific part number information, contact the Parts Department of your local dealership

 

To connect the Communication Adapter 3 (“Comm Adapter 3”) to the PC, perform the following steps:

Step 1:Align and attach the DB25 connector end of the USB PC cable to the “PC cable” end connection on the Comm Adapter 3.

How to Setup Caterpillar CAT ET Diagnostic Adapter 3,II,I (1)

Step 2 Plug the USB Connector end of the PC cable into the USB port of the PC.

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To connect the Comm Adapter 3 to the data link, perform the following steps:

Step 1 After connecting the Comm Adapter 3 to the PC, connect the DB15- style connector end of the data link cable to the “Data Link” connection on the Comm Adapter 3.

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Step 2 Connect the other end of the data link cable to the service connector on the product

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The lights on the front of the Comm Adapter 3 will glow and then will sequentially turn off from the top (“Data Link” end) to the bottom (“Computer” end) of the device. The Power LED will turn color from orange to red, and then the blue “USB” LED will blink once. The CA3 will not be operational until this sequence has occurred. The sequence can take up to 10 seconds. The service tool is now ready to be started the LED lights on the front of the device.

NOTE:The Power light on the Comm Adapter will glow if the data link is powered (machine power is on) or if the USB connector is plugged into the PC.

NOTE:For more information on the Comm Adapter 3, please refer to the Caterpillar Communications Adapter 3 Tool Operating Manual.

 

Configuring Cat Electronic Technician to use the Communication Adapter 3

In order for Cat Electronic Technician to work with the Communication Adapter 3, the settings must be changed to select the Communication Adapter 3 as the Communication Interface Device:

Step 1 Start Cat Electronic Technician.

Step 2 Click the Stop Connect button when it appears.

Step 3 Select the Utilities menu.

Step 4 Choose “Preferences…”

Step 5 Select the Communications tab.

Step 6 Select Cat Comm Adapter 3 (RP1210) and click OK.

NOTE: Because a growing number of products require multiple data link service, the “Enable Dual Datalink Service” checkbox has been pre-selected. Servicing ECMs on more than one data link requires this checkbox to be enabled. Failure to do this will result in undetected ECMs and reduced functionality.

 

Setting Up the Wireless CA3 (W-CA3) Radio

Requirements

317-7493 – Cat Wireless Communication Adapter 3 Radio

The following equipment is included in this group:

Description

Cat Communications Adapter 3

Cat 802.11 Wireless Radio

Wireless Radio CA3 Cable

Wireless Communication Adapter 3 CD-ROM

Wireless Communication Adapter 3 User’s Manual

NOTE: For specific part number information, contact the Parts Department of your local dealership.

 

To connect the Wireless CA3 Radio to the Comm Adapter 3, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Align and attach the round end of the Wireless CA3 Radio cable to the cable connection on the Wireless CA3 radio.

How to Setup Caterpillar CAT ET Diagnostic Adapter 3,II,I (5)

Step 2 Connect the other end of the cable to the cable connection on the Comm Adapter 3.

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To connect the Communication Adapter 3 to the data link, perform the following steps:

Step 1 After connecting the Communication Adapter 3 to the Wireless CA3 Radio, connect one end of the data link cable to the data link connection on the Communication Adapter 3.

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Step 2 Connect the other end of the data link cable to the service connector on the product.

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If the data link is powered (machine power is on), the Power light on the Communication Adapter will glow and the diagnostic test will begin.

The lights on the front of the Communication Adapter 3 will sequentially glow from the top (“Data Link” end) to the bottom (“Computer” end) of the device. The service tool is now ready to be started.

 

 

Configuring Cat ET to use the Wireless CA3 Radio

In order for Electronic Technician to work with the Wireless CA3 Radio, the settings must be changed to select the Wireless Comm Adapter 3 as the Communication Interface Device:

Step 1 Start Cat Electronic Technician.

Step 2 Click the Stop Connect button when it appears.

Step 3 Select the Utilities menu.

Step 4 Choose “Preferences…”

Step 5 Select the Communications tab.

Step 6 Select Wireless Communication Adapter and click OK.

 

 

Setting Up the Cat Communication Adapter II

Requirements

171-4400 – Cat Communication Adapter II Group

NOTE:The 171-4400 Cat Communication Adapter II may be used; however, it is no longer available for purchase from Caterpillar Inc.

NOTE:For specific part number information, contact the Parts Department of your local dealership.

The following equipment is included in this group:

Requirements:

Description

Cat Communication Adapter II

Data Link Cable (24 inch)

This cable must be used for J1939/11 communications.

Serial PC Cable (25 foot)

Carrying Case

Block/Foam for carrying case

Communication Adapter II CD-ROM and User’s Manual

 

Optional Cables:

How to Setup Caterpillar CAT ET Diagnostic Adapter 3,II,I (9)

 

To connect the Communication Adapter II ( “Comm Adapter II”) to the PC, perform the following steps:

Step 1:Align and attach the DB25 connector end of the serial cable to the “PC

Cable” end of the Comm Adapter II.

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Step 2:Connect the other end (RS-232 end) of the serial cable to the communication port of the PC.

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To connect the Communication Adapter II to the data link, perform the following steps:

Step 1 After connecting the Comm Adapter II to the PC, connect the DB15- style connector end of the data link cable to the “Data Link” end of the Comm Adapter II.

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Step 2 Connect the other end of the data link cable to the product. If the data link is powered (machine power is on), the Power light on the Comm Adapter II will glow and the diagnostic test will begin. The lights on the front of the Comm Adapter II will sequentially glow from the top (“Data Link” end) to the bottom (“Computer” end) of the device. The service tool is now ready to be started.

How to Setup Caterpillar CAT ET Diagnostic Adapter 3,II,I (13)

 

Updating the Comm Adapter II Firmware to Serial IP

NOTE: Use the Comm Adapter II Toolkit version 4.0.12 or later to update the Comm Adapter II.

NOTE: Use the serial port only to upgrade the Communication Adapter II. Do not use the Parallel port.

 

To update the Comm Adapter II Firmware, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Make sure the Comm Adapter II is connected to the PC and the Power light is on.

Step 2 Go to the Start menu on the computer. Choose All Programs -> Caterpillar Comm Adapters -> Comm Adapter Toolkit.

Step 3 The Toolkit application will start up and display the Summary screen.

Step 4 Choose the Application Firmware Flash icon . Then click the

Select File button. The Select Firmware Flash File dialog box is displayed.

Step 5 The following files should be listed on the right:

ca2vi2.apf – application firmware

cav3i0.0 apf – application firmware

ca2v3i1.0.apf – SIP application firmware

Step 6 Highlight the ca2v3i1.0.apf file and click the OK button.

Step 7 Click the Begin Flash button to start the download.

Step 8 A dialog box showing the download progress will appear. The

download should take less than 45 seconds.

NOTE: All protocol lights on the front of the Comm Adapter II will blink while the firmware is flashed.

Step 9 When the download is complete, a dialog box will appear, allowing a return to the Toolkit Summary screen, a return to the Flash screen, or an Exit from the toolkit.

Step 10 Click the Exit button.

 

Configuring Cat ET to use the Communication Adapter II

In order for Electronic Technician to work with the Communication Adapter II, the settings must be changed to select the Comm Adapter II as the Communication Interface Device:

Step 1 Start Cat Electronic Technician.

Step 2 Click the Stop Connect button when it appears.

Step 3 Select the Utilities menu.

Step 4 Choose “Preferences…”

Step 5 Select the Communications tab.

Step 6 Change the Communication Interface Device to “Caterpillar Comm

Adapter II (Dual Data Link/Serial IP)” and click OK.

Step 7 Select the appropriate COM port (for example, “COM1”, “COM2”, etc).

This application firmware only supports Serial communications.

 

Setting Up the Cat Communication Adapter

Requirements

7X1700 – Cat Communication Adapter Group

NOTE: The 7X1701 Cat Communication Adapter may be used; however, it is no longer available for purchase from Caterpillar Inc.

NOTE:The 7X1701 Cat Communication Adapter does not support the J1939 data link.

Other Requirements:

NOTE: For specific part number information, contact the Parts Department of your local dealership.

How to Setup Caterpillar CAT ET Diagnostic Adapter 3,II,I (14)

 

To connect the Communication Adapter (“Comm Adapter) to the PC, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Connect the 7X-1425 RS232 cable to an available Serial Port on the PC and to the Service Tool connector on the Communication Adapter.

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Step 2 Connect the 139-4166 Unicable to the control connector on the Communication Adapter and to the service connector on the product being serviced. The service tool is now ready to be started.

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