Understanding Caterpillar fault codes is crucial for efficient diagnostics and maintenance of your machinery and vehicles. Whether you’re managing a fleet of trucks or maintaining heavy equipment, deciphering these codes quickly can save you time and money by pinpointing issues and guiding repairs. This comprehensive Cat Fault Code List will help you understand the fault codes generated by your Caterpillar engines, enabling you to troubleshoot problems effectively.
Caterpillar equipment, known for its durability and performance, utilizes a sophisticated electronic control system that monitors various engine parameters. When the system detects an anomaly, it generates a fault code. These codes are invaluable for technicians and operators, providing a starting point for diagnosing problems. To take your diagnostic capabilities even further, consider using tools like CAT ET (Caterpillar Electronic Technician) and CAT SIS (Caterpillar Service Information System). For those looking to perform in-depth diagnostics in-house, we offer robust diagnostic laptops equipped with CAT ET and CAT SIS software, along with necessary adapters, allowing you to perform dealer-level diagnostics on your own terms and budget.
Decoding Caterpillar Fault Codes: PID, SID, and FMI Explained
Caterpillar fault codes are typically presented with a combination of identifiers: PID, SID, and FMI. Understanding what these acronyms represent is key to accurately interpreting the fault code list.
-
PID (Parameter Identification): This indicates the specific parameter or sensor that is reporting a problem. PIDs are numerical codes that correspond to various engine components or systems like fuel pressure, oil temperature, or throttle position.
-
SID (Subsystem Identification): In some cases, instead of a PID, you might see an SID. This signifies a fault within a subsystem or component, often related to the engine’s electronic control module (ECM) or other internal modules.
-
FMI (Failure Mode Identifier): This is a crucial part of the fault code, as it specifies the type of problem detected. FMIs are numerical codes that describe the nature of the fault, such as “data erratic,” “voltage high,” or “current below normal.”
By combining the PID/SID and FMI, you get a detailed description of the fault, guiding you towards the affected system and the type of malfunction.
Comprehensive Caterpillar Fault Code List
Below is a detailed cat fault code list for Caterpillar engines. This list includes the PID/SID, FMI, a brief fault description, and a more detailed explanation of the potential issue. Please note that this list is for informational purposes and professional diagnostic procedures should always be followed for accurate repairs.
| PID/SID | FMI | Fault | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | injector solenoid cyl#1 | current below normal or open |
| 2 | 11 | injector solenoid cyl#2 | current below normal or open |
| 3 | 11 | injector solenoid cyl#3 | current below normal or open |
| 4 | 11 | injector solenoid cyl#4 | current below normal or open |
| 5 | 11 | injector solenoid cyl#5 | current below normal or open |
| 6 | 11 | injector solenoid cyl#6 | current below normal or open |
| 22 | 13 | ECU | speed signal calibration not performed |
| 30 | 8 | PTO | PTO throttle signal invalid |
| 30 | 13 | PTO | PTO throttle signal out of calibration flash codes |
| 32 | 5 | turbo wastegate solenoid | current below normal |
| 32 | 6 | turbo wastegate solenoid | current above normal or shorted to ground |
| 32 | 11 | turbo wastegate solenoid | current mismatch |
| 41 | 3 | 8 volt supply | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 41 | 4 | 8 volt supply | voltage below normal or shorted low |
| 42 | 11 | Injection Actuation Pump | output failure |
| 43 | 2 | ECU | key switch |
| 64 | 2 | speed sensor | loss of signal |
| 64 | 11 | speed sensor | erratic data signal |
| 70 | 5 | intake heater | current beow normal |
| 70 | 6 | intake heater | current above normal or shorted to ground |
| 71 | 1 | idle | idle shutdown |
| 71 | 14 | PTO | PTO shutdown |
| 84 | 0 | vehicle speed sensor | over speed warning |
| 84 | 1 | vehicle speed sensor | loss of signal |
| 84 | 2 | vehicle speed sensor | erratic/incorrect data signal |
| 84 | 8 | vehicle speed sensor | signal out of normal range |
| 84 | 10 | vehicle speed sensor | abnornal rate of change |
| 84 | 14 | vehicle speed sensor | quick stop occurance |
| 91 | 8 | throttle position | invalid signal |
| 91 | 13 | throttle position | out of calibration |
| 94 | 1 | fuel pressure | low fuel pressure |
| 94 | 3 | fuel pressure | voltage above normal |
| 94 | 4 | fuel pressure | voltage below normal |
| 94 | 11 | fuel pressure | low cranking fuel pressure |
| 96 | 3 | fuel level | voltage above normal |
| 96 | 4 | fuel level | voltage below normal |
| 100 | 1 | oil pressure sensor | low pressure warning |
| 100 | 3 | oil pressure sensor | voltage above normal |
| 100 | 4 | oil pressure sensor | voltage below normal |
| 100 | 11 | oil pressure sensor | very low oil pressure |
| 102 | 1 | intake mfld pres sensor | low boost pressure |
| 102 | 3 | intake mfld pres sensor | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 102 | 4 | intake mfld pres sensor | voltage below normal or open circuit |
| 102 | 2 | intake mfld pres sensor | data does not match current conditions |
| 102 | 7 | intake mfld pres sensor | not responding |
| 105 | 3 | intake mfld tem sensor | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 105 | 4 | intake mfld tem sensor | voltage below normal or open circuit |
| 105 | 0 | intake mfld tem sensor | temperature above protection limit |
| 105 | 11 | intake mfld tem sensor | very high intake air temperature |
| 108 | 3 | barometric pres sensor | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 108 | 4 | barometric pres sensor | voltage below normal or shorted low |
| 108 | 2 | barometric pres sensor | erratic/incorrect data signal |
| 110 | 3 | coolant temp sensor | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 110 | 4 | coolant temp sensor | voltage below normal or open circuit |
| 110 | 0 | coolant temp sensor | temperature above normal range |
| 110 | 11 | coolant temp sensor | very high coolant temperature |
| 111 | 2 | coolant level sensor | invalid signal |
| 111 | 3 | coolant level sensor | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 111 | 4 | coolant level sensor | voltage below normal or open circuit |
| 111 | 1 | coolant level sensor | level below normal range |
| 111 | 11 | coolant level sensor | very low coolant level |
| 128 | 3 | sec fuel level | voltage below normal or shorted low |
| 128 | 4 | sec fuel level | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 164 | 2 | injection actuation pressure | erratic signal |
| 164 | 3 | injection actuation pressure | voltage above normal |
| 164 | 4 | injection actuation pressure | voltage below normal |
| 164 | 0 | injection actuation pressure | excessive pressure |
| 164 | 11 | injection actuation pressure | system failure |
| 168 | 2 | ECM failure | supply voltage intermittent |
| 168 | 1 | ECM failure | supply voltage low |
| 168 | 0 | ECM failure | supply voltage high |
| 173 | 0 | exhaust temperature | derate for high exhaust temperature |
| 173 | 11 | exhaust temperature | derate for very high exhaust temperature |
| 186 | 4 | PTO | PTO shutdown switch v oltage low |
| 186 | 14 | PTO | PTO shutdown switch occurance |
| 190 | 0 | engine speed | overspeed warning |
| 190 | 2 | engine speed | loss of data signal |
| 190 | 11 | engine speed | erratic signal |
| 224 | 11 | theft deterent | active signal |
| 224 | 14 | theft deterent | active signal when cranking |
| 231 | 2 | J1939 data | incorrect data fron J1939 |
| 231 | 11 | J1939 data | J1939 configuration |
| 231 | 12 | J1939 data | loss of data signal |
| 231 | 14 | J1939 data | transmission data link derate |
| 232 | 3 | 5 volt supply | voltage above normal |
| 232 | 4 | 5 volt supply | voltage below normal |
| 232 | 3 | sensor supply | voltage above normal or shorted high |
| 232 | 4 | sensor supply | voltage below normal or shorted low |
| 246 | 11 | brake pedal switch1 | switch not responding |
| 247 | 11 | brake pedal switch2 | switch not responding |
| 251 | 12 | injector power supply | low voltage for injector power supply |
| 251 | 2 | ECM failure | igniton power lost to ecm |
| 252 | 11 | ECU | incorrect engine software |
| 253 | 2 | ECU | customer or system parameters |
| 253 | 14 | ECU | OEM parameter not programmed |
| 311 | 14 | ATD | active regeneration inhibited due to low exhaust temperature |
| 314 | 3 | clean gas induction | CGI pressure sensor voltage above normal |
| 314 | 4 | clean gas induction | CGI pressure sensor voltage below normal |
| 315 | 2 | clean gas induction | CGI temp high |
| 315 | 3 | clean gas induction | CGI temp sensor voltage above normal |
| 315 | 4 | clean gas induction | CGI temp sensor voltage below normal |
| 316 | 0 | clean gas induction | CGI flow rate high |
| 316 | 3 | clean gas induction | CGI temp sensor voltage above normal |
| 316 | 4 | clean gas induction | CGI temp sensor voltage below normal |
| 316 | 11 | clean gas induction | CGI flow rate high |
| 316 | 14 | clean gas induction | CGI flow rate low |
| 317 | 5 | clean gas induction | CGI actuator shaft current below normal |
| 317 | 6 | clean gas induction | CGI actuator shaft current above normal |
| 324 | 0 | ATD | ATD differential pressure above limits |
| 320 | 0 | ATD | ATD filter temperature high |
| 320 | 1 | ATD | ATD filter temperature high |
| 320 | 11 | ATD | ATD filter temperature very high |
| 320 | 3 | ATD | ATD filter temperature sensor voltage above normal |
| 320 | 4 | ATD | ATD filter temperature sensor voltage below normal |
| 324 | 11 | ATD | ATD differntial pressure, high filter restriction |
| 324 | 3 | ATD | ATD differential pressure voltage above normal |
| 324 | 4 | ATD | ATD differential pressure voltage below normal |
| 324 | 2 | ATD | ATD differential pressure signal erratic |
| 324 | 1 | ATD | ATD differential pressure , filter restricted |
| 324 | 0 | ATD | ATD differential pressure above limits |
| 327 | 2 | ATD | ATD exhaust gas temperature 2 data drifted high |
| 327 | 3 | ATD | ATD exhaust gas temperature 2 voltage above normal |
| 327 | 4 | ATD | ATD exhaust gas temperature 2 voltage below normal |
| 332 | 3 | aftertreatment fuel pressure control | aftertreatment fuel pressure sensor voltage above normal |
| 332 | 4 | aftertreatment fuel pressure control | aftertreatment fuel pressure sensor voltage below normal |
| 332 | 11 | aftertreatment fuel pressure control | aftertreatment fuel presuure high |
| 333 | 5 | aftertreatment fuel pressure control | ARD solenoid current abovenormal |
| 333 | 6 | aftertreatment fuel pressure control | ARD solenoid current above normal |
| 334 | 5 | aftertreatment fuel actuator | ARD solenoid current below normal |
| 334 | 6 | aftertreatment fuel actuator | ARD solenoid current above normal |
| 335 | 5 | aftertreatment ignition | ARD ignition current below normal |
| 335 | 6 | aftertreatment ignition | ARD ignition current above normal |
| 336 | 3 | aftertreatment 2 fuel pressure | sensor voltage above normal |
| 336 | 4 | aftertreatment 2 fuel pressure | sensor voltage below normal |
| 336 | 11 | aftertreatment 2 fuel pressure | fuel pressure high |
| 341 | 5 | aftertreatment purge air actuator | ARD purge air current below normal |
| 341 | 6 | aftertreatment purge air actuator | ARD purge air current above normal |
| 349 | 1 | aftertreatment purge air actuator | ARD purge air pressure low |
| 349 | 7 | aftertreatment purge air actuator | ARD purge pressure not responding |
| 350 | 5 | aftertreatment air pressure control | ARD solenoid current below normal |
| 350 | 6 | aftertreatment air pressure control | ARD solenoid current above normal |
| 350 | 7 | aftertreatment air pressure control | ARD solenoid not responding |
| 356 | 11 | ATD | ARD failed to ignite |
| 357 | 11 | ATD | ARD loss of ignition |
| 360 | 11 | aftertreatment | parked regen manually disabled |
| 373 | 3 | ATD secondary differntial pressure | sensor voltage above normal |
| 373 | 4 | ATD secondary differntial pressure | sensor voltage below normal |
Enhance Your Diagnostic Capabilities with CAT Diagnostic Tools
While this cat fault code list provides valuable information, utilizing professional diagnostic tools can significantly streamline the repair process. CAT ET and CAT SIS software offer in-depth diagnostic features beyond simple code reading. These tools allow you to:
- Clear fault codes: After addressing the underlying issue, clear the fault codes to reset the system and ensure the warning lights are off.
- Change parameters: Adjust engine parameters within safe limits for optimal performance or specific operational needs.
- Perform advanced diagnostics: Access live engine data, run diagnostic tests, and pinpoint the root cause of complex problems.
- Access service information: CAT SIS provides detailed repair procedures, wiring diagrams, and component information, essential for accurate repairs.
Investing in a diagnostic laptop equipped with CAT ET and CAT SIS empowers you to perform these tasks efficiently, reducing downtime and reliance on external service providers. Our diagnostic laptops are rugged, reliable, and configured to work seamlessly with Caterpillar equipment.
Contact us today to discuss your CAT diagnostic needs and find the perfect solution for your business!
Fast and Reliable Delivery Across North America
We understand the urgency of getting your diagnostic tools quickly. We are based in BC, Canada and offer rapid delivery throughout Canada and the United States.
Canadian Delivery: We provide expedited shipping options across all provinces and territories, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Many locations benefit from overnight service, with most areas receiving delivery within 2 business days. Economy shipping is also available, typically arriving within approximately 1 week.
US Delivery: Similar to our Canadian service, we offer fast delivery to all 52 US states, including Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, and Wyoming. Express shipping often reaches locations within 2 business days, and overnight options are available for select areas.
For a precise quote and delivery timeline, please contact us with your postal code (or ZIP code for US addresses).
The Durability Advantage: Panasonic Toughbooks for Diagnostics
For demanding environments where diagnostic work is often performed, Panasonic Toughbooks are the ideal choice. Renowned as the toughest laptops globally, they are favored by military and law enforcement agencies for their resilience. While new Toughbooks can be a significant investment, we offer professionally refurbished Toughbooks at a much more accessible price point.
We provide a wide selection of refurbished Toughbooks, customized to your specific hardware and software requirements, all backed by a 6-month warranty. If you have any questions or wish to order a robust diagnostic solution, please contact us – we’re here to help!
