Understanding common Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) is the important first step in understanding a machine malfunction.
Almost all heavy equipment manufacturers use the standard J1939 DTC format of Suspect Parameter Number (SPN) and Failure Mode Indicator (FMI). This code system broadcasts over the machine data link or Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. These codes will be an SPN of up to 6 numerical digits, then a decimal followed by up to 2 numerical digits. If a code has a single digits after the decimal it is assumed to have a leading 0. For example if the code on the machine monitor reads 97.4 it is actually 97.04.
"I have codes on my machine and have no idea what to do next, you are hiding the information."
Common DTC faults
1569.31 - Machine derate and is the result of another fault (think check engine light)
189.31 - Engine power derate and is the result of another fault (think check engine light)
97.03 - Water in fuel sensor fault, this indicates electrical sensor or wiring failure for the water presence sensor in the fuel / water separator filter assembly
94.18 - Fuel pressure low, this condition can be the result of restricted filters or contaminated fuel
2659.18 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) flow restricted, this could be the result of a bad EGR valve assembly, fouled / restricted EGR cooler assembly, or excessive soot caking in the system from high idle time
111.18 - Low Coolant Level the fluid level in coolant pressure expansion tank has dropped below the sensor, common causes are slow leaks from areas using hose clamps that are often undetected when the engine is running and the fan is moving air through the engine compartment
101.16 Crankcase Pressure High common fault on machines equipped with Open Crankcase Ventilation (OCV) systems that use a filter. High idle time will dramatically reduce filter life and soak the filter with normal oil blowby vapor faster than it can condense and return to the engine block through the drain assembly
3720.16 - Ash Cleaning required fault most often seen on John Deere engines when the ash produced by regeneration has exceeded it limit. This usually requires removal and cleaning of the DPF assembly by a third party or replacement.
1761.18 - Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank level sensor fault, this could be cause by actual failure of sensor or obstructions within the tank
3516.01 - Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) concentration low, DEF fluid is mix of Urea and distilled water. The level of Urea should be present at 28% to 32% when measured with a refractometer. Common causes are low quality DEF, contaminated DEF or concentration sensor failure in the DEF Header mounted in the tank
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