28/04/2018 Service Information System

Troubleshooting
C9.3 Marine Auxiliary and Generator Set Engine
Media Number -UENR4349-03 Publication Date -01/05/2015 Date Updated -23/01/2018

i06123497

Coolant Level - Test

SMCS - 1395-038; 1439-038-CLT; 7422-038-CLT

Use this procedure to troubleshoot any suspect problems with the circuit for the coolant level sensor.

The coolant level sensor monitors the engine coolant level in order to warn the operator when the coolant
level is low.

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Illustration 1 g01150024
Components of the coolant level sensor
(1) Sensor
(2) Sensor probe (brass dowel)
(3) Outer coating

When the probe is not immersed in coolant, approximately +5 VDC is sourced to the sensor signal wire.
When this condition is detected by the Electronic Control Module (ECM), an event code is activated.

Prior to troubleshooting any problems with the coolant level sensor, use Caterpillar ® Electronic
Technician (Cat ET) to check the installation status for the sensor. The coolant level sensor configuration
parameter must be set to "Installed" in order for the ECM to monitor the signal from the sensor.

The activation of an event code and/or a warning lamp is probably caused by a low coolant level. The next
likely cause is a problem with the wiring harness, a connector, or the sensor.

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Illustration 2 g03816533

Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.

Table 1
Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results

Result: The coolant is at the proper level.

1. Check the Coolant Level Proceed to Test Step 2.

Allow the engine to cool prior to
removal of the cooling system
pressure cap.
A. Remove electrical power from
the ECM.
B. Check the coolant level. Refer to
the Operation and Maintenance
Manual for the proper procedure to
check the coolant level.
Result: The coolant level is low.
Repair: Add coolant according to the procedure
in the Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Coolant
Level There may be a leak in the cooling system.
Identify the source of the coolant leak. Repair the
leak. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and
Adjusting, "Cooling System" for additional
information.
If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test
Step 2.

2. Verify that the "Coolant Level

Result: The "Coolant Level Sensor" parameter is
Sensor" Parameter is
programmed correctly.
Programmed Correctly
Proceed to Test Step 3.
A. Connect Cat ET to the service
tool connector.
Result: The "Coolant Level Sensor" parameter is
not programmed correctly.
B. Establish communication with
Parameter
the ECM.
Programmed Repair: Program the "Coolant Level Sensor"
parameter to "Installed".
C. Verify that the "Coolant Level
Sensor" parameter is programmed to
Verify that the repair eliminates the problem.
"Installed".
If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test
D. Remove electrical power from
Step 3.
the ECM.

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Illustration 3 g02090761
Terminal locations at the harness connector for the coolant level sensor
(Terminal A) Sensor supply
(Terminal B) Sensor return
(Terminal C) Sensor signal

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results

Result: The voltage measurement is 8.0

± 0.5 VDC.
3. Check the Supply Voltage at the Sensor
Connector The supply voltage is reaching the
sensor. Proceed to Test Step 4.
A. Disconnect the coolant level sensor at the sensor
connector. Result: The voltage measurement is not
8.0 ± 0.5 VDC.
8.0 ±
B. Restore electrical power to the ECM.
0.5
Repair: The sensor supply voltage is
VDC
C. Measure the voltage between terminals A not reaching the sensor. There is a
(sensor supply) and B (sensor return) at the harness problem in the circuit for the sensor
connector for the coolant level sensor. supply. Repair the wiring between the
sensor and the ECM.
D. Remove electrical power from the ECM.
If the problem is not resolved, proceed
to Test Step 4.

4. Short the Signal Wire to Ground and Monitor ±5 Result: The status changes from
the Status for "Coolant Level" VDC "LOW" to "OK" when the jumper wire
is installed. The ECM and the wiring
A. Fabricate a jumper wire that is long enough to harness to the coolant level sensor are
create a short circuit between two terminals at the OK.
coolant level sensor harness connector. Crimp
connector pins to each end of the jumper wire. Repair: Replace the coolant level
sensor. Verify that the repair eliminates
B. Install the jumper wire between terminals B the problem.
(sensor return) and C (sensor signal) on the harness
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side of the connector for the coolant level sensor. Result: The status does not change
from "LOW" to "OK" when the jumper
C. Restore electrical power to the ECM. wire is installed.

D. Monitor the status of "Coolant Level" on Cat ET Repair: The problem is between the
while the jumper wire is installed. Wait at least 30 ECM and the sensor connector. Repair
seconds for activation of the status indicator. the wiring.

E. Remove the jumper wire. Connect the harness Verify that the repair eliminated the
connector for the coolant level sensor. problem.

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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