Speed Control - Test...

C13, C15 and C18 Engines for

Caterpillar Built Machines Caterpillar

Usage:
770G ECM 735B L4D 740B L4E 740B L4F C15 L4L 772G LTS C15 TXY

Use this procedure to troubleshoot the electrical system if a problem is suspected with the circuit that is for the throttle
position sensor. Also use this procedure if one of the diagnostic codes in Table 2 is active or easily repeated.
Note: Some of the following codes may not be applicable for certain applications.
Note: Performing steps within this procedure requires the use of a multimeter capable of measuring a PWM duty cycle
and frequency. Refer to Table 1 for the tools recommended for the procedure.

Table 1

Recommended Tools

146-4080 Digital Multimeter Gp

7X-1710 Multimeter Probe

326-4904 Adapter Cable As

Table 2

Diagnostic Trouble Codes

 CDL J1939 Code Description
Comments
Code Code (code descriptions may vary)

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) has detected an

invalid combination of positions for the multi-position
switches.
Accelerator Pedal Position 2 :
The code is logged. If equipped, the warning light will
91-2 29-2 Erratic, Intermittent, or
come on.
Incorrect
Engine RPM defaults to a predetermined safe speed. The
throttle switch is ignored by the ECM until the fault is
cleared and the keyswitch is cycled.

The ECM detects signal voltage that is not in the

acceptable range.
Accelerator Pedal Position 2 :
91-3 29-3 The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle position
Voltage Above Normal
as invalid data and a default value is used. The engine
speed is limited to high idle.

The ECM detects signal voltage that is not in the

acceptable range.
Accelerator Pedal Position 2 :
91-4 29-4 The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle position
Voltage Below Normal
as invalid data and a default value is used. The engine
speed is limited to high idle.

The ECM detects an incorrect frequency on the throttle

Accelerator Pedal Position 2 : signal or an incorrect duty cycle on the throttle signal.
91-8 29-8 Abnormal Frequency, Pulse The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle position
Width, or Period as invalid data and a default value is used. The engine
speed is limited to high idle.
The throttle position sensor is mounted to a pedal assembly that allows the operator to control the speed of the engine.
The geometry of the pedal assembly controls both the travel of the sensor and the range of the output signal. The throttle
position sensor cannot be adjusted.
The output from the throttle position sensor is a PWM signal that varies with the position of the throttle pedal. The throttle
position sensor produces a minimum duty cycle in the released position and a maximum duty cycle in the fully depressed
position. When the pedal is released, the ECM translates the sensor output signal to a throttle position of 0 percent. When
the pedal is fully depressed, the ECM translates the output signal to a throttle position of 100 percent.

Illustration 1 g03017896
Illustration 2 g01214474

P1 ECM connector
(P1-4) 8 VDC supply

(P1-5) Digital return

(P1-66) Throttle position

Table 3

Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results

1. Check the Signal Frequency and the Duty
Cycle at the Sensor
A. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position.
B. Remove the wire from terminal location C
(throttle position) on the harness side of the
connector for the throttle position sensor.
C. Install a 326-4904 Adapter Cable As (3-PIN
BREAKOUT) at the connector for the throttle
position sensor.
D.Connect the connector for the throttle position
sensor.
Result: The frequency and the duty cycle are
within specifications for the entire range of the
pedal.
Repair the harness or replace the harness. Verify
that the problem is resolved.
Frequency
Result: The ECM detects an incorrect frequency
Duty on the throttle signal or an incorrect duty cycle on
cycle the throttle signal. The frequency is below 150 Hz
or the frequency is above 1000 Hz. The duty cycle
is less than 5 percent or the duty cycle is greater
than 95 percent.
Proceed to Test Step 2.

E. Turn the keyswitch to the ON position.

 F. Measure the frequency and the duty cycle
between terminal B (digital return) and terminal
C (throttle position) at the 326-4904Adapter
Cable As (3-PIN BREAKOUT). Operate the
throttle pedal while making the measurements.

Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position.

Remove the breakout harness. Restore the

wiring for the harness connector to the original
configuration.

Result: The supply voltage is above 7.5 VDC at

the sensor connector.
2. Check the Supply Voltage to the Sensor
The wiring is OK. Replace the sensor. Verify that
A. Turn the keyswitch to the OFF position.
the problem is resolved.
B. Disconnect the harness connector for the
7.5 Result: The supply voltage is not above 7.5 VDC
throttle position sensor.
VDC at the sensor connector.
C. Measure the voltage across terminal A (8 V
The supply voltage is not reaching the speed
supply) and terminal B (digital return) on the
control.
harness side of the connector.
Repair the harness wiring or replace the harness.
Verify that the problem is resolved.

Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.
If the procedure corrected the issue, return the engine to service.
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).