
RENR9348-01 33
Troubleshooting Section
i02513923
Engine Misfires, Runs Rough
or Is Unstable
SMCS Code: 1000-035
Note: If the sy
mptom is intermittent and the symptom
cannot be repeated, refer to troubleshooting without
a diagnostic code Tr oubleshooting, “Intermittent Low
PowerorPower
Cutout”. If the symptom is consistent
and the symptom can be repeated, continue with this
procedure.
Probable Causes
•
Diagnostic codes
•
Electrical c
onnectors
•
Cold mode
•
Throttle signal
•
Unit injecto
rs
•
Fuel supply
•
Air inlet and exhaust system
Recommended Actions
Note: If the s
ymptom only occurs under certain
operating conditions (high idle, full load, engine
operating temperature, etc), test the engine under
those condi
tions. Troubleshooting the symptom
under other conditions can give misleading results.
Diagnostic
Codes
Check for active diagnostic codes on the Caterpillar
Electronic
Technician (ET). Troubleshoot any active
codes before continuing with this procedure.
Electrica
l Connectors
Check for correct installation of the J1/P1 and
J2/P2 Elec
tronic Control Module (ECM) connectors
and the unit injector connectors. Refer to the
diagnostic functional test Troubleshooting, “Electrical
Connector
s - Inspect”.
Cold Mode
Use Cat ET to verify that the engine has exited cold
mode. Cold mode operation may cause the engine to
run rough
and the engine power may be limited.
Throttle Signal
Monitor throttle signal on Cat ET. Verify that the
throttle signal is stable from the low idle position to
thehighidlep
osition.
Unit Injectors
1. Use Cat ET to determine if there are any active
diagnostic codes for the unit injectors.
2. Perform the “Injector Solenoid Test” on Cat ET in
order to determine if all of the injector solenoids
are being ene
rgized by the ECM.
3. Perform the “Cylinder Cutout Test” on Cat ET in
order to iden
tify any misfiring cylinder(s). Refer
to the diagnostic functional test Troubleshooting,
“Injector Solenoid Circuit - Test”.
Fuel Supply
1. Check the fu
el lines for the following problems:
restrictions, collapsed lines, and pinched lines. If
problems are found with the fuel lines, repair the
lines and/o
r replace the lines.
2. Check the fuel tank for foreign objects which may
block the fu
el supply.
3. Prime the fuel system if any of the following
procedures
have been performed:
•
Replacement of the fuel filters
•
Service on the low pressure fuel supply circuit
•
Replaceme
nt of unit injectors
4. Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics
of the fuel
. Refer to the Operation and
Maintenance Manual for information on improving
the characteristics of the fuel during cold weather
operation
.
5. Check the fuel pressure during engine cranking.
Check the f
uel pressure after the fuel filter. Refer
to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, “Fuel
System” for the correct pressure values. If the fuel
pressure
is low, replace the fuel filters. If the fuel
pressure is still low, check the following items: fuel
transfer pump, fuel transfer pump coupling, and
fuel pre
ssure regulating valve.
Air Inlet and Exhaust System
1. Check for an air filter restriction. Clean plugged air
filters or replace plugged air filters. Refer to the
Operati
on and Maintenance Manual.