Service Information System Page 1 of 6

Troubleshooting
C13, C15, and C18 Engines
Media Number -KENR6849-25 Publication Date -01/09/2014 Date Updated -15/09/2014

i05271461

Speed Control - Test

SMCS - 7332-038-VF

System Operation Description:

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 Code Description

J1939
Code (code descriptions may vary) Comments
Code

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) has

detected an invalid combination of positions for
the multi-position switches.
Accelerator Pedal Position The code is logged. If equipped, the warning
774-2
29-2 2 : Erratic, Intermittent, or light will 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.

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The ECM detects signal voltage that is not in the

acceptable range.
774-3 Accelerator Pedal Position
29-3 The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle
2 : Voltage Above Normal
position 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.
774-4 Accelerator Pedal Position
29-4 The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle
2 : Voltage Below Normal
position 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 signal or an incorrect duty cycle on the
Accelerator Pedal Position
774-8 throttle signal.
29-8 2 : Abnormal Frequency,
The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle
Pulse Width, or Period
position as invalid data and a default value is
used. The engine speed is limited to high idle.

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) has

detected an invalid combination of positions for
the multi-position switches.
Accelerator Pedal Position The code is logged. If equipped, the warning
91-2 91-2 1 : Erratic, Intermittent, or light will 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
91-3 91-3 The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle
1 : Voltage Above Normal
position 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
91-4 91-4 The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle
1 : Voltage Below Normal
position 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 signal or an incorrect duty cycle on the
Accelerator Pedal Position
throttle signal.
91-8 91-8 1 : Abnormal Frequency,
The code is logged. The ECM flags the throttle
Pulse Width, or Period
position 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

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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.

View Image

Illustration 1 g02075215
Schematic for throttle position sensor

View Image

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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
Result: The frequency and the duty cycle
are within specifications for the entire
range of the pedal.

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(3-PIN BREAKOUT) at the connector for Repair the harness or replace the harness.
the throttle position sensor. Verify that the problem is resolved.

D.Connect the connector for the throttle
position sensor.
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
326-4904 Adapter Cable As (3-PIN
BREAKOUT). Operate the throttle pedal
while making the measurements.
Result: The ECM detects an incorrect
frequency on the throttle signal or an
incorrect duty cycle on 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
Frequency cycle is greater than 95 percent.
Duty Proceed to Test Step 2.
cycle

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

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

Test Step 1.

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

Results:

l The procedure corrected the issue. - STOP

l The procedure did not correct the issue. -

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Repair: Contact your Cat dealer Technical Communicator (TC). For further assistance, your TC
can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).

STOP

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