Lesson 2: Using Cat ET Screens

Lesson 2: Using Cat ET Screens

Introduction:
Lesson Two covers the following topics:
• Drop down menus
• Toolbar usage
• Function keys
• Data link connecting and disconnecting
• Status screen usage
• Diagnostic screens
• Configuration and information screens
Objectives:
After completion of this lesson the student will be able to:
1. Navigate through all menus and screens using the icons,
function keys, mouse, and keyboard.
2. Read all status screen parameters.
3. Reconfigure and save a status screen.
4. Read active faults, read and clear logged faults and events.
Tooling:
Laptop Computer (PC) with STW Version 2006A
All tooling required to properly connect Cat ET to a machine or
engine is listed in the complete tooling list on page 1-3 of Unit 3.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE: ET contains a training program called
ET Trainer. If a Training Aid or an engine is not available, this
feature can be used for many of the functions described in this
lesson. ET Trainer can be accessed or exited using the icons, or
with the following drop down menu selections:
Help / Trainer / Enable - Disable
Unit 3 3-2-2 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.1 ECM Selector Screen

The ECM selector screen or ECM summary screen appears

automatically when Cat ET is connected to a machine.
If multiple ECMs are connected to the data link, the ECM Selector
screen shown in Figure 3.2.1 will appear. The choice must be made
between the various ECMs available. As many as nine ECMs could
be connected to the data link, for example, the 797 Off-highway
Truck.
If only one ECM is connected to the data link, this screen will not
appear; the ECM summary screen, shown in Figure 3.2.2. will be
displayed.
Unit 3 3-2-3 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.2 ECM Summary Screen

This ECM Summary screen appears after the ECM has been selected
or if only one ECM is connected to the data link.
The ECM Summary screen contains information on equipment and
ECMs to which the data link is connected. In many cases, machines
have multiple ECMs connected to the data link.
The left column lists all the ECMs connected to the data link. Figure
3.2.2 shows three ECMs for this application.
The right columns contain the equipment ID, engine serial number,
and information on the ECMs and Personality Modules. The ECM
Summary Screen can be manually selected at any time using either
the drop down menu (Information / ECM Summary) or the icon
(arrow).
If the screen is less than full size, the screen can be maximized (to
use all available space) by clicking on the square box in the top right
corner of the Cat ET screen.
Unit 3 3-2-4 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.3 View Menu

The following drop down menus are positioned at the top of the
screen:
- File - Service
- View - Utilities
- Diagnostics - Tools
- Information - Help

Many of the items in the above menus are duplicated in the toolbar
icons and in the Function Keys.
The following toolbar icons are available for use:
Feedback ECM Summary
Bookmarks Configuration Tool
Search Connect
Print Preview Disconnect
Print Enable Trainer
Status Disable Trainer
Active Diag Codes Exit
Logged Diag Codes Help
Logged Event Codes
Unit 3 3-2-5 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

The Toolbar Icons and most of the Function Keys can be rearranged
so that they can both match when numbered from the left.
The first drop down menu to be demonstrated is the View Menu
shown in Figure 3.2.3.
There are four choices available under View:
- Toolbar
- Launchpad
- Custom
- Preferences
If there is a check next to the toolbar, the toolbar will be displayed
and if the check mark disappears, the toolbar will also disappear.
If Custom is selected there are two choices, Toolbar and Function
Keys. Select Toolbar.
Unit 3 3-2-6 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.4 Toolbar Customization Screen

The Toolbar Customization screen is now in view. Note that the

screen has been selected without showing STW, so that the Toolbar
Screen could be enlarged.
The Toolbar can now be customized to suit the user (assuming that
the user has their own personal computer). Even if the Toolbar is
completely rearranged, it can be reset back to the original by
selecting Get Default.
The available tools can be selected from the left hand side of the
screen.
Finally the Toolbar can be reduced in size or completely eliminated
from view if desired, using the following drop down menu selection
and going to the General tab:
View / Preferences

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: The following tasks can be performed

and are a good practice for someone not proficient with a mouse.
Pick the buttons required for day to day operations
Choose the sequence to insert the buttons
Spaces can be inserted between groups of buttons
Return to original default setting
Unit 3 3-2-7 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.5 Customize Function Keys Screen

The Function Keys can be customized in the same way.

Use the drop down menus and select:
View / Custom / Function Keys

Function keys, F2 - F7 and F10 - F12 can be customized using the

mouse.
Function keys, F1, F8, and F9 are fixed.
By clicking on the down arrow at each Function Key box, the
selection can be made for each key.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Have the students customize the function

keys by using the screen shown in Figure 3.2.5 as a suggested list.
If desired, return to the default setting.
If desired, the original (default) list can be used rather than the
customized list. Alternatively, if the keys are customized, the
original setting can be reinstated using the Get Defaults button.
Unit 3 3-2-8 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

1 2

Fig. 3.2.6 ECM Summary Screen (Data Link Disconnect)

As with many Cat ET functions, there are various methods of

connecting and disconnecting the data link.
1. The function key F8 (on the keyboard) performs both tasks,
connecting and disconnecting.
2. The connecting/disconnecting function can also be performed
with the File drop down menu, as shown:
File / Disconnect F8.
3. Two data link icons are on the Tool Bar, one for connecting (1)
and the other for disconnecting (2).
When the disconnect function is selected, the main body of the screen
is blanked out.
NOTE: When the cursor is on any button on the Toolbar, the
bubble help (functional description), is displayed.
Unit 3 3-2-9 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.7 Active Diagnostic Codes Selection

The Active Diagnostic Codes (message) Screen can be selected using

the icon (shown on left), the F3 key on the keyboard, or by using the
drop down menu. The Diagnostics drop down menu can be used to
select this screen as follows:
Diagnostics / Active Diag Codes

The function key used for this purpose depends on how the keys are
assigned. F3 is the default key.
Only one fault is active in this 3126B engine. Many times there will
be various active fault codes and status flag indicators shown.
The user can troubleshoot an active code by highlighting the code
and clicking Troubleshoot Code shown in the lower left corner of the
screen. This will open Component Based Troubleshooting, only if
Cat ET is running inside of STW, and help the technician
troubleshoot the code.
Active faults cannot be cleared from this screen. An active fault will
be cleared automatically when the fault itself is corrected.

NOTE: The Include all ECMs box at the lower right hand part
of the screen can be checked to obtain faults on all ECMs
connected to the data link.
Unit 3 3-2-10 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.8 Logged Diagnostic Codes Selection

The Logged Diagnostic Codes (message) screen can be displayed

using the icon on the toolbar (arrow).
Also the Diagnostics / Logged Diagnostic Codes drop down menu
can be used to display this screen. Finally, the function key may be
used (depending on how the keys are assigned). F4 is the default key.
The messages can be cleared by using the curser to highlight the
message. Press the Enter key or click Clear at the bottom of the
screen and confirm the message to delete.
The Active, Logged, and Event Diagnostic screens may be printed or
saved for later viewing or printing.
The "Occ.," "First," and "Last" headings at the upper right part of the
screen describe the number of occurrences and the hours when the
first and last occurrence happened. This feature is useful for
identifying intermittent faults.
Unit 3 3-2-11 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.9 Logged Events Selection

The Logged Events are situations where there may or may not be an
electronic fault, but the engine has operated outside its normal
operating parameters. This screen can be accessed using the Logged
Events screen icon (arrow), using the function key, or using the
following drop down menu:
Diagnostics / Events / Logged Events

These conditions could be maintenance related, such as low oil level

or plugged air filters. Other events could be caused by operator
abuse such as engine overspeed or overload leading to overheating.
In Figure 3.2.9, there are no event codes present. If an event code
was an Engine Overspeed Warning, more information would be
available in the form of a histogram. This information is available by
selecting the item and clicking View Histogram at the lower, left
corner of the screen. If there are no overspeeds present, View
Histogram will be gray (not highlighted as shown above).
Events are not cleared routinely and usually require a password for
removal. Clearing an event requires the line to be selected, then press
the Enter key or click Clear and enter the information required for the
passwords. Factory passwords will be discussed in Lesson 4.
Unit 3 3-2-12 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Normally, the Events should remain in the memory until overhaul

time. The Events provide a record or history of potentially damaging
incidents which can help in performing diagnostics, failure analysis,
or providing evidence of operator abuse. The maximum number of
events which an ECM can store is 255. If this number has been
reached, events can be cleared after the cause has been determined.
Even though the ECM has logged 255 occurrences, the diagnostic
clock will log the hour when the latest Event occurred.
Other events which may be seen, depending on the application, are:
- High exhaust temperature
- High aftercooler temperature
- High crankcase pressure
- Loss of coolant flow
- Low (lubrication) oil pressure (according to the oil pressure map)
- User defined shutdown selection
- Fuel filter restriction
- Oil filter restriction
- Low engine oil level
- High or low boost
Unit 3 3-2-13 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.10 Event Histogram Screen

The magnitude and number of overspeeds are amplified on the

overspeed histogram of a C-9 Industrial Engine in Figure 3.2.10.
This screen graphically shows the extent of the overspeeds. The
vertical line on the graph shows the number of each category of
overspeed. The horizontal line shows the highest rpm value of each
overspeed. The overspeeds are grouped in 100 rpm increment
categories.
In this case there were six overspeeds which peaked at 2500 rpm,
three at 2600 rpm, two at 2700 rpm, one at 2800 rpm, and 1 at 2900
rpm.
The range of rpms shown on the screen is determined by the
application ECM. In this case, 2900 is the highest rpm to be
measured by the C-9 engine. Other engines may have a different
scale depending on the engine.
In this illustration (C-9 engine), damage may have been sustained at
2900 rpm. The engine should be examined for overspeed related
damage. The checks, for example, should include; valves, pistons,
bearings, and other moving parts.
However, with a larger engine such as a 3500, serious damage most
likely would have occurred at this rpm due to its size and higher
piston speed. Generally speaking the larger the engine, the lower the
rpm at which damage will be sustained.
Unit 3 3-2-14 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.11 Status Screen (Group 1)

To select status screens, click on the status screen icon button (arrow)
or select the F2 function key and the selection screen will appear.
The status screens can also be selected by using the drop down menu:
Information/Status

The Group 1 Status Screen (Figure 3.2.11) is displayed. Notice the

Status Flag indicator across the top of the screen. This contains
current active conditions, for example, the Elevated Idle and High
Engine Coolant Temp Warning are seen in Figure 3.2.12. Other
indicator flags that could be displayed are as follows:
Injection Disabled
Engine Overspeed
Engine Derate
Cold Mode
Low Oil Pressure.

Directly below the Status Flag indicators are:

Description of the engine: C-9 Industrial Engine
Engine serial number: GD00000
Unit 3 3-2-15 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.12 Status Screen (Group 1) - Zoom In

There will be times when working on the vehicle that the numbers
must be read from a distance. In this case, the Zoom In feature was
selected and the numbers are enlarged for clarity. Clicking Zoom
Out (arrow) restores the the screen to its original size.
The Hold feature will lock in the readings for analysis. For example,
during a torque stall test.
Selecting and customizing the Status Screens is a vital part of Cat ET.
For example, if it is required to perform a torque stall test for low
power on a 793 truck, there are a number of items which need to be
checked simultaneously. The only practical way to do this is to
customize a screen, with all necessary parameters. A new screen can
be created, or an existing screen can be modified and saved for future
use.
Unit 3 3-2-16 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

1
2

Fig. 3.2.13 Maintain Groups Screen (Creating Temporary Group)

To create a new status group, click the Groups button (1) in the lower
left hand corner of the screen. The Select Group screen appears.
Click the New button (2) and the Save screen appears. The new
group should be given a name. In Figure 3.2.13 the New Group has
been named "Low Power Test." Click OK to save the screen for
future use.
Unit 3 3-2-17 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.14 Maintain Groups Screen (Selecting Group Parameters)

The new group "Low Power Test" has been created. If it is necessary
to check for low power, the items most likely to be checked will be
selected from the Available Parameters on the left side of the screen
and added to the new group on the right side of the screen. For
example:
1. Engine speed
2. Desired engine speed
3. Throttle position
4. Atmospheric Pressure
5. Boost Pressure
6. FRC Fuel Limit (fuel ratio control)
7. Fuel Position
8. Rated Fuel Limit
9. Engine Coolant Temperature
10. Engine Load Factor
Unit 3 3-2-18 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

The maximum number of parameters which can be accommodated on

one screen is 10.

If OK is selected, this will be a Temporary Group and will only be

saved until the Status Screen is exited (it is then deleted).

If more than 10 parameters are desired, a second screen may be

created. The user can toggle back and forth between these two
screens.

If two screens are created for the same test, it is suggested that titles
such as the following be used:

Low Power Test 1

Low Power Test 2
These two screens were created (and stayed) in Alpha/numerical
order. This process simplifies the task of toggling between screens
using the Page up/Page down keys.
Unit 3 3-2-19 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.15 Status Screen (Low Power Test)

Figure 3.2.15 is the (newly created) reconfigured screen.

Notice the screen title, Low Power Test, at the bottom of the status
group list on the left side of the screen.
The Hold button can be used to freeze the screen. The Hold button
will be replaced by the Resume button which is used to return to the
dynamic screen.
The advantage of this function is that it allows test readings in the
field, for example, torque stall test readings can be frozen using the
Hold function and viewed or saved to a file. This information can
then be printed or viewed at another time. The paper copy can be
used as a base line for future tests and comparisons.
The Active Codes button at the bottom of the screen is used to view
the active codes for the current ECM.
Unit 3 3-2-20 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.16 Active Codes

Once the Active Codes button or the letter A on the keyboard is

pressed, the Active Codes screen is displayed as shown in Figure
3.2.16.
Note the "Push Pin" icon (arrow). When selected with the mouse, the
push pin allows the user to move from screen to (status) screen
without losing the Active Fault screen.
INSTRUCTOR NOTE: These screens can be generated with the
Caterpillar Electronic Training Aid. This tool makes the task of
generating screens simpler for training purposes. The Training
Aid has the capability of using different applications with
minimum modifications. The Training Aid can also create
scenarios for diagnostic purposes which may not be practical with
a machine or engine. If a Training Aid is not available, then the
Cat ET Trainer can be used with good results in the classroom.
Unit 3 3-2-21 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.17 Parameter Change History

The Parameter Change History (if installed), provides information on

all of the changes to each parameter including the following:
ECM hours when the change occurred
Service tool serial number
Values of each parameter change including new (current) value
The Parameter Change History screen is accessed using the following
drop down menu:
Information/History/Parameter History

The Parameter Change History is only available on some

applications, for example this 3516 in a 793 truck. This feature is
determined by the Personality Module software.
Unit 3 3-2-22 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 2

Fig. 3.2.18 Configuration Screen

The Configuration Screen allows changes to the parameters listed.

The screen duplicates some of the functions of the ECM Summary.
However, this screen allows changes and provides a record of
changes to parameters. This screen is accessed from the
configuration icon (arrow), the function key, or through the Service
drop down menu as follows:
Service / Configuration

The configuration screen also records the latest change value and the
number of times the parameter has been changed. This feature
provides an audit trail in the system if tampering by unauthorized
persons is evident.
The column on the right hand side of the screen "TT" stands for
Tattle Tale and refers to the total number of changes to the parameter.
To change a parameter value, select the desired line, press Enter, and
follow the instruction screen.
It should be noted that some parameters do not show a TT count.
These parameters are read only and as such cannot be changed on
screen. Personality Module part numbers and the install date are
automatically recorded on installation.
Unit 3 -1- Caterpillar Communications
Instructor Copy Lab 3.2.1

Shop Lab Exercises

Instructor Copy Lab 3.2.1

Lab Objectives: The following exercises will reinforce the material introduced in this lesson and will
allow questions to be asked:

1. Navigate through all drop down menus and screens using both the mouse and keyboard.

2. Customize the tool bar icons and function keys.

3. Read all status screen parameters.

4. Reconfigure and save a status screen with the following parameters:

Engine speed, desired engine speed, throttle position, atmospheric pressure, boost pressure, air
filter restriction, FRC limit, fuel position, engine coolant temperature.

5. Read active faults, read and clear logged faults and events (including all ECMs).

6. Retrieve a saved status screen file and print.

7. Read the engine parameters and record the details on the worksheet (next page).
Unit 3 -2- Caterpillar Communications
Instructor Copy Lab 3.2.1

READ/CHANGE PARAMETERS WORKSHEET

Engine Parameters

Equipment ID Number: ________________________

Engine Serial Number: ________________________

ECM S/N: ________________________

Full Load Setting: ________________________

Full Torque Setting: ________________________

Personality Module Part Number: ________________________

Personality Module Release Date: ________________________

Other Parameters Not Listed Above:

_________________________ _____________

_________________________ _____________

_________________________ _____________

_________________________ _____________

From Engine Information Plate

Engine Serial Number: ____________________

Full Load Setting: ____________________

Full Torque Setting: ____________________

NOTE: Compare the ECM Full Load and Full Torque Settings with the Engine Information
Plate values. These parameters are usually only changed because of a mechanical change in the
engine. The use of the wrong parameter could cause an un-warrantable engine failure.
Unit 3 -1- Caterpillar Communications
Student Copy Lab 3.2.1

Student Copy Lab 3.2.1

Shop Lab Exercises

Lab Objectives: The following exercises will reinforce the material introduced in this lesson and will
allow questions to be asked:

1. Navigate through all drop down menus and screens using both the mouse and keyboard.

2. Customize the tool bar icons and function keys.

3. Read all status screen parameters.

4. Reconfigure and save a status screen with the following parameters:

Engine speed, desired engine speed, throttle position, atmospheric pressure, boost pressure, air
filter restriction, FRC limit, fuel position, engine coolant temperature.

5. Read active faults, read and clear logged faults and events (including all ECMs).

6. Retrieve a saved status screen file and print.

7. Read the engine parameters and record the details on the worksheet (next page).
Unit 3 -2- Caterpillar Communications
Student Copy Lab 3.2.1

READ/CHANGE PARAMETERS WORKSHEET

Engine Parameters

Equipment ID Number: ________________________

Engine Serial Number: ________________________

ECM S/N: ________________________

Full Load Setting: ________________________

Full Torque Setting: ________________________

Personality Module Part Number: ________________________

Personality Module Release Date: ________________________

Other Parameters Not Listed Above:

_________________________ _____________

_________________________ _____________

_________________________ _____________

_________________________ _____________

From Engine Information Plate

Engine Serial Number: ____________________

Full Load Setting: ____________________

Full Torque Setting: ____________________

NOTE: Compare the ECM Full Load and Full Torque Settings with the Engine Information
Plate values. These parameters are usually only changed because of a mechanical change in the
engine. The use of the wrong parameter could cause an un-warrantable engine failure.