Unit 3: Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)

Unit 3
Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)

Unit Objectives:
At the completion of this unit each student will be able to:
1. Identify all tooling necessary to operate Cat ET
2. Connect Cat ET to a machine or engine and perform the
following tasks:
- Read status screens
- View active and logged faults
- Perform diagnostic engine tests
- Perform engine calibrations
Unit References:
Special Instruction--"Obtaining Factory Passwords" REHS1238

Tool Operating Manual--"Using the 261-3363

Wireless Communications Adapter" NEHS0926

Tooling:
9U7330 Digital Multimeter
222-7876 (168-0382) Caterpillar Tool Kit or equivalent
Laptop Computer (PC)
Communication Adapter II has replaced Communication Adapter I.
Communication Adapter I has been discontinued, but can still be used
to support many machines and engines. Communication Adapter I
will not support the CAN (Control Area Network, J1939 protocol).

7X1700 Communication Adapter I

Unit 3 -2- Caterpillar Communications

Tooling (continued)

139-4166 Communication Adapter I Data Link Cable (18 ft.)

7X1425 Communication Adapter I Serial Cable (4 ft.)
171-4400 Communication Adapter II
207-6845 (160-0133) Communication Adapter II Universal Data
Link Cable (2 ft.)
196-0055 *(160-0141) Communication Adapter II Serial
Cable (25 ft.)
261-3363 Wireless Communication Adapter Group includes the
following:
239-9955 Communication Radio Group
259-3183 Data Link Cable
261-4867 PCMCIA Card
NETG5030 **Service Technician Workbench (STW) 2006A

* Serial Cable 160-0141 may not work with certain types of

Laptops, for example IBM ThinkPad.
**STW 2006A (Form NETG5030) includes the following:
STW software on CD ROM (Form NETG5030)
Component Based Troubleshooting software on CD
ROM (Form NETG5030)
Cat ET software on CD ROM (Form NETG5030)
SIS software on CD ROM (Form NETG5030)
Technical Analysis software on CD ROM
(Form NETG5030)
DataView software on CD ROM (Form NETG5030)
Service Report software on CD ROM
(Form NETG5030)
Flash File Search (FFS) software on CD ROM
(Form NETG5030)
STW Getting Started Guide on CD ROM
(Form NETG5030)
Unit 3 -3- Caterpillar Communications

STW Tutorial software on CD ROM

(Form NETG5030)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: This Unit can be used as a working text

by the instructor while performing the Cat ET tasks in the
classroom as the students perform the same tasks on individual
computers.
 Lesson 1: Getting Started with Cat ET
Lesson 1: Getting Started with Cat ET

Introduction:
This lesson contains a presentation with information on the following
Cat ET functions:
• Equipment required for Cat ET operations
• Troubleshooting basic communication problems
• Starting Cat ET
Objectives:
After completion of this lesson the student will be able to:
1. Identify the Cat ET version number.
2. Identify all components necessary to operate the Cat ET
Service Tool.
3. Troubleshoot basic Cat ET communication problems.
4. Connect the PC to a machine and start Cat ET.
Tooling:
Laptop Computer (PC) with STW Version 2006A installed
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: It is recommended that Cat ET be
installed as a component of STW. There are many more features
available to Cat ET if the program is installed within STW.
Ensure that the class computers are properly configured for the
type of communication adapter that will be used in class.
Unit 3 -2- Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

7
5

1 3
6 2
8

Fig. 3.1.1 Cat ET

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET) is a PC based service tool
used to efficiently diagnose engine and machine problems. Cat ET
obtains information from electronically controlled Caterpillar
equipment.
Using Cat ET, the technician can view machine parameters, such as
temperatures, pressures, etc., view and clear diagnostic codes,
perform functional tests, and view data logs.
Cat ET is designed to communicate with an Electronic Control
Module (ECM) through a communication data link.
The components required to operate the Cat ET service tool are a
laptop computer (1), Cat ET software (2), and communications
tooling. Communications tooling includes a data link cable (3),
Communication Adapter (4) and serial cable (5) or the wireless
Communications radio Group (6), data link cable (7), and PCMCIA
card (8).
 Unit 3 3-1-3 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

CATERPILLAR ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN (CAT ET)

PC TO MACHINE / ENGINE CONNECTIONS

Data Link Cable Serial Cable

Service Tool
Connector
ECM Communication
Adapter I

Data Link Serial Cable

Service Tool Communication
Cable
Connector Adapter II
ECM

Data Link
Cable Wireless
ECM PCMCIA
Wireless Communication Card Installed
Adapter Service Tool
Connector
Fig. 3.1.2 Cat ET (PC to Machine Connections)

This illustration shows the tools required for Cat ET to communicate

with the ECM. This illustration is correct for Caterpillar machines
and industrial engines. On-highway truck engines and gas engines
will need an adapter to connect the data link cable to the service tool
connector. The adapter is not shown.
The Communication Adapter allows communication between the PC
and the ECM. As shown in Figure 3.1.2, there are three
Communication Adapters in use.
There are two cables used to connect the PC to the machine when
Communication Adapter I or Adapter II are used. One cable connects
the machine to the Communication Adapter. The other (RS232)
cable connects the Communication Adapter to the PC. Only one
cable is is required when using the Wireless Communication Adapter.
However, a PCMCIA Card is required with the Wireless
Communication Adapter.
The Communication Adapter II and RS232 cables and Wireless
Communication Adapter include the Control Area Network (CAN)
Data Link (J1939 protocol).
Unit 3 3-1-4 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

The Communication Adapter I (no longer available but still in use)

can still be used on most machines and engines.
The Communication Adapter II and Wireless Communication Adapter
can accommodate three data links: American Trucking Association
(ATA), Cat Data Link (CDL), and CAN.
Unit 3 3-1-5 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.3 Communication Adapter II

The Communication Adapter II and Wireless Communication Adapter

are similar to the previous Communication I Adapter but have flash
capability for software updates. The Communication Adapter II and
Wireless Communication Adapter have (PC) on screen information
instead of the window used on the Communication I Adapter.
When Cat ET is connected to an ECM, a message may appear
indicating that there is no communication between Cat ET and the
application.
There are a number of factors that can cause a communication failure
with Cat ET, some of these are listed here:
- Cable defect (test by substituting new cables)
- Cable too long (non standard)
- Communication Adapter (SPM, software missing, fuses, damage)
- Appropriate Communication Adapter not selected (Cat ET
preferences)
- Cat ET communication port not selected (preferences not set
correctly)
- Computer communication port not set or com port conflicting
with another device
- No power to ECM or low power to ECM
- No Personality Module file in ECM or corrupt personality
module
- Machine/engine wiring harness (data link) open/short
- Power supply to communication adapter at service tool connector
failed
- Windows 2000 or XP conflict with earlier, incorrect software
- No signal or weak signal to Wireless Communication Adapter
Unit 3 3-1-6 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.4 PC Connections

There are currently three ways to connect the Communication

Adapter to the PC using any of the following ports:
- Serial port - Serial Cable
- Parallel port (CA II) only - Parallel cable
- USB port - USB/Serial Cable Adapter
Unit 3 3-1-7 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.5 USB Software and Adapter

New PCs may not have a serial or a parallel port. If this is the case,
it will be necessary to use the USB port.
The USB port requires a USB to serial adapter for the serial cable as
there is no dedicated USB cable. This adapter requires the use of a
driver to function. The software is supplied as shown above.
Adapters can be purchased at electronic stores. However, these
adapters may not function with the Cat ET software or the
Communication Adapter.
The recommended tool is a 237-7547 USB/Serial Adapter for the
serial cable. When the cable is first connected to the PC, a new
hardware dialog box will appear with a request for a software driver
to be installed.
If the adapter is used in conjunction with the Comm Adapter I, it will
be necessary to set the baud rate to 9,600 using Cat ET preferences;
or there will be a communication failure.
This tool is compatible with the following operating systems:
Windows 98B, ME, 2000, and XP.
NOTE: The USB/Serial Adapter can only be used with the serial
cable.
Unit 3 3-1-8 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.6 Windows Screen (Starting Cat ET)

At this point, all the cable connections should be made and the PC
should be turned on.
While the computer is being powered up, the engine key start switch
should be turned on to power the ECM. (No communication is
possible with the ECM without the machine or engine electrical
power on.)
This view shows the Windows screen with the Cat ET and Service
Technician Workbench (STW) icons (arrows).
If a battery powered PC is being used, then a quick check of the
battery charge should be made. A PC power supply should be
connected if necessary.
Double click on the STW icon to start the STW program.
NOTE: A PC power failure during a Flash Programming file
transfer to the ECM, will cause a no start engine condition and a
Cat ET communication failure.
Flash Programming initially erases the original file, therefore if
the process is interrupted, an incomplete file will be left in the
ECM. This condition, an incomplete or a corrupted file, will
result in a no start engine condition and a Cat ET communication
failure. More information on the flash process is supplied in
Lesson 7.
Unit 3 3-1-9 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.7 STW Login Screen

STW Login Screen

Type in the user name and password and press the enter key on the
keypad or click the OK button on the screen. The password is not
case sensitive.
If the user name and password is not available, click the Cancel
button on the screen and the STW software will load. It is beneficial
to have a user name and password because the software will
automatically enter the employee number, name, and address into the
Service Report.
NOTE: More information on the Service Report is contained in
the unit "Service Report."
INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ensure that the user has been set up in
the STW User Administration prior to log on. If an error
appears, the user has not been set up in the STW User
Administration.
Unit 3 3-1-10 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.8 STW Product Identification Screen

Once STW launches, the Product Identification screen appears. Enter

the serial number, if known, on the top line and click OK. If the
serial number is unknown, click the Models button and choose the
engine or machine desired. If a serial number or model is not
desired, the Cancel button can be clicked.
Unit 3 3-1-11 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.9 Serial Number Not Entered Message

If no serial number is entered on the Product identification screen

STW will operate but diagnostic trouble codes will not display in Cat
ET. Also, STW will not automatically enter the product information
into the Service Report Header, Flash File Search, SIS, or Feedback
sent to Caterpillar.
Unit 3 3-1-12 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.10 STW License Message

A license is required to use the following programs:

- Component Based Troubleshooting
- Cat ET
- SIS
- Feedback
Unit 3 3-1-13 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 1

Fig. 3.1.11 STW Home Screen (Cat ET icon)

To Launch Cat ET, single click on the ET icon, shown by the arrow
in Figure 3.1.11.
Unit 3 -1- Caterpillar Communications
Instructor Copy Lab 3.1.1

Instructor Copy Lab 3.1.1

Shop Lab Exercises

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

1. Identify all the components necessary to operate the Cat ET Service Tool software.

2. Connect the PC to a machine or engine and start Cat ET.

Identify Cat ET and Communication Adapter version numbers electronically.
List all possible causes of a communication problem, ie "Unable to communicate with the
Communication Adapter."
Unit 3 -1- Caterpillar Communications
Student Copy Lab 3.1.1

Student Copy Lab 3.1.1

Shop Lab Exercises

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

1. Identify all the components necessary to operate the Cat ET Service Tool software.

2. Connect the PC to a machine or engine and start Cat ET.

Identify Cat ET and Communication Adapter version numbers electronically.
List all possible causes of a communication problem, ie "Unable to communicate with the
Communication Adapter."