C9 Engine Diagnostics Question

[Dick Lentz]

I have a 2006 Monterey with a 400hp C9 engine.  While driving I70 from Glenwood Springs to Denver (three long climbs) I seemed to notice that engine was laboring until I manually downshifted, both uphill and also when back down to bottom.  Engine seems to perform OK when not under load, but when accelerating, it struggles.  During operation water and trans temps were normal; check engine light did not illuminate.  After parking, I checked all fluid levels (OK) and then attempted to run both trans and engine diagnostics.  Transmission reported no diagnostics, running d1 through d5.  I also drained some fuel from the filter bowl and noticed dirt particles in the fuel.

I then tried to run engine diagnostics and continue to get the following:  2 blinks, slight pause, 5 blinks; after a few seconds, 1 blink, slight pause, 6 blinks; after a few seconds, 1 blink, slight pause 6 blinks.  After about a five second pause the same sequence repeats. 

I can not relate the above to the diagnostic charts in my CAT operation manual. 

[Edward Buker]

Dick,

I'm not sure if you enabled the economy mode on your shift panel. The transmission seems to hold lower RPM longer in that mode before downshifting. Before climbs I have had better luck turning that mode off. Sometimes a manual downshift is best for the situation at hand.

later Ed

[Joel Ashley]

Dick, how long since both fuel filters and/or the air filter were changed?  You can check the Air Filter Minder to see if high vacuum is present due to a dirty filter;  on your coach it should be down on your left as you open the engine hatch. 

Code 25 relates to "An inlet Air Pressure Sensor Circuit Fault", which among other things could result from a dirty air filter, and it's effect is low engine power, especially under load.

As to the 16 code, that's not in my book.  Maybe Dave Atherton has a clue.

-Joel

[Dave Atherton]

Dick, what the code 016 is a event code that is in the cooling system. Consider high ambient
temperatures. When ambient temperatures are to high for the rate of cooling system, there is not
enough of a temperature difference between the ambient air and cooling temperature. also consider
higher altitude where cooling capability is reduced. you had a event code and when event had corrected
everything returns back to normal yes the above will reduce power by 25% of engine and will reset
itself. Sometimes a warning light will not come on that event is taking place, reset itself.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[Dick Lentz]

Dick,

I'm not sure if you enabled the economy mode on your shift panel. The transmission seems to hold lower RPM longer in that mode before downshifting. Before climbs I have had better luck turning that mode off. Sometimes a manual downshift is best for the situation at hand.

later Ed

Economy mode was not on.

Thanks.

[Dick Lentz]

Dick, how long since both fuel filters and/or the air filter were changed?  You can check the Air Filter Minder to see if high vacuum is present due to a dirty filter;  on your coach it should be down on your left as you open the engine hatch. 

Code 25 relates to "An inlet Air Pressure Sensor Circuit Fault", which among other things could result from a dirty air filter, and it's effect is low engine power, especially under load.

As to the 16 code, that's not in my book.  Maybe Dave Atherton has a clue.

-Joel

Filters were changed seven months ago; 3,500 miles since.  Air filter minder was OK.

Thanks.

[Dick Lentz]

Dick, what the code 016 is a event code that is in the cooling system. Consider high ambient
temperatures. When ambient temperatures are to high for the rate of cooling system, there is not
enough of a temperature difference between the ambient air and cooling temperature. also consider
higher altitude where cooling capability is reduced. you had a event code and when event had corrected
everything returns back to normal yes the above will reduce power by 25% of engine and will reset
itself. Sometimes a warning light will not come on that event is taking place, reset itself.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

Seems plausible.  Temperatures were in the high 80s, low 90s, high altitude with three steep climbs.

I was a little concerned with the dirt I saw from the fuel filter bowl.  If I had dirt in the tank, I'm sure it shook loose on the heaves we encountered on the CO roads. 

We will find out when we continue our trip.

Thanks.

Guess I'll find out when we continue our trip

[Dave Atherton]

Dan murphy,  C-9 Re-gen. After our call today,  happen to pull up after our talk about your Re-gen
problem. what was happening back in april has really not changed any from todays talk. I would
bet if I connect ET on again we will still pull up the 310-0 code which tell us good to go, as per Cat
service manual. rember last april, Cat insisted you needed turbo replacement. funny same turbo and
lot's miles later Madison, Wis. fmca rally. Connect ET on C-9 again have found nothing and still pull
up the 310-0 code which tell you are  good to go. All parameters good, exhaust clean no carbon buildup.
keep information coming because a trend here is in your park. without question the $ 7,600. turbo
is ok and someone wanted into your wallet. We have another post with a C-9 that Cat says to correct
problem he needs a update circuit board for the re-gen system. problems are the same for both of
you ( Re-gen fails to light.) Keeping on top with both of problems and very intresting approuch being
layed out for each on outlay of money. Dave Atherton Retired Cat mechanic

[Dick Lentz]

On the road again today from Denver to North Platte, NE.  Engine performed normal until I pulled into a rest area for a quick pit stop, engine running, back on road.  When accelerating, engine struggled.  Able to get speeds to 65 in 5th, but struggling to maintain in 6th.  Outside temp 92-94.  Check engine light did not come on. Pulled into next rest area, checked diagnostics, same as last post; 2-5, 1-6, 1-6.  Temps and oil pressures OK; shut off engine for a few minutes.  Started engine and pulled out of rest area; engine functions OK.   

?? 

[Edward Buker]

Dick,

I would consider changing your fuel filters. If you have some debris in the tank it can reach a filter face and reduce fuel flow, then when you shut down the reduction of fuel pressure can allow the debris to fall away from the filter pleats and allow more normal flow again for awhile. This is not a sure thing but it is relatively inexpensive to rule this out. If you do change the filters out, drain the old ones into a container, check for debris. Also cut them open and check out the filter pleat material. If you have contaminant issues be sure and carry a spare set for sure and change them more often then usual.

Later Ed

[Dick Lentz]

Thanks Ed.  Seems like I must have dirt in the fuel.  Performance has been good prior to this and just keeps getting better.  Coach has 96,000 miles on it now and I feel like engine is just broken in.  Hopefully just a filter problem; must have picked up a bad load of fuel.

[Dave Atherton]

Dick, looks like with event code resetting itself than your up and running. Three thing possible.
Fuel tank vent plugged and pulling vacuum depending how full your fuel tank before rest area.
Second fuel filter that was suggested post above. Looking back on some earlier post I mentioned
With a new cat fuel filter there is 5 psi restriction when installed new, dirty fuel, wter etc.filter is
Full  the restriction now is 10 psi restriction with fuel filter. There in code 015 meaning fuel
Filter need to be changed. At the same time your engine derated itself and than event passed
Reset and runs fine. Third now leaning in this direction you have a sensor going bad and I think
(It is a cat number 161-1703 atmosphere pressure sensor.) Cost is around $ 137.00 and I can walk
you through installing sensor. On top of engine left side need one wrench and a pair of side cutters
To cut one plastic zip tie.  Dave Atherton Retired Cat mechanic

[Dick Lentz]

Drove 400 miles today with no issues.  If I did have some bad fuel, I ran through it the last two days.  Temps today did not go above 90.  Hopefully I can get back to PA with no issues; then having filters changed and also the sensor you suggested.  Better safe than sorry!!!!  Best insurance is good PM!!!

Thanks for your input.