C13, C15, and C18 Engines / Acceleration Is Poor or Throttle

Response Is Poor
Acceleration Is Poor or Throttle Response Is Poor
Download the "Warranty Report" from the engine ECM before performing any troubleshooting
or clearing diagnostic trouble codes. Check Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) for any
associated codes that are listed in Table 1. Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing
with this procedure.
Table 1
Associated Diagnostic Trouble Codes
E198
E390
E398
E583
107-15
107-16
157-17
5580-18
5584-0
5584-15
5584-16

Probable Causes

Codes
Parameters
Throttle Signal
Air Inlet and Exhaust System
Fuel System
Engine Load
Valve Lash

Recommended Actions
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in
order.
Note: If the problem only occurs under certain conditions, test the engine under those
conditions. Examples of certain conditions are high engine speed, full load, and engine
operating temperature. Troubleshooting the symptoms under other conditions can give
misleading results.
Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results
1. Engine Derate or Active Codes

A. Certain diagnostic codes and/or event
codes may cause poor performance. Refer
to the histogram information for engine
derates in Cat ET. Check for the following
histograms:
1. High Exhaust Temperature Prevention
Derate Time Histogram
2. High Turbo Speed Prevention Derate
Time Histogram

B. If the histograms contain derates and no
diagnostic codes are present, then the
engine is operating normally. The
following list contains conditions that can
cause derates:
1. Elevated altitude
2. Elevated inlet air temperature
3. Elevated ambient temperature


Engine
Derate or
Active Codes

Result: A diagnostic code
is present.

Troubleshoot the code and
then reset the histogram.

Result: A diagnostic code
is not present.
Proceed to Test Step 2.
2. Incorrect Parameters

A. Use Cat ET to verify that the correct
parameters are being used. Refer to
Troubleshooting, "Configuration
Parameters" for additional information.


Parameters
Result: The parameters are
correct.

Proceed to Test Step 3.

Result: The parameters are
not correct.

Input the correct
parameters. Refer to
Troubleshooting,
"Configuration Parameters"
for additional information.

3. Throttle Signal

A. Monitor the status for "Throttle
Position" on Cat ET. Verify that the status
for "Throttle Position" is stable and that
the engine is able to reach high idle speed.


Throttle
Signal
Result: The throttle signal
is stable.
Proceed to Test Step 4.

Result: The throttle signal
is not stable.

Make the necessary repairs,
Refer to the appropriate
circuit test.

4. Restriction in the Air Inlet and
Exhaust System

A. Observe the check engine lamp. Check
for an air filter restriction indicator.
Replace any plugged air filters. Refer to
the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

B. Check the air inlet and exhaust system
for restrictions and/or leaks.


Restrictions

Result: There are no
restrictions in the air inlet
or exhaust system.

Proceed to Test Step 5.

Result: There are
restrictions in the air inlet
or exhaust system.

Make the necessary repairs,
Refer to Systems
Operation/Testing and
Adjusting, "Air Inlet and
Exhaust System - Inspect"
for additional information.

5. Check the Fuel System

Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and
Adjusting, "Fuel System" for additional
information.

A. Visually check the fuel level in the fuel
tank. Do not rely on the fuel gauge only.

B. Ensure that the vent in the fuel cap is
not filled with debris.

C. Ensure that the fuel supply valve (if
equipped) is in the full OPEN position.

D. Inspect the fuel system. Refer to
Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting,
"Fuel System - Inspect" for additional
information.

E. Cold weather adversely affects the
characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the
engines Operation and Maintenance
Manual for information on improving the
characteristics of the fuel during cold-
weather operation. Cold mode (if
applicable) is activated whenever the
engine coolant temperature falls below a
predetermined value. Monitor the status
screen on Cat ET in order to verify that the
engine has exited cold mode. Observe the
reading for coolant temperature on the Cat

Fuel system

Result: The fuel pressure is
OK.

Proceed to Test Step 6.

Result: The fuel pressure is
not OK.

Replace the fuel filters.
Clean the primary
filter/water separator of
debris. Refer to the
Operation and Maintenance
Manual for details.

ET.

Refer to "Cold Mode Operation" within
the Systems Operation, "General
Information".

F. Check fuel quality. Refer to Systems
Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel
Quality - Test" for the proper procedure.
Check the fuel tank for debris or foreign
objects which may block the fuel supply.

G. Check for the proper operation of the
fuel transfer pump. Refer to Systems
Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel
System" for test information.

6. Engine Load

A. Check accessories and parasitic loads
on the engine.

Engine loads

Result: There is not a
parasitic load.

Proceed to Test Step 7.

Result: There is a parasitic
load.

Remove the parasitic load.

7. Valve Lash

A. Check the valve lash. The valve lash
can affect the performance of the engine.

Valve lash
Result: The valve lash is
not set correctly.

Set the valve lash. Refer to
Testing and Adjusting,
"Engine Valve Lash -
Inspect/Adjust" for the
correct procedure.

Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.
If the procedure did not correct the issue, contact your Cat dealer Technical Communicator
(TC). For further assistance, your TC can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).