Caution: Do not operate the engine when the oil pressure is low. This will damage the engine. If the measured oil pressure is low, stop running the engine until the problem is resolved.
Note: Steep inclines can cause low oil pressure. When operating the machine on a steep incline, the engine crankcase oil level must be at the "FULL" mark on the dipstick. Refer to the operating and maintenance manual for details.
Caterpillar ET 2026A & 2019C Electronic Technician Diagnostic Software Download and Installation
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) monitors engine oil pressure. The following events are associated with low engine oil pressure:
Table 1 Engine Oil Pressure Low Diagnostic Codes
J1939 Code: 100-17
CDL Code: E360
Code Description (Code descriptions may vary) Engine Oil Pressure: Low - Lowest severity.
Note: The ECM has been energized for at least two seconds.
The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
No oil pressure sensor fault diagnostic code. No 5VDC power supply fault diagnostic code.
Please refer to the oil pressure trigger point in Figure 1.
J1939 Code: 100-18
CDL Code: E360 (2)
Code Description: Engine oil pressure: Low - Medium severity
Severity (2)
Note: CM has been energized for at least two seconds.
The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
No oil pressure sensor fault diagnostic code.
No 5VDC power supply fault diagnostic code.
The engine will be derated.
Please refer to the oil pressure trigger point in Figure 2.
J1939 Code: 100-1
CDL Code: E360 (3)
Code Description: Engine oil pressure: Low - Highest severity
Severity (3)
Note: ECM has been energized for at least two seconds.
The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
No oil pressure sensor fault code.
No 5 VDC power supply fault code.
The engine will be derated.
See the oil pressure trigger point in Figure 3.
100-17
E360
(1)
Engine oil pressure: Low - Minimum severity
Severity (1) ECM has been energized for at least two seconds.
The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
No oil pressure sensor fault code.
No 5 VDC power supply fault code.
See the oil pressure trigger point in Figure 1.
100-18 E360
(2)
Engine oil pressure: Low - Medium severity
Severity (2) ECM has been energized for at least two seconds.
The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
No oil pressure sensor fault code.
No 5 VDC power supply fault code.
The engine will be derated.
See the oil pressure trigger point in Figure 2.
100-1
E360
(3)
Engine oil pressure: Low - Maximum severity
CAT Comm Adapter3 478-0235 Diagnostics for Caterpillar
(3)
The ECM has been energized for at least two seconds.
The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
No oil pressure sensor fault code.
No 5 VDC power supply fault code.
The engine will be derated.
See the oil pressure trigger point in Figure 3.
Possible Causes
• Engine oil level
• Engine oil specification
• Filling fluid
• Engine oil pressure
• Engine oil filter
• Engine oil cooler
• Fuel mixed in engine oil
• Piston cooling nozzles
• Engine oil suction pipe
• Engine oil pump safety valve
• Engine oil pump
Suggested Actions
Note: The steps are listed below in order of probability. Perform these steps in sequence.
1. Engine Oil Level
1. Engine Oil Level
A. Check the engine oil level.
Result: Low oil level.
Repair: Fill the oil system to the full mark on the dipstick.
Result: Engine oil level is normal. Proceed to test step 2.
2. Engine Oil Specification
A. Check and confirm that the technical specifications of the engine oil used are correct. Please refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fill-in Capacity and Recommendations".
Result: The technical specifications of the engine oil used are incorrect.
Repair: Drain the oil system and then refill it with the correct specification engine oil. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil and Filter - Replacement".
Result: The engine contains the correct specification oil.
12.2021 Caterpillar ECM ECU Flash Files Full Set Download
Proceed to Test Step 3.
3. Air-filled Oil
A. Take an oil sample for air-filled analysis.
Note: Air can be detected by the oil droplets on the dipstick.
Result: Air is present in the oil. Proceed to Test Step 9.
Result: No air is present in the oil. Continue to Test Step 4.
Result: The oil pressure reading on the electronic repair tool is similar to the pressure on the test gauge.
Proceed to Test Step 5.
5. Engine Oil Filter
A. Remove the engine oil filter. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil and Filter - Replacement".
B. Check the engine oil filter for signs of blockage. 6. Engine Oil Cooler
A. Inspect the oil cooler for signs of damage or blockage.
Result: The oil cooler shows signs of damage or blockage.
Repair: Install a new oil cooler. See Disassembly and Assembly, "Engine Oil Cooler - Disassembly" and Disassembly and Assembly, "Engine Oil Cooler - Installation".
Result: The oil cooler is working properly.
Proceed to test step 7.
7. Fuel Contamination in Engine Oil
A. Inspect the engine oil for fuel contamination.
See Troubleshooting and Repair, "Fuel Contamination in Engine Oil".
Result: The engine oil contains fuel.
Repair: See Troubleshooting and Repair, "Fuel Contamination in Engine Oil".
Result: The engine oil is not contaminated. Proceed to test step 8.
8. Piston Cooling Nozzles
A. Inspect the piston cooling nozzles for cracks, damage, or missing nozzles.
Result: Piston cooling nozzle cracked, damaged, or missing.
Repair: Install a new piston cooling nozzle. See Disassembly and Assembly, "Piston Cooling Nozzle - Removal and Installation".
Result: Piston cooling nozzle functioning correctly. Proceed to test step 9.
9. Engine Suction Pipe
A. Inspect the inlet filter on the suction pipe and remove any material that may be obstructing oil flow.
B. Inspect the suction pipe joint for cracks or damage.
Note: Cracks or damage may allow air to leak into the oil pump supply.
Result: Suction pipe inlet filter clogged with debris.
Repair: Remove debris from the inlet filter. Try to determine the source of the debris.
Result: Suction pipe cracked.
Repair: Install a new suction pipe.
Result: Suction pipe functioning correctly. Proceed to test step 10.
10. Engine Oil Pump Safety Valve
A. Inspect the safety valve components for excessive wear or damage.
Result: Components in the safety valve do not meet specifications.
Repair: Repair or replace the safety valve as needed.
Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Engine Oil Safety Valve - Removal and Installation".
Result: Safety valve is normal.
Proceed to Test Step 11.
12. Bearing Clearance
A. Check for excessive bearing clearance or damaged bearings in engine components. Check the following components for excessive bearing clearance:
• Crankshaft main bearing
• Connecting rod bearing
• Front camshaft bearing
• Idler gear bearing
Result: Engine bearings do not meet specifications.
Repair: Install new bearings. Refer to disassembly and assembly instructions.
Result: All engine bearings meet specifications. Please contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).