Caterpillar excavators are well-known machines for their durability and superior engineering. However, even in these high-quality machines, malfunctions can occur from time to time. These malfunctions are reported to the operator through error codes indicating potential issues in various components of the excavator. In this guide, we will examine in detail the error codes you may encounter in Caterpillar excavators and what these codes mean.

This guide will help you quickly identify potential malfunctions in your excavator, while also speeding up the troubleshooting process. Understanding these error codes and their meanings is crucial for maintaining a regular and efficient workflow. Be sure to bookmark this page for quick access whenever needed.

List of Caterpillar Excavator Error Codes and Explanations
  • 112 - Accelerator Pedal Malfunction: This code appears when there is a problem with the accelerator pedal. It typically indicates that the pedal is not functioning properly or there is a connection issue.

  • 113 - Accelerator Pedal or Brake Assistant Malfunction: This code appears when there is a malfunction in the accelerator pedal or the brake assistant system.

  • 116 - Main Clutch Signal Problem: This error code is displayed when there is a problem with the main clutch signal.

  • 117 - Brake Signal Malfunction: Indicates an issue with the brake signal.

  • 119 - Terminal 15 Malfunction: Indicates a problem with terminal 15.

  • 11C - Fuel Water Detection: This error code indicates the presence of water in the fuel system. This situation can reduce fuel quality and negatively affect engine performance.

  • 211 - Vehicle Speed Sensor Issue: This code appears when there is a problem with the vehicle speed sensor.

  • 215 - Cruise Control Button Malfunction: This code is displayed when there is a non-returnable issue with the cruise control buttons.

  • 315 - Cruise Control Buttons Reversible Error: This code appears when a reversible error is detected in the cruise control buttons.

  • 125 - Main Relay 2 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in main relay 2.

  • 126 - Battery Voltage Issue: Indicates a problem with the battery voltage.

  • 127 - Engine Brake Decompression Valve Malfunction: This code indicates a malfunction in the decompression valve used for the engine brake.

  • 128 - Main Relay 1 Battery Short Circuit: This code indicates a short circuit to the battery in main relay 1.

  • 129 - Main Relay 3 Issue: Indicates a problem with main relay 3.

  • 12A - Thermostat Relay 1 Malfunction: This code indicates a problem with thermostat relay 1.

  • 12B - Air Heater 1 Power Stage Issue: This code appears when there is a power stage malfunction in the air heating system.

  • 12E - Post-Heating Control System Malfunction: This code is displayed when a malfunction occurs while the post-heating control system is active.

  • 225 - Main Relay Malfunction: This code indicates a malfunction in the main relay, especially after a power interruption.

  • 228 - Main Relay 1 Chassis Short Circuit: Indicates a short circuit to the chassis in main relay 1 related to the high-pressure pump.

  • 131 - Coolant Temperature Sensor Issue: This error code is displayed when there is a problem with the coolant temperature sensor.

  • 132 - Dynamic Coolant Temperature Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction related to the dynamic coolant temperature system.

  • 133 - Boost Air Temperature Sensor Issue: This code is displayed when a problem is detected in the boost air temperature sensor.

  • 134 - Boost Pressure Sensor Issue: This code is displayed when there is a malfunction in the boost pressure sensor.

  • 135 - Fuel Temperature Sensor Issue: This code indicates a problem with the fuel temperature sensor.

  • 136 - Rail Pressure Sensor Issue: Indicates a problem with the rail pressure sensor.

  • 137 - Common Rail Pressure Limiting Valve Malfunction: This code appears when there is a malfunction in the pressure limiting valve of the common rail system.

  • 138 - Oil Pressure Sensor Issue: This code is displayed when there is a problem with the oil pressure sensor.

  • 13A - Oil Temperature Sensor Issue: This code appears when there is a problem with the oil temperature sensor.

  • 232 - Coolant Temperature Test Malfunction: This code is displayed when a malfunction occurs during the coolant temperature test.

  • 236 - Rail Pressure Sensor Offset Monitoring: This code appears when a problem is detected in the offset monitoring function of the rail pressure sensor.

  • 238 - Oil Pressure Too Low: This code indicates that the oil pressure is too low.

  • 23A - Oil Temperature Too High: Indicates that the oil temperature is too high.

  • 141 - Crankshaft Speed Signal Issue: This code is displayed when there is a problem with the crankshaft speed signal.

  • 142 - Engine Operating Only at Camshaft RPM: This code indicates that the engine is operating only at camshaft RPM.

  • 143 - Camshaft Speed Signal Issue: This code appears when there is a problem with the camshaft speed signal.

  • 144 - Camshaft and Crankshaft Offset Issue: This code is displayed when there is a problem with the offset between the camshaft and crankshaft.

  • 149 - Filter Heater Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in the filter heater.

  • 14A - Engine Compartment Start Button Stuck: Indicates that the start button in the engine compartment is stuck.

  • 14D - Engine Overspeed Protection: This code indicates that the engine overspeed protection has been activated.

  • 24A - Engine Compartment Stop Button Stuck: Indicates that the stop button in the engine compartment is stuck.

  • 152 - Rail Pressure Positive Deviation and High Fuel Flow: This code appears when there is a positive deviation in rail pressure and high fuel flow.

  • 153 - Rail Pressure Negative Deviation and High Fuel Flow: This code appears when there is a negative deviation in rail pressure and high fuel flow.

  • 154 - Minimum Rail Pressure Limit: Indicates that the minimum rail pressure limit has been exceeded in controlled mode.

  • 155 - Maximum Rail Pressure Limit: Indicates that the maximum rail pressure limit has been exceeded in controlled mode.

  • 156 - Rail Pressure Drop Rate Too High: This code indicates that the rail pressure drop rate is too high.

  • 157 - Rail Measurement Unit Setpoint Issue: This code indicates that the setpoint of the rail measurement unit is unreasonable under high load.

  • 158 - Common Rail Measurement Unit Fuel Flow Issue: This code appears when there is an issue with the fuel flow setpoint of the common rail measurement unit.

  • 159 - Common Rail Measurement Unit Power Stage Issue: Indicates a malfunction in the power stage of the common rail measurement unit.

  • 259 - Common Rail Measurement Unit Power Stage Battery Short Circuit: This code indicates a short circuit to the battery in the power stage of the common rail measurement unit.

  • 359 - Common Rail Measurement Unit Power Stage Chassis Short Circuit: Indicates a short circuit to the chassis in the power stage of the common rail measurement unit.

  • 161 - Injector Cylinder 1 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector cylinder 1.

  • 162 - Injector Cylinder 2 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector cylinder 2.

  • 163 - Injector Cylinder 3 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector cylinder 3.

  • 164 - Injector Cylinder 4 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector cylinder 4.

  • 165 - Injector Cylinder 5 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector cylinder 5.

  • 166 - Injector Cylinder 6 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector cylinder 6.

  • 167 - Injector Cylinder 1 Warning: Provides a warning for injector cylinder 1.

  • 168 - Injector Cylinder 2 Warning: Provides a warning for injector cylinder 2.

  • 169 - Injector Cylinder 3 Warning: Provides a warning for injector cylinder 3.

  • 16A - Injector Cylinder 4 Warning: Provides a warning for injector cylinder 4.

  • 16B - Injector Cylinder 5 Warning: Provides a warning for injector cylinder 5.

  • 16C - Injector Cylinder 6 Warning: Provides a warning for injector cylinder 6.

  • 16E - Minimum Injection Number Not Reached: Indicates that the minimum injection number has not been reached.

  • 171 - Injector Row 1 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector row 1.

  • 172 - Injector Row 2 Malfunction: Indicates a malfunction in injector row 2.

  • 17C - ECU Injection Hardware Issue: Reports a specific malfunction related to the ECU injection hardware.

  • 27C - ECU Injection Hardware Issue: Reports another specific malfunction related to the ECU injection hardware.

  • 19E - Torque Reduction Due to Smoke Limitation: This code is displayed when torque reduction occurs due to smoke limitation.

  • 29D - Torque Limitation Due to Negative Torque Coordinator: Indicates torque limitation due to the negative torque coordinator.

  • 39E - Torque Limitation Due to Turbocharger Protection: This code appears when torque limitation occurs due to turbocharger protection.

  • 49E - Torque Limitation Due to Engine Protection: This code is displayed when torque limitation occurs due to engine protection against over-torque, overspeed, and overheating.

  • 69E - Torque Limitation Due to Injection System Errors: This code is displayed when torque reduction occurs due to injection system errors that limit fuel quantity.

  • 1B1 - CAN A Bus Issue: This error code is displayed when there is a problem with the CAN A bus.

  • 1B2 - CAN B Bus Issue: This code is displayed when a problem is detected on the CAN B bus.

This guide explains in detail the error codes you may encounter in Caterpillar excavators and what these codes mean. This information is crucial for ensuring your machine operates efficiently and without interruptions. Quickly resolving issues will optimize your workflow and minimize downtime. Bookmark this guide for easy access whenever needed.