SPN 637 - FMI 13 (Diagnostic Code: Engine Timing Calibration - Out of Calibration)

CDL Code = 261-13

Figure 1.1 - Engine Timing Calibration (261-13)

#System Response

Default timing of zero is used. Timing can be off by 3 degrees. The code is active.

The Engine speed/timing sensor is calibrated with a two-step process. A new timing reference is calculated first. The reference is based on the signals from the transducer and Engine speed/timing sensor. Next, the new timing reference is programmed into the permanent memory of the Engine ECM.

The Engine speed/timing sensor provides Engine information to the ECM. The ECM powers the Engine speed/timing sensor with 12.5 ± 1.0 VDC. The sensor senses the tooth pattern on the timing reference gear that is attached to the left camshaft. As the timing gear rotates past the Engine speed/timing sensor, a signal is generated in the sensor. This signal is sent to the ECM. The ECM uses this signal in order to calculate the Engine position and the Engine speed.

Calibration of the timing is required only after the following circumstances:

→The ECM has been replaced.

→The timing gear and/or the rear gear train have been adjusted/replaced.

#Comments

→The ECM detects a calibration offset of zero for the Engine Speed/Timing Sensor.

→The Timing Probe is installed from factory, and no special hardware is required (3512C Well Service).

Engine Timing Calibration

A. Start the Engine. Allow the Engine to exit Cold Mode operation. Read More: Cold Mode on Status Flags Caterpillar ET Software.

B. Select Calibrations from the Service menu on Cat Electronic Technician (ET).

Figure 1.2 - Calibrations (Service)

C. Select the Timing Calibration from the Calibrations menu. 

Figure 1.3 - Timing Calibration (Calibrations)

D. Follow the instructions on the Cat ET screen.

→Select Start button.

Figure 1.4 - Timing Calibration (Continue)

→Select Continue button.

Figure 1.5 - Please Wait (Calculating the new Timing reference)

→ If the Cat ET screen reads "CALIBRATION UNSUCCESSFUL", the timing has not been set. Verify that the Engine speed was stable during the testing (± 50 RPM).

Figure 1.6 - Calibration Unsuccessful

E). Increase Low Idle Speed to 800 RPM (Configuration - Low Idle Speed) and start the calibration procedure again.

→The ECM has calculated the Timing Reference.

→Select Continue button to program the Timing Reference.

Figure 1.7 - Continue to program

→Cat ET displays "CALIBRATION SUCCESSFUL". The timing calibration was successful. Disconnect the Timing calibration probe before you exit the Timing Calibration screen on Cat ET. Reset the system and check for any Diagnostic Codes.

Figure 1.8 - Calibration Successful

F). If the Cat ET screen still displays "CALIBRATION UNSUCCESSFUL", increase Low Idle Speed to 900 RPM and start the calibration procedure again.

→If all of the problems have been corrected but the timing cannot be calibrated, check the cable of the Timing Speed Sensor. Check the sensor to verify that the probe is not bent. Verify that the probe is installed correctly before restarting this procedure.

Figure 1.9 - Engine Speed/Timing Speed Sensor

→Shut down the Engine, remove the Engine speed/timing sensor. Clean the magnetic pickup of the Engine speed/timing sensor. Install the speed/timing sensor until the sensor contacts the flywheel, turn the sensor counter-clockwise one full turn. Tighten the speed/timing sensor locknut, or

→Disconnect the sensor from the wiring harness, using a digital multi-meter measure the resistance across the sensor. The resistance should measure 100 to 350 Ohms. If the sensor is not within this range, replace the sensor (Cat P/N 318-1181). After replacing the sensor, complete the calibration procedure.

Read More:

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