Factory Passwords

Note: Factory passwords are only available to service technicians from an authorized Caterpillar Dealership.
Customers of Caterpillar do not have access to the Caterpillar Feature Protection System (FPS).
Factory passwords are necessary to authorize access to certain screens in Cat Electronic Technician (ET). Factory
passwords are also used to access specific configuration parameters in the Electronic Control Module (ECM). If you
change parameters that require factory passwords, the "Enter Factory Passwords" dialog box will
automatically be displayed. This dialog box indicates that a factory password must be obtained before the change
can be made.
A hyperlink is available at the bottom of the dialog box that will simplify the entry of ECM information into the
FPS. In order to use this hyperlink, the Personal Computer (PC) that is running Cat ET must be connected to the
Internet. When the hyperlink is selected, the ECM information will automatically be transferred to the entry screen on the
Caterpillar FPS.
If the PC that is running Cat ET is not connected to the Internet, you may save the ECM information to a file. This file can
be opened when the PC is connected to the Internet and a hyperlink will be displayed. When you select the hyperlink, the
ECM information will automatically be transferred to the entry screen that is on the Caterpillar FPS Factory passwords
may be required to perform each of the following functions in Cat ET:
1. Read Customer Passwords. If the owner losses his Customer Passwords, he will no longer be able to program
Customer Specified Parameters.
Customer Passwords can be viewed on an electronic service tool with the proper Factory Passwords.
2. Clear certain diagnostic codes. Only diagnostic codes 190-00 (Engine Overspeed Warning) and 23-02 (Excessive
Engine Power) require factorypasswords to clear once they are logged. The majority of logged codes require no
password to clear.
3. Replace the ECM
4. Change ECM History Data.
5. Rerate an engine.

ECM Replacement Procedure

1.

2.
3.

4.

Record Customer Specified Parameters from the failed ECM. If the electronic service tool is unable to
communicate with the ECM, refer to P-310: Service Tool Will Not Communicate with ECM. If problem is not
resolved, proceed to step 2.
A) Obtain and record the Customer Passwords. Refer to Customer Passwords if the owner has lost them.
B) Use an electronic service tool to access Read Customer Specified Parameters from the ECM being
replaced.
C) Use the Customer Specified Parameters Worksheet to record customer parameters.
Replace the faulty ECM
Obtain Factory Passwords
A) Record Engine Hours from the engine hourmeter.
B) Use an electronic service tool to access Read/Change System Configuration Parameters. When the
Factory Passwords Screen appears, record the following information on the Factory Passwords
Worksheet: ECM Serial Number, Engine Serial Number, Service Tool Serial Number, and Total
Tattletales.
C) Leave the electronic service tool on the Factory Passwords screen and obtain the passwords by providing
the information on the Factory Passwords Worksheet.
Program the new ECM.
A) Enter the Factory Passwords at the Factory Passwords Screen.
B) Enter the Full Load Setting, Full Torque Setting, and Engine Serial Number recorded on the worksheet.
Program the Personality Module Diagnostic Code to 0 (zero) before leaving the screen. All the necessary
System Configuration Parameters MUST be programmed before exiting this screen or a new set of
passwords will be required.
NOTE: If the Customer Specified Parameters are entered before System Configuration Parameters, the Total
Tattletales will change. It will then be necessary to obtain another set of Factory Passwords to access the
System Configuration Parameters.
C) Access the Read/Change Customer Specified Parameters and enter the original values recorded on the
worksheet.
D) Use the electronic service tool to access Calibrate/Monitor Sensors and calibrate the Boost Pressure
Sensor and Rack Position Sensor. Refer to P-527: Inlet Manifold (Boost) Pressure Sensor and P-317:
Rack Position Sensor Calibration.

Replacing The Personality Module

The Personality Module is the software which controls how the ECM behaves. The Personality Module consists of all of the
software, or instructions for the ECM to operate correctly. When troubleshooting indicates that a failure has occurred in the ECM or
Personality Module then temporarily install a new part and thoroughly retest.
NOTE: Updating the Personality Module to a different version may cause some engine functions to behave in a different
manner.
1) Remove the Personality Module Access Cover.
2) Firmly grasp the release clips on the old Personality Module and detach the module from the ECM.
3) Install the new Personality Module into the ECM making sure it seats properly into the Personality Module
socket. NOTE: The socket is keyed to accept the Personality Module in one position only. A "Click" can be felt
when the module is pushed in correctly.
4) Install the Personality Module Access cover. Ensure the O-Ring is seated properly. NOTE: Improper O-Ring
placement could result in moisture damage form improper sealing.
5) Start the engine and check for proper operation.
Program any parameters not previously in the old Personality Module if 253-02 Check Customer Or
System Parameters (56) code is active. Read the code from the Active diagnostic code screen of the
Electronic Service Tool to determine the parameter(s) requiring programming.
Remember, on initial powerup of a new ECM, customer and system parameters must be programmed to avoid a 253-02
Check Customer or System Parameters (56) code.