Course Overview

Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET) is

diagnostic software required to communicate,
diagnose and service electronically controlled
Cat engines, and machines. When connected to
an Electronic Control Module (ECM), a
technician has the ability to diagnose existing
and potential problems, configure and calibrate
the product, and obtain data for analysis.

Cat ET features: - Displays current totals information, i.e.

- Displays parameter status
- Displays active diagnostics
- Clear and view logged diagnostics
- Performs diagnostic tests
- Print reports and diagnostic results
- Perform calibrations -
fuel consumption, operating hours, etc.
- Uploads new software (Flash Files) to ECMs
- Integration to help files
- Creates engine warranty reports
- Linkage to service manuals
Course Objective

This course will help you become more familiar with Cat ET software. As you proceed
through this course, there will be opportunities to interact with the software in
simulated activities. By better understanding Cat ET software, you will be more prepared
to diagnose existing and potential problems, configure the product, and obtain data for
analysis.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Identify and explain the components of the File menu.
Identify and explain the components of the View menu and customize Cat ET.
Demonstrate the ability to find a code and navigate to the troubleshooting
procedure.
Identify and Explain the components of the Information menu.
Identify and Explain the components of the Service menu.
Identify and Explain the components of the Utilities menu.
Identify and Explain the components of the Help menu.
User should be able to find and start diagnostic tests.
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
launch Cat ET
enable the Trainer feature
identify the Cat ET software interface components
Launching CAT ET

Cat ET is a PC-based program

that is launched from the
shortcut located on the
Windows desktop, or by going
to the Start menu > All
Programs > Caterpillar ET and
navigating to the application,
if necessary.
Trainer Module
operations in a test environment.

To use Trainer:
Launch the service tool. The Connection
message box is displayed.
Click the Stop Connect button. The service tool
main screen is displayed.
Click the Enable Trainer icon on the toolbar, or
select "Trainer" from the Help menu, and then
select Enable from the submenu. The Trainer
dialog box is displayed.
Select a product from the Trainer dialog box.
NOTE: There are several different machines or engines simulated in the Trainer
function. This course will demonstrate various examples starting with the 140M
Motor Grader.

Click OK. The Connection message box is displayed. The ECM Summary screen is
displayed in the trainer mode, and Trainer Active is displayed on the Title Bar.
Connecting to the Machine

Cat ET will now connect to the machine in

Trainer. As you watch the messages, you will
see Cat ET scanning the data links and
displaying the number of ECMs detected on
the machine.

Once Trainer is connected to the machine, you must choose which ECM you want to
connect to. The ECM selected will determine the options available under the program
menus. For this example, we will connect to the Engine ECM on the 140M Motor
Grader (C7 140M (KHX00001)).

NOTE: When connecting to a Tier 4 machine/engine, Cat ET will prompt you to create
a warranty report. The report is required in order to submit a Dealer Solutions
Network (DSN) ticket.
Dashboard

Cat ET software is made up of four main areas.

The menus (1) are located at the top of the
screen.

Below the menu structure is the toolbar (2).

The toolbar shown is the default, but it can be
customized to the user preferences.

The display area (3) changes depending on the

option selected within the software.

At the bottom of the screen is the dashboard

(4). The dashboard can be turned on or off by
clicking the green/red button on the lower right side of the dashboard.
Dashboard . Cont.

The dashboard displays Active Codes,

Active Events, and Status Flags buttons.
These buttons are available on most
screens in Cat ET, depending if the data
link traffic will allow, and offer a quick
glance at any currently active codes and
events.

You will notice the first time you review

codes in the dashboard they will be
highlighted red, after that they will not
be highlighted. This is to give the user
an easy way to know if they have seen
and acknowledged the current active
codes, or if new codes have developed. Any new codes will be highlighted red until
viewed.
Cat ET interface
The Cat ET interface is
dynamic, meaning that
available options change
depending on which ECM you
are connected to, and what
that individual machine
supports.

NOTE: Not all machines or

ECMs will have all of the same
options available.
This section covers the components of the File menu. It is very basic and is similar to
many Windows based programs.
Objectives covered include:
Describe Open Describe Add to Service Report
Describe Export Describe Print Preview/Print
Describe Disconnect Describe Print to File
Describe Switch Data Link Describe Exit
Describe Select ECM
File Menu . Open
The first item you will see is the Open
menu. Under the Open menu, you will
first see the Browse Report folder
option. Clicking this option will open a
Windows explorer window to the
default directory where reports are
stored. This was done to make reports
easier to find for technicians.

Report naming has been standardized,

which makes it much easier for
technicians to locate the specific file for
the specific machine they are looking
for. The structure is as follows:
"Product, engine or ECM serial number_Type of Test_Date Stamp_Time Stamp"
NOTE: This feature will only work for reports saved to the default locations.
The other options under the Open menu will allow you to open a specific report type
that has been saved on your PC.
 File Menu Cont.
Export
The Export option allows you to export
certain files into formats more easily
read by users that do not have Cat ET
installed on their PC.
Disconnect/Connect
The Disconnect/Connect toggle switch
allows you to manually disconnect or
connect to the vehicle or engine.
The Switch Data Link
The Switch Data Link allows you to
manually switch data links on
machines, engines, or on-highway
trucks that support this type of
feature. Data links available can
include: J1939
CDL
ATA NOTE: J1939 is a controller area network (CAN) data link.
File Menu Cont.
Select ECM
The Select ECM option is next. This will
allow you to change which ECM you
are primarily connected to.
Find and Find Next
The Find and Find Next options allow a
search to be performed for a
parameter or any word in a parameter.
Add to Service Report
The Add to Service Report option
allows you to add a screen in Cat ET to
an STW Service Report.

You will be presented with the option to add to an existing service report, create a new
service report, or add to the current service report that is open on your PC.
You will also have the option to add any specific comments to this attachment.
File Menu Cont.

Print Options
The Print, Print Preview and Print to
File choices work similarly to standard
Windows programs.

Exit
The last item is the Exit button, which
will close the program when you are
finished troubleshooting.
This section covers the View menu. It covers the Toolbar and Custom options.

Objectives covered include:

Describe the Toolbar: Large, Small, or Hide
Describe Custom: Toolbar or Function keys
Describe shortcut keys
Explain underlined letters
View Menu
Tool Bar
Under the View menu, you will
first see the Toolbar menu.
Expanding this menu will allow you
to choose the size of the icon on
your toolbar.
View Menu Cont.

Custom Toolbar
Next under the View menu is the Custom
menu. Expanding the Custom menu, you
will first see Toolbar.
Choosing this item will allow you to add,
remove, and reorder the buttons
displayed on your toolbar.

NOTE: To move buttons onto or off of the toolbar, simply highlight the item and use the
arrow keys to move the button where you want it, or you can double-click the item and
it will move the item from side to side as well.
View Menu Cont.

Custom Function Key

The next item under the view Custom
menu is the Function Key option.
Opening this option will allow you to set
up the function keys to perform certain
operations. You can choose any option
from the drop-down menus for each of
the function keys.

NOTE: Cat ET locks in certain function keys, such as the F1 key, which will always open
the Help topic for the screen that you are viewing. This is especially helpful to know
for new users as they can easily access the help topics to learn how to use the feature
in question.
View Menu Cont.

keyboard Shortcuts
You can access almost all Cat ET
menu items using only a
keyboard if necessary. You will
notice when you press the Alt
key on the keyboard that certain
letters become underlined in
the toolbar. Once enabled,
pressing the underlined letter
on the keyboard will open that
option. You can continue
accessing items by pressing the
letter key of the letter that is
underlined. Pressing the Alt key
again will disable this function.
Objectives covered include:
Describe Active Codes
Explain Troubleshoot Code and Troubleshoot Symptom buttons
Describe Logged Diagnostic Codes
Explain the difference between a Diagnostic and Event Code
Describe Events
Perform Diagnostic Tests (e.g., Cylinder Cut Out, Injector Test)
Active Diagnostic Menu
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Active Diagnostic Codes
Logged Diagnostic Codes
Logged Diagnostic Codes
The Active and Logged Events

The Active and Logged Events

screens function in the same
manner as the diagnostic codes
screens.

The main difference between

codes and events is that
diagnostic codes generally
indicate an electrical or
component failure. Events are
more like system issues or
conditions outside the
recommended range, such as a
high fluid temperature.
Diagnostic tests
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.

Step 1: Select
Step 2 : Press start
Diagnostic tests Cont.

Click: OK
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Diagnostic tests Cont.
Objectives covered include:
- Describe Status
- Create Custom Groups
- Describe ECM Summary
- Describe Current Totals
- Create a Data Log and View
- Describe Real Time Graphing
- Describe Prognostics Download
- Describe Data Transport
- Create a Product Status Report
- Describe SIS Links
- Identify the procedure from the Sea
- Trial Marine example

NOTE: The options available under the Information menu will vary depending on the ECM
connection.
Information Menu
Information Menu
Information Menu
Information Menu
Information Menu
ECM Summary
The ECM Summary is the
default screen that displays
once Cat ET connects to an
ECM. It shows basic
information about all detected
ECMs on the machine,
including the programmed
serial numbers and Flash File
information.
Current Totals
The Current Totals provides
totals for certain items such as
total fuel, total operating
hours, etc. The items
displayed are determined by
the application software
loaded into the ECMs and are
created by the individual
product groups at Caterpillar.
Auto-Trigger box
Now that we have all our
parameters defined, we will look
at the Auto-Trigger box. The Auto-
Trigger feature will allow Cat ET to
automatically launch a data log
you have set up if the machine
meets certain user defined
criteria in the Auto-Trigger
section. Put a check in the enable
Auto-Trigger box, and then use
the available drop-down menus
to set up your Auto-Trigger
information. Once you are done
setting up your entire Data Log
Recorder settings click OK. Cat ET
will then set up the data log, and
when the start button is highlighted, you may click start to begin the recording.
Graph button

Once the recorder is finished

recording, you may click on the
graph button. You will need to
choose which parameters you
wish to view on the graph out of
the list of things that were
defined to record. You may do
this by double-clicking or
highlighting and using the arrow
keys to move the parameters
over.

NOTE: You may choose up to 12 parameters to view on the graph at one time.
 Data Log Graph button Cont.
When the graph opens, you
will notice a Legend box. This
will allow you to choose which
of the lines to display at one
time. Simply check or uncheck
which lines you want to see.
You may then close the legend
box to view your graph. If you
wish to change which lines are
displayed, simply click the
Legend box at the bottom of
the screen. While viewing the
graph, you can zoom in on
certain sections by simply
clicking the mouse using the
left mouse button and dragging
the mouse across the area you wish to zoom in. To return to the original graph size,
simply click the right mouse button.
NOTE: Data log lines in trainer will be flat due to the fact that the values are not fluctuating.
Data Log Graph button Cont.
We will now work our way through the
buttons at the bottom of the data log graph.
The Parameters button will allow you to
change which parameters are displayed on
the graph. Again you may choose up to 12
parameters.

The Settings button will give you multiple options to change your preferences on the
data log graph, such things as line colors, background color, axis limits, and other
graph options. Choosing the data compare option will allow you to choose two
different points on a given line on the graph and have Cat ET calculate the difference
in the X values and Y values of the points. The Time Mode button will allow you to
change your graph between the PC Clock (actual time) to a Time in Seconds view,
which will display the total number of seconds the test had run.

NOTE: Once the datalog file is created, it is autosaved, so you can always bring up
the graph by opening the file.
Data Log Viewer
The Data Log Viewer option
will allow you to either open
the last run data log on the PC
or choose any other previously
saved data logs to open. Once
choosing a data log to open,
you must choose the
parameters and then click OK.
This will then take you into the
graph for that data log.
Real Time Graphing
When clicking on Real Time Graphing, you
may either use the Temporary group
previously defined or click New to create a
new list of parameters to view. Real Time
graphing will limit you to six parameters and
is a graphical view of the status screen.

Once you have chosen your parameters and

clicked Start, you will see the graph start to
move across the screen. The Graph Sets
button will allow you to change which six
parameters are being displayed.

The Settings button will allow you to change certain graph items such as line color,
axis values, and other graph properties.

The Hold value will actually pause the data from being recorded for observation
purposes. Clicking this button again will resume the data collection and you will notice a
gap in the graph where no data was recorded.
Data Transport
Data Transport may or may
not be available depending
on the ECM connection. A
member of the DSN
GROUP may request a data
transport file during
machine diagnostics or
repair.
Product status report
Product status report
Once the product status report
opens, you may view the report
or choose the Save As button to
save the report. The report is
broken up by ECM and will list
the type of information that is
currently being viewed based on
the headings that were chosen
when setting up the report.

NOTE: The information in the

product status report can also be
exported. This has become
increasingly valuable for dealers
running condition monitoring
programs as they can pull this
data into their systems and analyze it to predict failures and repair work for the
machines. The file type is .xml. Using Internet Explorer (the Cat recommended
browser) or Cat ET should be able to view the reports.
SIS Links

The last item in the information menu is

the SIS Links feature. Clicking this box will
open a window giving you the option to
go directly into SIS via the SIS
Documentation or Systems &
Components Links. Cat ET will open a SIS
window and search based on the Product
ID programmed into the ECM. You will
then be able to choose which information
type in SIS you wish to see. A CWS ID will
be required to see information in SIS.

NOTE: The SIS Links button will be available in all versions of Cat ET. The Customer
CWS ID will determine what each user can and cannot see in SIS.
Sea Trial
A common test performed during marine
applications is the Sea Trial.

When a Sea Trial test is run, the Computer

Aided Marine Performance Analysis Report
(CAMPAR) must be completed. The goal of the
Sea Trial General Information feature is to
provide an automated way of gathering and
storing this information through the service
tool. This service tool downloads some of the
information from the ECM, and the remaining
information must be entered manually.
To access the Sea Trial General Information, go to Information Menu > Sea Trial >
General Information. Click "Yes" in the message box to open an existing report, or
"No" to create a new report.
Sea Trial Steady State Recorder
The Sea Trial Steady State Recorder function
allows engine performance data to be
captured for diagnosis assistance. The
captured data can be compared with past
performance data imported into the
CAMPAR (Computer Aided Marine
Performance Analysis Report) program, or it
can be graphed within the service tool.

Data is captured while the engines are at

relatively consistent speeds. If the speed
varies more than 20 RPM, the data is
considered to be questionable. The operator
must consider this when choosing the time
and location for using this feature.
Objectives covered include:

- Successfully change the configuration of an ECM

- Explain the purpose of configuration
- Describe Copy Configuration
- Describe Synchronize Service Hour Meters
- Describe ECM Data/Time
- Perform Calibrations
Configuration

The first item under the

Service menu is the
Configuration section. This
will be a list of all
configurable parameters
available on the ECMs. You
can view these groups by
clicking on the group you
want to see in the left
window pane, or you may
choose the Expand All
button at the bottom. You
may also close all the
parameters by clicking the
Collapse All button.
Change Configuration
Copy Configuration

Copy Configuration will allow you to generate

an ECM replacement file. This will allow you to
save the configuration information from the
ECM in order to be able to load this
information into a new ECM. It is also a good
backup to have if something would happen to
the ECM. It would save you from having to
manually enter all the configuration
parameters.
Some machines/ECMs will support the option to generate a fleet replacement file. This
would allow you to capture certain configurations to a file and load this information
into an entire fleet of machines to be sure they are configured the same way.
Synchronize Service Hour Meters
The Synchronize Service Hour
Meters function provides the
capability to synchronize the
electronic service hour meter
between Cat ECMs for
integrated electronic systems.
This assures each Cat ECM on
any given machine is
synchronized with the others
regarding time recorded.
Calibrations
he next major item under the
Service menu is the
Calibrations section. Similar to
the Diagnostic Test section, you
may choose any available
calibration procedure to run on
any ECM. If it is on a different
ECM from what you are
connected to, Cat ET will
prompt you to confirm the
change in ECM connection.
Once a calibration has been
chosen, click Start to begin the
calibration and follow the on-
screen instructions.

NOTE: It may be necessary to access the service manual to perform or complete

certain calibrations.
Dyno mode
If you are connected to an
engine ECM, you will see the
option for Dyno Mode. Dyno
Mode allows an engine to be
tested without having the
sensors connected to the
machine. The test can
override parameters and then
view the effects of the
override on different status
parameters.

Dyno mode is most often used

for performance testing the
engine outside of the machine
or engine installation.

NOTE: This test can only be performed on an engine outside of a machine.

Test mode
Some ECMs will allow you to
put them into a test mode.
The ECM will remain in test
mode for 24 hours and will
allow the user to perform
certain ECM changes without
making them permanent. If
an ECM has expired its test
mode, it can no longer be put
back into test mode. If a test
longer than 24 hours is
required, the ECM must be
reactivated in test mode by
following the on-screen
instructions.
Modifiable Strings
Common function used by
the EPG group is the
Modifiable Strings function in
Cat ET, which allows
customizable events to be
defined in a manner that is
useful in a local setting, such
as setting the speed
reference for the engine
ECM.

The Modifiable Strings

function is available in the
Service menu.
Objectives covered include:

- Describe WinFlash menu

- Successfully Flash an ECM
- Search for a Flash file
- Set up WinFlash properly (browse, pull in, etc.)
- Explain the functions of the preferences
Utilities Menu
Utilities Menu
Flash File search
The next item under Utilities is
the Flash File search. This will
allow you to search for and
download individual Flash
Files prior to going into
WinFlash.
License and Load Response
The License Cat ET and Load
Response file options are used
to Activate or Deactivate your
Cat ET software. Your Service
Software Administrator will use
these screens. Specific
instructions are available in the
Getting Started Guide available
under the Help menu.
Objectives covered include:

- Describe Contents
- Successfully enable ET Trainer
- Describe Whats New
- Describe Troubleshooting
- Describe Customer Support
- Submit Customer Support Requests
- Describe About Electronic Technician
Help Contents
The first item under the Help menu is
the Help Contents. There is a help
topic written about each screen in
Cat ET and will provide instructions
on how to use each feature. The help
topics can be accessed at any time by
pressing the F1 key, or by clicking on
Help, and choosing contents. This
will open the specific help topic for
the screen you are on and you will be
able to view other help topics by
using the other available searching
options in the Help Contents.
Trainer mode
The Trainer mode is next under
the Help menu. Trainer is real
machine data that has been
captured and allows users to
simulate being connected to
machines. You will be able to
access almost all features in Cat
ET to become more familiar
with their operation. You can
choose to enable or disable Cat
ET, or you can enter the
properties to change which
Trainer module you are in.
Getting Started

The Getting Started Guide (3)

contains information about
setting up your Communication
Adapters, launching your Cat ET,
and licensing your Cat ET
software. The Whats New (1)
option will open up a brief
description on the new features
that have been added in the
previous three releases. The
Troubleshooting Guide (2)
contains troubleshooting
information for errors within
Cat ET.

NOTE: This is not machine troubleshooting information, but is Cat ET program specific.
Such things as communications errors and licensing errors are included.
Customer Support

The Customer Support option

will open a window containing
the contact information for
the Level 1 Cat ET support
desk. All technical Cat ET
questions should be directed
to this help desk.
Customer Support Request
The Submit a Customer Support Request
option will allow you to capture log files stored
on your PC and send them to the support desk.
These log files are critical for the
troubleshooting process for some errors that
occur within Cat ET.

To use this feature, follow the on-screen

directions, choose the log files from when the
error occurred, and click Finish. By clicking
Finish, Cat ET will automatically zip up these
log files, launch your default email client,
attach the zip file, and address the email to the
support desk. Simply type up a description of
the issue and send the email. A member of the
support team will respond to help
troubleshoot the issue.
The About Electronic Technician
The About Electronic
Technician option will open a
window containing technical
specs about the version of
Cat ET installed, the ECM
connection, and your PC
itself. Sometimes this
information is also needed
to assist in the
troubleshooting process.