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cat 299 d3 voltage issues

ALUMINOX · 2026-01-02 19:16

so we have 299 d3 1960 hrs message says system low voltage check battery and alternator ,we replaced both still the same code then it beeps eventually the battery is discharged

Replies16
  1. #1Arny L2026-01-02 21:13

    As long as your new parts are working properly, that is you "checked" them after installation. Then you could have a current draw that's killing battery over time. You would need to do a Parasitic draw test.

  2. #2Yurok2026-01-03 05:16

    If there are glow plugs, check if they are constantly receiving power.

  3. #3Simon C2026-01-03 10:26

    Is your battery discharged ovenight or while driving. If low voltage while driving and parts already replaced, better to test for poor connections. Simple question, does the alternator put out amps with engine revved up and light and fan on. Simon C

  4. #4ALUMINOX2026-01-03 18:43

    the charge stays on the battery over night no issues so nothing is draining, only once you are running the error message appear then eventually its too low to run the machine , once you charge it you have about 1.5 hr to run

  5. #5ALUMINOX2026-01-03 18:44

    oit keeps saying low voltage check battery and alternator

  6. #6Simon C2026-01-03 21:06

    If the battery is still at a good state of charge ( 12.2 Volts or more first thing in the morning ) and will start the machine , you need to test some connections. You could have a bad battery cable or the cable to the Battery Positive from the Alternator Positive could be bad. Could also have a bad cable from the Engine ECU to the Alternator R - Terminal. Do you have a good multimeter and how much was the Alternator charging at the output terminal with the engine revved up and lights and fan on in cab. Do you have access to a DC clamp meter? Tell us what you have and maybe we can help, Simon C

  7. #7Mr. Wrench2026-01-03 21:29

    I like what Simon C said. I'll add, it is always good to get real numbers and not to assume it is right. The numbers will tell you alot and give you something to go off of. Open circuit battery voltage, charge voltage, ground voltage drop, ect. I don't mean to preach it's just really important.

  8. #8Simon C2026-01-03 21:44

    Testing is a waste of time if you have a spare million dollars to buy everything new. Most don't so would like to know a cheap proper repair without 1 piece bought for nothing. Alternator and battery here already changed and still dead battery after couple hours. This is simple stuff for me but wasn't at one point in my life, so we help and don't make fun of if possible. Simon C

  9. #9Long02026-01-03 21:50

    We had the same problem on a 262D3 Make sure your belt is still in place‍♂️

  10. #10Simon C2026-01-03 21:57

    Drove an hour into the bush to find the belt on Excavator wrapped around the fan. Operator was telling me all is okay and still overheating, Maybe his belt is loose or gone. We are not there is our problem. Simon C

  11. #11Nige2026-01-04 10:37

    I haven't seen any numbers yet as regards output voltage from the alternator or what voltage is arriving at the battery. Just "we have changed this and we have changed that and we still have a problem." The Parts Cannon being fired big style without any diagnosis beforehand.........

  12. #12S.Fox2026-01-06 09:50

    I am having a similar issue. My alternator is not charging. So, a little background on what was going on and what happened. On my 299d xhp battery was old and the colder weather was killing it so i bought new battery and installed it. prior to the install the alternator was charging i was seeing approx.14V on the screen. I installed new batter started the cat up and now only showing 12.2V and of course it drops the longer the unit is running because not charging. I put another alternator on the unit had same issue so took it back and put the old one back on. I have checked all fuses inside cab all good. do not know if there are fuses somewhere else, I need to check. The wires on the back of the alternator i have the main wire going to the battery have a plug with a white wire in it and a single plug which is a green wire. With the switch on I get about the same voltage on the white wire as i have on the battery i do not get any voltage on the green wire. If some one could help me out it would be great.

  13. #13Simon C2026-01-06 13:48

    Maybe post your serial number and better yet Start a second post with the machine description and serial number so we are responding to only your post. Should be simple to figure out if you have a meter and can follow instructions. Simon C

  14. #14Nige2026-01-06 13:54

    See Here - HeavyEquipmentForums Second the need for a Serial Number, especially where 299D machines are concerned. Apparently there are a gazillion different models.

  15. #15Simon C2026-01-06 14:02

    I missed Nige that he had opened another post but missing the serial number. Yes needs to post serial number. Simon C

  16. #16S.Fox2026-01-06 19:56

    I actually posted 2 but just added the vin number on the post that 299D hxp alternator not charging.