Hi, We just changed the battery in our 299D and everything seemed fine, started and ran great. Parked it and the next day turn the key and no crank. Has 12v on multimeter and the display comes on like normal. All lights and even radio function as usual but no crank. When you turn the key on you can hear the fuel pump running like always. I have checked the door/ seat and armrest switches and all checked out. No error codes active or stored. Is there a reset function you have to preform after changing a battery? It's a CAT 299D2 HPX Serial #DX202874
What was the reason for changing the battery in the first place.? What happens to the panel lights when you turn the key to crank.? Do they go dim.? My first suggestion would be to check the engine block ground connection. A poor connection can do all sorts of weird and wonderful things. That means disassemble it, polish the block and the ring terminal(s) on the cable(s), then reassemble & tighten. There are two different types depending on whether you have a C3.3 or C3.8 engine. I can post a photo of what it looks like. Which engine model do you have.? While you are at it I would also check the battery ground cable condition at both the battery and the chassis end.
We changed the battery because it was slow cranking on cold mornings. Took it to the local CAT shop and it tested bad. (it was a 2018 battery) The panel lights do not dim when you try to start it. shows 12v on the instrument panel. Even the headlights stay bright. Yesterday i tested every fuse and relay in the fuse panel, and swapped the starter relay in the engine compartment. The engine is a 3.8 turbo.
Can you confirm that with a meter across the battery terminals please.? I know it's a new battery, but... Below a photo of the location of the engine block ground connection on a C3.8, just behind the high-pressure fuel pump. Try there first, closely followed by both ends of the battery & starter motor ground cables - which BTW go to different locations on the machine. While you're looking at grounds don't forget the cab ground cable #16.
Would an electrical schematic be of any help to you in chasing where exactly the power for the start circuit is going missing.?
Well, we ending up calling a mechanic out. He checked all the basic stuff, sat in the machine and it started right up.... $125 later he leaves. about 15 minuets later we get in the machine to get some work done and no crank! Pull the batter out and take it to get tested. It's fine. just for kicks i short across the battery shut off switch and try it and it starts. so we temporarily bypass the switch thinking we figured it out and it did nothing. I checked and cleaned the ground locations all were tight and just had some dirt on the outside. Intermittent problems are the worst!
Check your messages. You have mail.
Here was the problem. This battery disconnect. it's been stuck on since we bought the machine. replaced it and all problems went away! Thank you for all your assistance.
So in a roundabout way it WAS a ground problem - strictly speaking a lack of connectivity to ground but a ground problem nevertheless. Glad you got it sorted.
Yes you were on point from jump street. Thanks again!