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The Caterpillar 955L loader is a workhorse in heavy equipment fleets, known for its durability and performance. However, like any older machine, it can encounter problems with its electrical system and engine starting components, such as the battery charging system and glow plugs. These issues can cause frustrating delays on job sites, especially in colder climates where proper starting power is crucial.
In this article, we’ll explore the common issues faced by Caterpillar 955L loaders related to battery charging, trickle chargers, and glow plugs, and how to troubleshoot and resolve them. Additionally, we'll touch on maintenance tips to keep your machine running smoothly in the long term.
Understanding Battery Charging Issues
One of the most common problems faced by the CAT 955L is battery charging issues. A loader that isn't starting properly often points to a battery-related problem, whether it’s an inability to hold a charge, insufficient charging while operating, or issues related to the charging system.
1. Battery Not Holding a Charge
A battery that fails to hold a charge is a classic problem in older machines. If your CAT 955L struggles to start, even after charging the battery overnight, there may be an underlying issue with the battery itself.
Another possible culprit behind battery charge issues is the alternator or voltage regulator, which works together to charge the battery while the engine is running.
If your CAT 955L loader is consistently having trouble maintaining a charge, especially during periods of inactivity, using a trickle charger can be a helpful solution. A trickle charger provides a slow, steady charge to the battery, keeping it topped off without the risk of overcharging.
How to Use a Trickle Charger
When dealing with cold weather starting issues in the CAT 955L, glow plugs play a critical role in helping the engine start. Glow plugs heat up the air in the combustion chamber, making it easier for the engine to fire in cold conditions. Problems with the glow plugs can lead to poor starting performance, especially in colder climates.
1. Faulty Glow Plugs
If the machine cranks but doesn’t start, or if the engine starts but runs rough or stalls, it could be due to faulty glow plugs. Here are a few signs that the glow plugs may need attention:
You can test the glow plugs using a multimeter to check for continuity. Here’s how:
The glow plug relay controls the power supply to the glow plugs. If the relay fails, the glow plugs will not receive power, even if they’re in good condition. If you’ve tested the glow plugs and they’re fine, check the relay for faults and replace it if necessary.
General Maintenance Tips
To avoid common electrical issues like those mentioned above, regular maintenance is key. Here are some tips for keeping your CAT 955L in top shape:
1. Battery Maintenance
Battery charging issues and glow plug failures are common problems in older machines like the Caterpillar 955L loader. Understanding these issues and knowing how to troubleshoot them can save operators both time and money. Regular maintenance of the battery, charging system, and glow plugs can prevent many common starting problems. Additionally, using a trickle charger during periods of inactivity can keep the battery in good condition and ensure it’s always ready for work.
With the right preventive measures and proper troubleshooting techniques, your CAT 955L can continue to perform at its best, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity on the job site.
In this article, we’ll explore the common issues faced by Caterpillar 955L loaders related to battery charging, trickle chargers, and glow plugs, and how to troubleshoot and resolve them. Additionally, we'll touch on maintenance tips to keep your machine running smoothly in the long term.
Understanding Battery Charging Issues
One of the most common problems faced by the CAT 955L is battery charging issues. A loader that isn't starting properly often points to a battery-related problem, whether it’s an inability to hold a charge, insufficient charging while operating, or issues related to the charging system.
1. Battery Not Holding a Charge
A battery that fails to hold a charge is a classic problem in older machines. If your CAT 955L struggles to start, even after charging the battery overnight, there may be an underlying issue with the battery itself.
- Aging Battery: Over time, batteries lose their ability to retain a charge. If your machine's battery is over 3–4 years old, it may no longer be effective. Replacing the battery with a fresh one is often the quickest solution.
- Corrosion: Battery terminals can corrode over time, leading to poor electrical contact and charging issues. Make sure to clean the battery terminals regularly and check for any buildup of corrosion on the cables.
Another possible culprit behind battery charge issues is the alternator or voltage regulator, which works together to charge the battery while the engine is running.
- Alternator Failure: A malfunctioning alternator is one of the most common causes of charging issues. If the alternator isn’t producing enough power, the battery will fail to charge as the engine runs. Check the alternator's output using a multimeter to verify that it’s charging at the correct voltage.
- Voltage Regulator Issues: If the alternator is working but the battery still isn’t charging, the issue could be the voltage regulator. This component ensures that the correct amount of voltage is delivered to the battery. If it's faulty, it may deliver too much or too little voltage, leading to charging issues. Replacing the regulator can resolve this problem.
If your CAT 955L loader is consistently having trouble maintaining a charge, especially during periods of inactivity, using a trickle charger can be a helpful solution. A trickle charger provides a slow, steady charge to the battery, keeping it topped off without the risk of overcharging.
How to Use a Trickle Charger
- Choose the Right Charger: Ensure that you select a 12-volt trickle charger suitable for the type of battery in your 955L. Some trickle chargers also feature automatic shut-off once the battery is fully charged, which is a helpful feature to avoid overcharging.
- Regular Maintenance: Connect the trickle charger when the machine is not in use, especially during cold months or extended periods of downtime. This helps prevent the battery from discharging completely and ensures it’s ready to go when you need it.
- Check for Overcharging: Overcharging can lead to battery damage, especially in older machines. Be sure to monitor the charging process to ensure the battery isn’t subjected to excessive voltage. If you’re unsure, invest in a charger with a built-in voltage regulator.
When dealing with cold weather starting issues in the CAT 955L, glow plugs play a critical role in helping the engine start. Glow plugs heat up the air in the combustion chamber, making it easier for the engine to fire in cold conditions. Problems with the glow plugs can lead to poor starting performance, especially in colder climates.
1. Faulty Glow Plugs
If the machine cranks but doesn’t start, or if the engine starts but runs rough or stalls, it could be due to faulty glow plugs. Here are a few signs that the glow plugs may need attention:
- Slow Cranking in Cold Weather: In cold weather, if the loader takes longer than usual to start or doesn’t start at all, the glow plugs may not be working properly. This issue is most common in machines that operate in colder environments.
- Misfiring Engine: If the machine is having trouble firing and running at an inconsistent speed, faulty glow plugs may be the cause. Misfires can occur if the glow plugs aren’t pre-heating the combustion chamber effectively.
You can test the glow plugs using a multimeter to check for continuity. Here’s how:
- Remove the Glow Plug: Disconnect the glow plug from the wiring harness and remove it from the engine block.
- Use a Multimeter: Set the multimeter to the continuity setting, then place one probe on the plug’s terminal and the other on the body. If the multimeter shows a reading, the glow plug is functioning. If there is no reading, the glow plug is likely faulty and needs replacement.
- Visual Inspection: In some cases, glow plugs can become cracked or burned out. A visual inspection can reveal obvious damage.
The glow plug relay controls the power supply to the glow plugs. If the relay fails, the glow plugs will not receive power, even if they’re in good condition. If you’ve tested the glow plugs and they’re fine, check the relay for faults and replace it if necessary.
General Maintenance Tips
To avoid common electrical issues like those mentioned above, regular maintenance is key. Here are some tips for keeping your CAT 955L in top shape:
1. Battery Maintenance
- Clean the battery terminals regularly to prevent corrosion.
- Check the battery’s charge using a multimeter and replace it if it's not holding a charge.
- Keep the battery charged with a trickle charger if the machine isn’t used often.
- Inspect the alternator and voltage regulator periodically to ensure they’re charging the battery correctly.
- Use a voltmeter to check the output of the alternator while the machine is running.
- Test the glow plugs before the cold season to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- In colder climates, consider investing in a block heater to help warm the engine before startup.
- Ensure the coolant and antifreeze levels are adequate for freezing temperatures.
- Use a fuel additive to prevent fuel gelling in cold weather.
Battery charging issues and glow plug failures are common problems in older machines like the Caterpillar 955L loader. Understanding these issues and knowing how to troubleshoot them can save operators both time and money. Regular maintenance of the battery, charging system, and glow plugs can prevent many common starting problems. Additionally, using a trickle charger during periods of inactivity can keep the battery in good condition and ensure it’s always ready for work.
With the right preventive measures and proper troubleshooting techniques, your CAT 955L can continue to perform at its best, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity on the job site.
