The Engine Protection feature is designed to protect the engine from progressive damage. The electronic control system monitors critical engine parameters and alerts you of "unsafe" engine conditions by triggering the red (stop), yellow (warning), or blue (maintenance) lamps. It also de-rates the engine for speed or power depending on the severity of the situation. It can even be setup to perform an engine shutdown if desired.
If the engine control system senses a parameter that exceeds the limits of normal operation, it will trigger the appropriate fault lamp to alert the operator and de-rate the engine for speed or power depending on the severity of the situation.
- Blue (Maintenance) Lamp: An illuminated blue (maintenance) lamp means that the engine requires maintenance or fluids. The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible to correct the problem. If ignored, some maintenance conditions can cause improper engine operation and even progressive damage.
- Yellow (Warning) Lamp: An illuminated yellow (warning) lamp means that a failure has occurred, but the vehicle can be operated without progressive damage. The vehicle should be serviced to diagnose the failure, but the situation is not considered an emergency.
- Red (Stop) Lamp: An illuminated red (stop) lamp means that a major failure has occurred that can result in progressive damage or affect safe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle should be shutdown as soon as safely possible. Flashing Red (Stop) Lamp: A flashing red (stop) lamp means that the engine control system has started
The Engine Protection feature can protect the engine from progressive damage ONLY with the cooperation of the operator. One of the most important jobs of the operator is to understand the fault lamps and the recommended actions. Attention to the lamps during vehicle operation is required for the feature to be effective. The installation of an optional Cummins RoadRelay will assist the operator by providing immediate fault code, fault description and required operator response information.
Engine de-rates are designed to protect the engine. During a de-rate condition, the engine will possibly lose pulling power and not achieve desired speeds. De-rates are identified easily since they are accompanied by fault lamps. If you determine the engine is in a de-rate condition, conservative driving is necessary.