PINION 6I8132 - Caterpillar

Grounding Practices
Proper grounding for the vehicle electrical system and the engine electrical systems is necessary for proper vehicle performance and reliability. Improper grounding will result in unreliable electrical circuit paths and uncontrolled electrical circuit paths.Uncontrolled engine electrical circuit paths can result in damage to main bearings, crankshaft bearing journal surfaces, and aluminum components.Uncontrolled electrical circuit paths can cause electrical noise which may degrade the vehicle and radio performance.To ensure proper functioning of the vehicle and engine electrical systems, an engine-to-frame ground strap with a direct path to the battery must be used. This connection may be provided by a starting motor ground, by a frame to starting motor ground, or by a direct frame to engine ground. An engine-to-frame ground strap must be used to connect the engine grounding stud to the frame of the vehicle and to the negative battery post.
Illustration 1 g00864026
Grounding Stud To Battery Ground ("−")
Illustration 2 g00864027
Alternate Grounding Stud To Battery Ground ("−")
The engine must have a wire ground to the battery.Ground wires or ground straps should be combined at ground studs that are only for ground use. Periodically check that the grounds are tight and grounds are free of corrosion.The engine alternator should be battery ground with a wire size that can manage the full charging current of the alternator.
When jump starting an engine, the instructions in Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Starting with Jump Start Cables" should be followed in order to properly start the engine.This engine may be equipped with a 12 volt starting system or a 24 volt starting system. Only equal voltage for jump starting should be used. The use of a higher voltage will damage the electrical system.The Electronic Control Module (ECM) must be disconnected at the J1/P1 and J2/P2 locations before welding on the vehicle.
Engine Electrical System
The electrical system has three separate circuits:
Charging circuit
Starting circuit
Low amperage circuitSome of the electrical system components are used in more than one circuit. The following components are used in each of the three circuits:
Battery
Circuit breaker
Ammeter
Battery cablesThe charging circuit is in operation when the engine is running. An alternator generates electricity for the charging circuit. A voltage regulator in the circuit controls the electrical output in order to keep the battery at full charge.
The disconnect switch, if equipp