I took my 08 Contessa in today to CAT for the software update after having had two derates of the engine and many check engine light occurrances.   I have had to leave it to be worked on as there is a bad sensor that is associated with these problems described above.  I am not engine technically inclined so am not able to provide much more detail, BUT my question to those who have had the C9 update done is:  DID YOU ALSO HAVE TO HAVE A SENOR (S) REPLACED DURING TIS PROCESS??

No, I did not. Do you know what sensor it is in case it pops it's ugly head up later?

Leah,

No sensors replaced on mine.  Can you find out what the code was and what sensor is being replaced?  If you didn't have the software update from early in the year, the code was likely low intake boost pressure.  The software update will get rid of this alarm.

I will try to get more definitive information and post the information.  When I left the coach they said that they would have to take many items off in the compartment as this sensor was  back behind where the antifreeze recovery tank was.  After my brain cogitated during the night and kept waking me,  and I had visions of the engine area being in pieces, it dawned on me that there is access to the top and rear of the engine thru the bedroom area and closet.  I hate it when that happens.  Am calling them this AM as soon as they open.  
Later.......

Just talked with CAT regarding my above issues.  
The sensor that is faulty and has to be replaced is a "speed sensing sensor" which apparently has caused all the "check engine" lights to appear.  It according to CAT has nothing to do with the software update issues.  As I  am mechanically challenged, I have NO idea what or how this works.  The good news......it is all covered by warranty!!

Gill, Leah,et al - Thanks for all your hard work and updates. Sandy and I will be heading to the Mojave after the first of the year with our new to us 09 Contessa and I will be calling the local Cat folks on Monday to start this software update process. Wanted to be armed with as much info as I could before I talk with them, so I have a few questions.
What happens when the engine "derates"? Are you stuck beside the road or can you restart and move on?
Can any Cat service center do the software update?
Have you found the software update to be covered by Cat? If not, what range of charges have members found?

                                                                                                                   Thanks................Mike

Mike,
The software update is a quick and free (covered under warranty) procedure.  While there ask the CAT service center to give you a printout from your engine's computer.  It's good to have a baseline to compare data at some later date.  Personally, I go to a CAT Service Center annually to have the engine service (oil and filter changed).  Yes they are more expensive than some.  Ask them when they are running their service special, most do them.  While there they will always check for any service bulletins and perform software updates, as required.  It's also an opportunity to get a fresh readout from the computer.  This printout has a wealth of information, it's 10+ pages long!

When the engine derates you will have a significant reduction in power.  You will definitely know it.  BTW, not all check engine light events result in the engine going into a derated mode.  When this happens find a place to safely get off the road.  If you're trying to go up a steep long grade you may end up having to stop in the road given you may not have the power to continue your climb.  Most, maybe all, triggering events that put the engine in a derated mode are latching and will not clear when the event that caused the event clears.  So, if you can pull over, stop, and turn off the engine, you may find the alarm event gone when you restart the engine.  That was certainly the case for the chronic event we used to get before the last software update.

All CAT Service Centers can perform the software update.  This does not necessarily include CAT capable repair facilities.  CAT Service Centers can be found on CAT’s web site.  In most cases, if not all, the company that owns a Service Center owns all in a pretty good size geographic territory.  For example, Ring CAT covers most of the state of Florida.  I’ve been to Albin CAT in Sterling, VA, Ring Cat in Brooksville, Fl and Ring CAT in Ocala, Fl.  In every case the folks at each of the service centers were all easy to work with.

Enjoy your trip!

Gil

Quoted from LEAH DRAPER

Just talked with CAT regarding my above issues.  
The sensor that is faulty and has to be replaced is a "speed sensing sensor" which apparently has caused all the "check engine" lights to appear.

Leah,

They are not suggesting that the chronic low intake boost pressure events we've all experienced is related to a speed sensor, are they?  I assume they are suggesting you've had multiple events triggered by this sensor, but low intake boost pressure is not one of them.  If they are stating this sensor has been the root cause of the low intake boost pressure events, are they recommending we all have this sensor replaced?  Have them give you a printout from your engine's computer.  It will tell you which alarm events have been logged, when the last occurance for each was and the number of times each event has been raised.

Let us know how it goes,

Gil

Gil,
No, from what I understand the the check engine lights and the speed sensor are NOT connected to the  low intake boost pressure/engine derate issue.  What I found interesting also is I have  at times  engaged the engine brake and it DOES NOT come on or have any effect.  I ask if that could be related to this bad sensor and was told that it very likely could as the ECM(?) is not sensing the RPM correctly or at all.  So it will be interesting to see how it works once this is fixed.  There are apparently two sensors related to speed, only one is bad.  

GOOD suggestion on asking for a copy of the engine computer readout.  Will do so.  Should know more hopefully after Monday as they are awaiting a part related to the sensor replacement to come in Monday.

Will keep the forum posted.
Leah

What happens when the engine "derates"? Are you stuck beside the road or can you restart and move on?

YES,   you are sorta of dead in the water so to speak.  My Allison dropped me from 6/5 to 6/1 and I could NOT get out of 6/1.
After waiting for 5 hours for a tow truck,  it seemed to recover and was then able to able to continue traveling.  


Have you found the software update to be covered by Cat? If not, what range of charges have members found?

    YES, it covered under CAT's warranty if still valid  time wise.

Leah                                                                                                              

Does the software update any identifying number or name I can give my local Cat service rep?.............Mike

Not to my knowledge, just tell them you understand there are software updates for the C9 and you want them done.  Also make sure that they check any logged codes that may exist.  That will no doubt be part of the the process of updating.  You never know what codes might show up like they did in my case.

Mike,

No need to worry, I'm confident your local CAT Service Center will perform any updates necessary.  I know there's been at least two updates.  If you call your local CAT Service Center with the engine's serial number, it will begin with C9S, they can tell you if there are any updates that have not been performed.  While at the CAT Service Center, the updates can be done pretty quickly.  Once you're in their service bay, they can do the updates in about an hour.

Gil

Gil

Your comment "I know there's been at least two updates."  

Two??   I am only aware of this one.  What was the other one?  There was a recall that I know of, but only know of one software update.

Can you shed more light on this please.

Leah

Leah,

My C-9 had a software update performed in April or May of 2010.  I don't know what it was for.  I also don't know whether CAT incorporates past software updates in later versions of their software updates.  If they do, then there would only ever be one active update.  So, if you missed any updates prior to the latest update you would only have to have the latest update installed.  I suspect this is exactly what CAT does.  It's much easy for revision control.

I was just looking at my engine's ECM printout.  My coach, at the time of this printout, had 16,305 miles and consumed 2384 gallons of fuel.  That's a lifetime average fuel mileage of over 6.8mpg.  It may be a bit better because I can't tell if the total fuel used includes the 263 gallons used by the Aftertreatment Regeneration Device.  So, miliage may be as high as 7.7 mpg.  It's amazing to me that the diesel soot filter reburner can use 263 gallons of fuel in 16K miles.  It seems like I should be able to receive a tax credit for the $1000 in fuel I purchased exclusively to meet EPA requirements.  I know, I must be dreaming...

Talking with my Cat Svc guy and he finds my C9S has had 3 updates in its short life. Currently he only finds a "flashfile" listed as available for my serial number,which he says can be done in a few minutes for about 200 dollars. He finds no reference for a low boost pressure update specifically but suggests that may be something addressed in this "flashfile" but they don't know the actual contents of the file. Does this sound reasonable?  Mike

Why are you being asked to pay for a CAT update being performed under warranty?  Is this a real CAT service center or just an authorized Cat shop?  Call someone else.

My 2008 Contessa/Cat C9 just completed the update and additional repair/replace of the speed sensor and it didn't cost me a thing.
You better go somewhere else.  they  are trying to "rip" you off.

Gil...since our last correspondence, I have had a new engine installed.  After 7 tows and two complete rebuilds Caterpillar found another engine which was installed in Batavia, NY this past summer. I can't complain about the personnel at the many Cat Dealers, they have all been very easy to work with.  I just hope I can get a little confidence so that we can feel comfortable traveling where there may not be a nearby Caterpillar Dealer. Caterpillar refuses to give me a new warrenty although the paper work on the new engine states a 5 year warrenty. They will only warrent the balance of the original warrenty. I believe I know what caused all the problems, originating from the first turbo charger failure.  I only hope that I am right.

Bill Thorup
2008 Contessa Westport 42 ( C9 425 )

Bill,

I, and all other C9S engine owners, can only hope that you were the unfortunate one that ended up with the lemon.  I trust your new engine will not leave you stranded.  My coach is in for its annual service.  This is our year to put some miles on the coach going from FL to AK and western US.  I only have 22K miles on ours now and I believe I may be the last to have over 20K miles on the original turbo (knocking on wood).

Again, best of luck with the new engine.