From the field • Electrical fault finding

THREE MONTHS DOWN.
STARTING AGAIN.

A challenging Bobcat starting fault, a disturbed wiring system and a second fault discovered once the engine was running. This is how Hawes & Son worked through the diagnosis.

See all 7 job photos

Bobcat compact track loader at the customer solar site

The job, step by step

First, establish what we were working with.

The customer reported that the Bobcat had been out of action for around three months, with several previous attempts to get it running. On arrival, the dashboard was dismantled, panels had been removed, wiring was exposed, sections of loom casing had been cut away and components were disconnected.

Before diagnosing the original fault, we first had to restore the disturbed connections and reassemble enough of the machine to carry out meaningful testing.

A flat battery was only the beginning.

The battery was completely flat. With the customer’s approval, a new genuine Bobcat battery was fitted so the investigation could continue. The machine still would not start.

The display kept switching on and off, the jog shuttle was unresponsive and diagnostic communication with the display could not be established. Further testing pointed to a faulty display unit.

A new display — fitted and programmed.

A new genuine Bobcat display was fitted and programmed. The machine started again.

Once it was running, an SCR tampering fault appeared on the display. Further investigation revealed damaged wiring around the exhaust aftertreatment system. The replacement wiring component was already on the van, allowing the repair to be completed without waiting for another parts delivery.

The result

A machine reported to have been idle for around three months was starting again, and the additional exhaust aftertreatment wiring issue had been addressed.

Understand the fault. Test. Then repair.

With more than 14 years working with Bobcat machinery, Liam brings specialist experience to difficult electrical problems. Disturbed wiring and disconnected components can make an existing fault harder to trace, which is why establishing the condition of the machine comes first.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help when a machine or system is unfamiliar. Bringing in specialist support can help avoid unnecessary dismantling, replacement parts and further downtime.