C13 Intake Valve Actuator issue - Ever ran into this?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by RustyBolt, Feb 21, 2015.

  1. RustyBolt

    RustyBolt Road Train Member

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    I have an 05 International with a 650k mile CAT C13 engine. The truck pulls an empty trailer like it's fully loaded. No power at all. So, I took it to a fella that can read the fault codes. Mine is showing 285-5 thru 290-5 and a 385-4. Yes, all 6 actuators are throwing the same code "Intake Valve Actuator #_ current low (92)".

    Now, what in the wide wide world of sports could be causing all 6 to code out? I've been told I need an overhead. I've been told it's a short. I've been told it's the ECM gone bad. Shoot, I've been told that Elvis is still alive. Anyone have thoughts on this?:biggrin_2554:
     
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  3. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Probably The wiring harness inside the valve covers.... If it is I'd replace the whole thing rather than patch it up..
     
  4. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I agree on the wiring harness. Also check the ground on the side of the block just in front and above the starter. I have seen them loose and cause multiple IVA codes and injector codes
     
    RustyBolt Thanks this.
  5. RustyBolt

    RustyBolt Road Train Member

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    Thank you Cat sdp and wore out. I will check the ground as soon as possible. Based on your replies, I have a couple questions.

    Any idea of a rough guesstimate on what a harness would cost?

    How big of a pain in the butt is it to replace the entire harness?

    I was planning on having an overhead done soon. But, in light of this issue (ECM has me derated by 30%. So 300 horsepower won't cut it), I guess I'll have the overhead and harness (if no ground issue) replaced at the same time to reduce costs. Just trying to get a feel for how thin my wallet is gonna be.
     
  6. RustyBolt

    RustyBolt Road Train Member

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    Well, I took the truck to CAT this morning. Seems the wiring harness is just fine. I had a bad feeling that it couldn't be that easy. Nope, the problem is that the ECM is toast. Gonna be $2500 to $3000 to replace.

    I'm taking donations:biggrin_2553:
     
  7. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    I would get a 2nd opinion.

    I complained to a Cat tech at the Cat house in Thunder Bay about a 2005 C15 that was constantly throwing actuator codes. Ours was for low oil pressure tho....not low durrent. He said "You should bring it in here and make sure it's got the latest program in it. Cat changed the oil pressure parameters a while back to allow a lower oil pressure to the actuators before it derates."

    Perhaps there is a similar software update for low current.
     
  8. Summer Rain

    Summer Rain Bobtail Member

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    Nov 10, 2022
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    Please help
    I have a international with a c13 and get code 385-3 and 110-3
    What to do
     
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