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2018 cat 272d2 c3.8

Marin1991

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Joined
Mar 12, 2026
Messages
22
Location
Chicago IL
Hi all, got this machine on the auction, 2300 hours, replaced the engine harness because was throwing codes on many sensors, disabled the MSS module, machine came without the key and this one has a chip key.
Now is 2 codes on MAF sensor but the engine should start.
Working on this 2 weeks already and no luck, just crank and no start, no white smoke.
Any help or advice please on this!
 

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Nige

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G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
And it pops up straight away...........

You have an E459 Event (actually 34 of them within the last 1 hour of machine "operation" which effectively means key switch ON) which is most likely preventing the engine from starting.

There are probably a dozen different things thaty will cause this to happen, but you could start by removing, cleaning the tags/terminals, and refitting every ground cable on the machine. This specially includes the one from the engine block to the machine frame (located right behind the HP fuel pump) and the ones (from memory I think there are two) between the cab and the machine frame.

If you want a complete list of what could cause this Event then simply use "E459" as a search term here in the forum and I'm sure it will generate enough leads to keep you going diagnostically for weeks.
 

Marin1991

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2026
Messages
22
Location
Chicago IL
The ground from engine block to the frame I cleaned, I replaced the engine harness, i checked the right now the ground pulse to the injectors plug and there is nothing, the ecm not opening the injectors
 

Nige

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Messages
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G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
The ground from engine block to the frame I cleaned, I replaced the engine harness,
Until you have done the same to every single ground cable on the machine there is always a lingering doubt that a bad ground can cause an E459.
It's the first step in the diagnostic process - not guaranteed to fix the problem but you have to start somewhere. In fact when the E459 first raised its ugly head a number of years back the first communication from the factory was a requirement to go right through the affected machine checking each and every main ground connection.

Do you have an electrical schematic.? If not you probably need one to locate all the ground cable connections because some are hidden away or only visible with the cab raised.

Note that you have had 34 x E459 Events in 1 hour of "running". Every time you turn on the key it will generate another one. Try it and see. Do a single key ON and then connect ET. I would expect that the E459 will have increased from 34 to 35.

As I said above, search for E459 using the forum search function. It'll give you grey hairs.

Also attached the troubleshooting procedure for the 523631-2 Event. It may be the case that this is causing your no start issue but I am not confident that it is.

I saw your post in the other thread regarding fuel leakage and IMHO 4600psi when cranking should be enough to light the fires but in your case it appears that the electronics don't want to come out to play.
 

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Simon C

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Rocky Mountain House , AB., Canada
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Heavy Equipment Mechanic
The ground from engine block to the frame I cleaned, I replaced the engine harness, i checked the right now the ground pulse to the injectors plug and there is nothing, the ecm not opening the injectors
Cleaning the end of the ground cables and power cables is always a good idea, but does not tell you if a small ground or power cable is capable of carrying the current required to operate or start. You will need to voltage drop test a whole pile of cables and connections to see if one has a problem.
We are not there, you posted that you changed the main engine harness. Was it visibly damaged or testing determined it needed to be changed.
As Nige said every Ground connection needs to be tested with reference to Battery Negative Post, as well as test all the relays and fuses that are Positive Battery Power with reference to Battery Positive Post.
This can be done fairly quickly if you understand how to do but must be done with some current flowing or you will have erroneous meter readings that complicate things more.
Not sure of your ability or experience.
Simon C
 

Marin1991

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2026
Messages
22
Location
Chicago IL
I replaced the engine harness because was codes on multiple sensors and the easiest way to fix this was to just replace it, right now i checked the wires at the plug for injectors 4 pins 2 v another 4 nothing when unplugged, plug in all wires 2 v, whiles cranking using a led light tester no pulsing signal to the injectors. Right now I’m thinking that can be injectors drivers inside the ecm are bad and not sending the signal.
 

Marin1991

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2026
Messages
22
Location
Chicago IL
Until you have done the same to every single ground cable on the machine there is always a lingering doubt that a bad ground can cause an E459.
It's the first step in the diagnostic process - not guaranteed to fix the problem but you have to start somewhere. In fact when the E459 first raised its ugly head a number of years back the first communication from the factory was a requirement to go right through the affected machine checking each and every main ground connection.

Do you have an electrical schematic.? If not you probably need one to locate all the ground cable connections because some are hidden away or only visible with the cab raised.

Note that you have had 34 x E459 Events in 1 hour of "running". Every time you turn on the key it will generate another one. Try it and see. Do a single key ON and then connect ET. I would expect that the E459 will have increased from 34 to 35.

As I said above, search for E459 using the forum search function. It'll give you grey hairs.

Also attached the troubleshooting procedure for the 523631-2 Event. It may be the case that this is causing your no start issue but I am not confident that it is.

I saw your post in the other thread regarding fuel leakage and IMHO 4600psi when cranking should be enough to light the fires but in your case it appears that the electronics don't want to come out to play.
Thank you Nige!
 

Simon C

Senior Member
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Messages
3,015
Location
Rocky Mountain House , AB., Canada
Occupation
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
I replaced the engine harness because was codes on multiple sensors and the easiest way to fix this was to just replace it, right now i checked the wires at the plug for injectors 4 pins 2 v another 4 nothing when unplugged, plug in all wires 2 v, whiles cranking using a led light tester no pulsing signal to the injectors. Right now I’m thinking that can be injectors drivers inside the ecm are bad and not sending the signal.
Before condemning a computer, best test all the cables as posted including the powers and grounds from the computer. If one of those wires is compromised a new computer will fix nothing.
 

Simon C

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Messages
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Location
Rocky Mountain House , AB., Canada
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Heavy Equipment Mechanic
You could have a bad computer, but I would voltage drop test a pile of things and take note of all that was tested before sending big bucks to any parts supplier.
Simon C
 

Nige

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G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
Right now I’m thinking that can be injectors drivers inside the ecm are bad and not sending the signal.
Kubota ECMs are not the most reliable thing in the world, but IMHO you have to go through everything else eliminating each and every parameter on the diagnostic journey before finally condemning the ECM. And if you get to that point I would suggest you go back to the start and go through everything once more just to make sure that you didn't miss anything before shelling out for a replacement ECM. YMMV.
 

Nige

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Messages
38,547
Location
G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
I would say that the "Injector Codes Calibration" is actually what we all commonly refer to as the E-Trim Codes, used when a replacement injector is installed to "Code" it to the ECM.

What happens if you click that highlighted menu.? Does it bring up another screen.?

You mentioned installing a new engine harness. Was it genuine OEM or aftermarket.?
 
Last edited:

Marin1991

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2026
Messages
22
Location
Chicago IL
Yes, I can see the injectors codes and can change them, just wondering if it’s supposed to be more options, on the machine ecm I can see the parameters and change them for the engine no
 

Marin1991

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2026
Messages
22
Location
Chicago IL
Also what I noticed, the prime pump is clicking and have the constant clicking noise, the sound is not changing like when is full, replaced with new pump and same thing.
 
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