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2001 Bobcat 331 dead control panel

SK331

SK331

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
6
Location
Montana
The control panel on my 331 is dead, mostly. It was working good, parked for a couple of weeks, went to start it, and nothing from the panel, no beeps, no lights. The starter cranks, however, but it will not start. The fuses are good, the battery is good. Pulled the control panel and found it was a little wet, likely from broken glass on the LCD... I pulled the panel and dried it out. I didn't see any visible damage to the pins or board. Reinstalled it and now the backlights come on and there are various patterns flashing on the LCD.

I am not sure where to go from here. Is there a way to test the panel to know if it is fried? Or is there a better place to start?

Thanks for any advice.
(.)(.)
 
Coaldust

Coaldust

Senior Member
Joined
May 9, 2011
Messages
3,354
Location
North of the 60
Occupation
Cargo Tanks, ULSD, RUG, Methanol, LPG
What panel do you have? Standard instrumentation? Deluxe Panel? Serial number?

Put it in a bag of rice like my Daughter’s iPhone every time she drops it in the ocean.?

It’s probably dead. Check power, ground and switched power to be sure. I’ll get you pinouts for both panels. Just a sec.
 
SK331

SK331

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
6
Location
Montana
Haha, Thanks a ton, Coaldust. I miss AK. I used a hairdryer until there was no visible moisture, maybe rice for a few days would have been better.
Bobcat P/N: 6691430
S/N: 002880
IMG_4981.JPG
Gotta admit I am green as the spring grass. You say 'both panels'. Can you explain? I have friends that might be able to help interperate.

I'll let you know how it goes.
(.)(.)
 
Coaldust

Coaldust

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Messages
3,354
Location
North of the 60
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Cargo Tanks, ULSD, RUG, Methanol, LPG
Gotcha. I have your serial number now, so I can look up the correct panel pin out.
The troubleshooting will be the same. All you can do is check for power and ground.

You could remove it and make certain the connectors are clean and dry.

Bobcat electronics are more like a car vs a piece of heavy equipment. It’s all ran by J1939 can bus and modules for everything. And the modules are undependable. And everything needs programmed and everything should be updated with current software on a regular basis. And the dealer don’t sell the software.
 
SK331

SK331

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
6
Location
Montana
Interesting. The panel is removed, I have dried and cleaned the pins, along with drying circuit board.

Background: The previous owner had the control panel replaced at 3900 hours because he thought it got hit by lightning in the field where he left it. I purchased it with 29 hours on the new control panel. He didn't want to pay the $500 service fee to come out and program the board. This probably has nothing to do with the current situation, just disclosure.

I'll check power, ground, and switch power tomorrow and let you know. Thanks for your time, appreciated.
 
SK331

SK331

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
6
Location
Montana
Ground and power to the panel have good continuity, 12 V at the power in. We got it started by manually overriding the fuel shutoff solenoid.

Still no action at the board, aside from some gibberish on the LCD. I think your initial instinct is correct, probably dead. Bobcat told me they cannot test it, because you have to use the panel to test the panel... sounds strange.

Confirmed continuity through all fuses. Found that there was no voltage at the 'controller' or 'sw power' fuse females where ignition had 12V. I am not sure what this means.

(.)(.)
 
Coaldust

Coaldust

Senior Member
Joined
May 9, 2011
Messages
3,354
Location
North of the 60
Occupation
Cargo Tanks, ULSD, RUG, Methanol, LPG
Just a theory, I think the panel controls the switch power relay. So, no panel, no SW power. Kinda guessing on that.
 
SK331

SK331

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
6
Location
Montana
The control panel was fried, as suspected. Took the $1,000 gamble and popped a new one in yesterday and it fired up as normal.

Thank you for your assistance and guidance, invaluable.

(.)(.)
 
Chris Boardman

Chris Boardman

Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2020
Messages
8
Location
Northern California
Glad your isse was resolved, I just had my controller go out (only the three buttons on the left, but one is my aux hyd to engage the thumb). Got a new one but the old one is a part# 6675244 and all that's availabie is the 6691430, I picked one up and the J6 pin is different. Old panel is a 6 pin, the 6691430 is a ten pin. It comes with the plug but not sure what pins to leave out or lay the original 6 in. I have the wiring diagram that shows 6 pin only, and they are all basically spares or unused. WOndering if I need to worry about J6 connector at all. Serial #232512500
 
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