Float function 2002 Cat 252

[JfitzCat]

question about float function on my cat 252. Serial FDG00929. My float works, but only if I hold it down. The joystick won’t just stay in the float detent. I understand this electromagnet is part of it along with a detent/relief groove in the plunger for boom down. I read all the past threads relating to float problems and most peoples problem was their magnet had failed and you could tell visually. Mine appears to be in good shape, picture attached. I also read if the magnet is bad it will potentially cause all sorts of other problems? No other issues with my machine.

I shouldn’t have to actively hold the joystick down to keep it in float right? I should be able to push it forward and engage the detent and it should stay there until I pull the joy stick back out of float?

I would assume it’s either something with the Magnet, or maybe an issue with the plunger for the joystick? Anyone have any ideas? I know on more basic control valves you have to sometimes adjust it for the detent to properly work, but don’t think there’s any adjustments on this. Any help Is appreciated.

 

[ThreeCW]

I have a 2006 242B. To engage the float function, I push the right joystick forward to lower the boom down to bring the bucket to the ground. I then push the right joystick forward a bit more, feel a bit of a "click" and it will lock into float mode. It will hold itself in the float mode until I pull back on the right joystick to lift the boom, which disengages the float mode.

 

[Nige]

The electromagnet for the float detent is activated by a signal from the Interlock ECM.
Check for the presence of power at the coil (you will need the implement pilot solenoid activated for this). You could also try powering the coil direct with 12v. If it works then you know the problem is in the wiring or the signal from the Interlock ECM.

 

[JfitzCat]

I have a 2006 242B. To engage the float function, I push the right joystick forward to lower the boom down to bring the bucket to the ground. I then push the right joystick forward a bit more, feel a bit of a "click" and it will lock into float mode. It will hold itself in the float mode until I pull back on the right joystick to lift the boom, which disengages the float mode.

ya so mine will click into the detent and will stay in float mode as long as I hold down the joystick to keep it in the detent. But if I let go it pops out. It won’t stay down on its own.

 

[JfitzCat]

The electromagnet for the float detent is activated by a signal from the Interlock ECM.
Check for the presence of power at the coil (you will need the implement pilot solenoid activated for this). You could also try powering the coil direct with 12v. If it works then you know the problem is in the wiring or the signal from the Interlock ECM.

I tested the magnet on a steel bolt and it’s definitely working, but it’s not very strong. Definitely not strong enough to hold the joy stick down.

Could it be that the magnet in the coil is weak?

 

[JfitzCat]

The electromagnet for the float detent is activated by a signal from the Interlock ECM.
Check for the presence of power at the coil (you will need the implement pilot solenoid activated for this). You could also try powering the coil direct with 12v. If it works then you know the problem is in the wiring or the signal from the Interlock ECM.

Both of my multimeters are showing about 56 ohms for the coil. Do you know what it’s supposed to be? I was reading another thread from earlier this year on a 226 and it was said that it should be 12 ohms, and the guys was also reading in the 50s. He then bought a new one from Cat and tested it a the new one was also reading 54.

 

[Welder Dave]

Sounds like an electrical issue, maybe a bad ground or wiring connector. I'd like an instant electric float except there's more to go wrong with it. I have a float detent on the lift spool on my skid steer. I wish it was a little easier to engage though. You have to make sure to give a good stomp on the top of the foot pedal. Float is something that should be engaged every so often just to keep it working properly. I've seen some machines that float didn't work because it was never used and the linkage or spool was binding from lack of use.

 

[Nige]

Both of my multimeters are showing about 56 ohms for the coil.

9.4 ohms or thereabouts according to the specifications I have.

 

[JfitzCat]

9.4 ohms or thereabouts according to the specifications I have.

Thanks for confirming. You provided alot of troubleshooting to this guy in this thread and he had similar ohm reading for his coil, 54 I think. He then went to cat and bought a new one and it also was 54. I don’t think it was ever explained why that was. Could his have been bad, and the new one from cat? And mine too since it’s at 56 ohms. I’ve never gotten a bad part from cat but I’m sure it’s possible. Could the troubleshoot info be wrong and it’s actually supposed to be in the 50s?

Assuming it’s supposed to be 9.4 and mine is 56, that most likely means to coil failed and needs to be replaced? Like I said the magnet works, it’s just Very weak. If the ohms are way high how would that effect the coil and magnet? My electrical skills are rudimentary at best.,

CAT 226B Parking Brake Indicator and Armrest Indicator Are Flashing

Hello, I'm trouble shooting Parking Brake Indicator and Armrest Indicator Are Flashing on my CAT 226B serial number MJH08353. In the attached picture, in purple I highlight what I believe is the detent coil. I have two questions, first, is this the detent coil? It's located under my right hand...

www.heavyequipmentforums.com

 

[Nige]

I know you said that you had 12v at the 2-pin harness connector for the detent coil, but have you tried applying 12v direct from the battery to the coil (via a fuse of some sort might be a good idea) to see if it produces different results.?

 

[JfitzCat]

I know you said that you had 12v at the 2-pin harness connector for the detent coil, but have you tried applying 12v direct from the battery to the coil (via a fuse of some sort might be a good idea) to see if it produces different results.?

I just did. Same thing, magnet works, but it’s not strong enough to hold the joy stick down. Had 13.5v going to it while running.

Could it just be that the magnet is weak? It is 22 years old now. The 56 ohms reading of the coil is suspect too if it’s truly supposed to be 9.4.