Factory passwords are required in order to perform the following functions in the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET):

Change the system configuration parameters
When the Engine Control Module (ECM) is replaced, the system configuration parameters must be programmed into the new ECM. A new ECM will allow these parameters to be programmed once without factory passwords. After the initial programming, factory passwords are required to program the parameters.

Rerating the engine to another engine family
This includes flash programming an ECM from a non-multitorque flash file to a multitorque flash file.

Read customer passwords
Factory passwords are required in order to read the customer passwords.

Clear certain diagnostic trouble codes
Certain codes require a factory password in order to clear the code. A 3473-31 (J1939) Aftertreatment Failed to Ignite code is one example.

Unlock a customer specified parameter that is locked
If a customer specified parameter has been locked out, factory passwords are required to unlock the parameter. Refer to Troubleshooting, “Configuration Parameters” for additional information.

Change certain customer specified parameters
Refer to Troubleshooting, “Configuration Parameters” for additional information.

If you must perform one of these functions, proceed as if you already have the factory passwords. At some point, the electronic service tool will request the factory passwords and the electronic service tool will display the information that is required to obtain the passwords