Caterpillar 18-Character Factory Passwords: Purpose and How to Obtain Them

Caterpillar Factory Passwords are special passwords used to authorize certain protected operations involving a machine's electronic systems. In some cases, completing an operation requires entering two passwords, each consisting of 18 characters.

This article explains when 18-character Factory Passwords may be required and walks through a practical example: changing an engine power rating using CAT Electronic Technician (CAT ET).

CAT ET is used here to demonstrate the procedure. The Factory Passwords service itself is not limited to operations performed with a single diagnostic application.

Caterpillar Factory Passwords are special passwords used to authorize certain protected operations involving a machine's electronic systems. In some cases, completing an operation requires entering two passwords, each consisting of 18 characters.

This article explains when 18-character Factory Passwords may be required and walks through a practical example: changing an engine power rating using CAT Electronic Technician (CAT ET).

CAT ET is used here to demonstrate the procedure. The Factory Passwords service itself is not limited to operations performed with a single diagnostic application.

When certain operations are performed on an electronic control module (ECM), the system may request Factory Passwords. The request window displays the information required to generate the passwords.

For the procedure described in this example, two passwords are required, each consisting of 18 characters.

CAT ET generates the request data but does not independently generate the required passwords. A specialized password-generation system is needed to process the request. When the request appears, save the HTML file containing the request data and submit it for processing.

Factory Passwords may be requested when performing protected operations involving Caterpillar electronic systems.

One example is changing an engine power rating. This operation allows the user to select another rating available for a particular engine.

Available ratings, their specifications, and whether a rating can be changed depend on the engine configuration and installed software. The values shown below apply only to the example illustrated in the screenshots.

In CAT ET, open the Change Engine Power Rating function.

The list displays several available rating options. In the screenshots, the example shows a choice between Rating 1 and Rating 4.

The example compares the following values:

After a new rating is selected, the software displays a warning reminding the user to verify that the selected configuration is suitable for the machine

Changing an engine rating should not be treated as a simple change to the power value stored in the ECM. Before proceeding, verify the machine configuration and the compatibility of the selected rating with the transmission, drivetrain, work equipment, cooling system, and other relevant components.

After the selection is confirmed, CAT ET proceeds to the Factory Passwords request.

At the next stage, CAT ET displays the password request window. It contains the information required to generate the Factory Passwords.

To obtain the passwords, save the HTML request file. It contains the data needed to process the password request.

Important: Do not close the password request window after saving the file. You will need to return to this window to enter the passwords once they have been generated.

If CAT ET requests Factory Passwords, follow these steps:

1. Save the HTML request file. Use the file-saving function available in the Factory Passwords request window.
2. Submit the saved file. Send the file to a dealer or specialized service provider that can process the request.
3. Receive the generated passwords. The request is processed using a specialized password-generation system, and the resulting 18-character Factory Passwords are provided.
4. Enter the passwords in CAT ET. Return to the open request window and enter each password in the corresponding field.

Once the passwords have been received, enter them into the corresponding fields in the CAT ET request window.

After the passwords are entered, CAT ET continues the operation. Depending on the procedure, the software may request additional confirmation.

After the engine rating change is completed, verify which rating is now displayed in the ECM parameters.

In the example shown, the ECM Identification Parameters section displays the selected rating:

• Selected Engine Rating: Rating 4
• Power: 377 hp at 2,200 rpm
• Peak torque: 139 lb-ft at 1,400 rpm

These values illustrate one specific procedure. They are not universal specifications for all Caterpillar engines.

If a Caterpillar system requests 18-character Factory Passwords while you are performing a service operation, send us the HTML request file.

We will process the request using a specialized password-generation system and provide the passwords required for the CAT ET request window.

How to Request Factory Passwords

1. Save the HTML request file.
2. Send us the saved file.
3. Receive the generated passwords.
4. Enter them in the open request window.

Do not close the password request window before receiving and entering the passwords.

Get Caterpillar Factory Passwords

CAT ET creates the request and displays the required information, but a separate password-generation system is needed to generate the passwords. Save the HTML request file and submit it for processing.

Save and send the HTML file generated by the Factory Passwords request window. This file contains the information required to process the request.

No. Keep the request window open so you can enter the generated passwords when they become available.