CAT Engine 26113 Fault Code: Engine Timing Calibration required
Also called Engine Timing Calibration - Calibration Required, Engine Timing Calibration : Calibration Required, Engine Timing Calibration : Out of Calibration, Engine Timing Calibration Calibration Required, Engine Timing Calibration Reqired, Engine Timing Calibration Required, Engine Timing Calibration calibration required, Engine Timing Calibration: Calibration Required, Engine Timing calibration required, Timing Calibration
Engine Timing Calibration required · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
CAT code 26113 (SPN 228 / FMI 13) means the ECM has not calibrated the engine speed/timing sensor, or has detected incorrect engine timing. The engine will still run, but the ECM falls back to default timing, which can be off by as much as three degrees, and injection timing may be out of adjustment. Expect a lit check engine lamp, possible rough running, and possible white smoke.
Medium severity. The engine keeps running with this code active, so it is not an immediate shutdown situation. But default timing can cause rough running and white smoke, and the calibration should be completed before the machine goes back into full service.
What does CAT Engine error code 26113 mean?
Code 26113 relates to the engine speed/timing sensor and the timing reference gear mounted on the rear of the left camshaft. As the gear rotates, a unique tooth pattern passes the sensor and generates a pulse signal that the ECM uses to work out crankshaft position, direction of rotation, and rpm. The ECM uses that information to find cylinder No. 1 and fire each injector in the correct order and at the correct time.
This code sets when the engine speed/timing sensor has not been calibrated, or when the ECM detects that engine timing is incorrect. Calibration is a two-step process: the ECM first calculates a new timing reference from the sensor and transducer signals, then programs that reference into the ECM's permanent memory.
Because the ECM cannot confirm proper timing, it falls back to a default timing value. This will not stop the engine from running, but injection timing may be off, which can cause rough running or white exhaust smoke.
Common causes of 26113
- Engine speed/timing sensor has never been calibrated, or the stored calibration is no longer valid
- A new engine has been installed and has not yet had timing calibration performed
- An ECM was replaced or failed to communicate, requiring a new calibration
- Work was performed on the front gear train, camshaft, or crankshaft without a follow-up timing calibration
- Connectors and/or wiring to the engine speed/timing sensor are damaged
- A problem exists in the sensor harness
- The engine speed/timing sensor or its sliphead is damaged
- An intermittent connection or sensor problem is present
- The ECM itself needs to be replaced
How to troubleshoot CAT Engine 26113: first checks
- Confirm whether the check engine lamp is on and note any rough running or white smoke, since these are the expected symptoms while this code is active
- Check if the engine, ECM, or front gear train/camshaft/crankshaft has recently been replaced or serviced; if so, a timing calibration is very likely overdue
- Inspect the engine speed/timing sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or looseness at the three-pin connector
- Verify sensor supply voltage from the ECM, which should be 12.5 ± 1.0 VDC (some documentation lists 13.0 volts DC regulated within ± 0.5 volt) at the sensor's power pin, with ground and signal on the other two pins
- Inspect the sensor and sliphead for physical damage
- Check for intermittent connection issues by wiggling the harness and connector while monitoring the signal, since intermittent faults are a listed cause
How the code clears
No separate clearing step is listed beyond performing the calibration procedure itself. Calibration is a two-step ECM process: the ECM first calculates a new timing reference from the transducer and speed/timing sensor signals, then writes that reference into the ECM's permanent memory. This calibration is required after installing a new engine, replacing an ECM that fails to communicate, or performing work on the front gear train, camshaft, or crankshaft. If wiring, connector, or sensor damage is found, that hardware issue should be repaired before attempting calibration.
Affected models and serial ranges
26113 appears in our records across 9 CAT Engine models. Match your machine by model and serial number.
| Model | Serial ranges |
|---|---|
| C10 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C11 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C12 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C13 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C15 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C16 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C18 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C27 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C32 | Serial range not listed in source records |
Frequently asked questions
Will code 26113 stop my CAT engine from running?
No. This code will not keep the engine from running. The ECM simply uses default timing while the code is active, which may be off by as much as three degrees.
What symptoms should I expect with this code active?
The check engine lamp will illuminate, and the engine may run rough and/or emit white smoke in the exhaust because injection timing may be out of adjustment.
Why does my engine need a timing calibration?
A timing calibration is required for a new engine, when replacing an ECM that fails to communicate, or after any work on the front gear train, camshaft, or crankshaft. If none of that has happened, the sensor may simply have never been calibrated.
What voltage should the engine speed/timing sensor be receiving?
The ECM supplies the sensor with 12.5 ± 1.0 VDC in one description, or 13.0 volts DC regulated within ± 0.5 volt in another. This is generated internally by the ECM, not raw battery voltage, and the supply circuit is output short circuit protected.
Is 26113 the same as code 190-08?
No. If the timing reference gear is installed backward or not keyed correctly to the camshaft, the ECM generates a different code, 190-08 (Engine Speed signal abnormal), and in that case the ECM will not fire the injectors at all. Code 26113 is specifically about calibration status, not a gear installation fault.
Which CAT engines can set this code?
This code applies to the C10, C11, C12, C13, C15, C16, C18, C27, and C32 engine families.
Can I keep operating the machine with this code active?
The engine will keep running, but with default timing that can be off by as much as three degrees, along with possible rough running and white smoke. It is best to schedule the timing calibration promptly rather than run indefinitely on default timing.