CAT Engine E265 Fault Code: User Defined Shutdown
Also called User Defined Shutdown - least severe
User Defined Shutdown · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
E265 means the ground level or user-defined shutdown switch has been activated, or its input signal changed state. The ECM disables fuel injection, shuts the engine down, and logs the event. The status screen shows "INJECTION DISABLED" and "REMOTE SHUTDOWN." This is the least severe of the user defined shutdown codes but the engine will not restart until the switch is returned to RUN and conditions are met.
Medium severity. E265 is described as the least severe version of the user defined shutdown code. It is not an engine damage code by itself, but it stops the engine and prevents restart until the switch and machine conditions are corrected. Treat it as a stop-and-diagnose situation, not an emergency, unless the shutdown happened unexpectedly during operation.
What does CAT Engine error code E265 mean?
E265 is logged when the ECM sees a change of state on the ground level (or user-defined) shutdown switch input. This switch is a safety feature that lets someone outside the cab shut the engine down from ground level by lifting a red cover guard and toggling the switch to SHUTDOWN.
When triggered, the ECM cuts fuel injection immediately and shuts the engine down. The ECM itself stays powered and can still be read with a diagnostic scan tool such as Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET). The status screen will display "INJECTION DISABLED" and "REMOTE SHUTDOWN" while the switch remains in the SHUTDOWN position.
On some applications the engine will not restart until the switch is back in RUN, engine rpm is zero, the parking brake is set, and ground speed is zero. This layered logic prevents someone from bypassing the shutdown switch while the machine is moving.
What triggers a CAT Engine E265 code?
The user defined shutdown feature activates when the input to the ECM for the shutdown switch is pulled below 0.5 VDC for at least 1 second, the machine's parking brake is set, and the ground speed of the machine is zero. Once those conditions are met, the ECM logs the event, disables fuel injection, displays "INJECTION DISABLED," and shuts the engine down.
Common causes of E265
- Connectors, pins, or sockets not fully coupled or inserted at the shutdown switch or ECM.
- Corrosion, abrasion, or pinch points in the wiring harness between the ECM and the ground level shutdown switch.
- The ground level or user-defined shutdown switch itself is not operating normally and needs to be tested or replaced.
- A problem in the harness or an intermittent wiring fault causing the input signal to change state unexpectedly.
- A problem with the ECM itself, requiring further diagnostics or replacement.
- On some applications, the shutdown will not clear or reset properly unless setup conditions like the parking brake being set and the transmission in neutral are also satisfied.
How to troubleshoot CAT Engine E265: first checks
- Confirm whether the shutdown was intentional, someone using the ground level switch, or unexpected. This changes the diagnostic path.
- Inspect the ground level shutdown switch and its red cover guard. Make sure the switch is fully in the RUN position, not stuck or partially toggled.
- Check all connectors, pins, and sockets on the harness between the ECM and the shutdown switch for full engagement, corrosion, or damage.
- Visually trace the harness for pinch points, chafing, or abrasion, especially near ground level access points where the switch is mounted.
- Confirm the parking brake is set and ground speed reads zero, since these conditions are tied to the shutdown logic on some applications.
- Use a diagnostic scan tool such as Cat ET to read live status and confirm whether the ECM shows "REMOTE SHUTDOWN" or "INJECTION DISABLED."
How the code clears
No separate clearing step beyond correcting the switch position is listed for most variants. Return the ground level or user-defined shutdown switch to the RUN position. Engine rpm must be zero before the ECM will allow a restart. On some applications the parking brake must also be set and the transmission in neutral before the switch can be activated or the shutdown cleared. The code itself is logged in ECM history and does not require a separate reset procedure beyond restoring the switch to RUN.
Affected models and serial ranges
E265 appears in our records across 5 CAT Engine models. Match your machine by model and serial number.
| Model | Serial ranges |
|---|---|
| C11 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C13 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C175 | 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
What does CAT fault code E265 mean?
It means the ground level shutdown switch, also called the user-defined shutdown switch, changed state or was activated. The ECM responds by disabling fuel injection and shutting the engine down, then logs the event.
Why won't my CAT engine restart after E265?
The ECM will not allow the engine to start while the status shows "REMOTE SHUTDOWN." You need to return the ground level shutdown switch to the RUN position and make sure engine rpm is zero. On some applications the parking brake must also be set and ground speed must be zero.
Is E265 a serious fault?
It is described as the least severe version of the user defined shutdown code. It is a safety shutdown, not a mechanical fault, but it will stop the engine and needs to be checked out before returning to work.
Can the engine still be diagnosed after an E265 shutdown?
Yes. The ECM stays active even though fuel injection is disabled, so a diagnostic scan tool such as Cat Electronic Technician (ET) can still communicate with it to read the fault and check switch status.
What triggers the user defined shutdown switch input on the ECM?
The ECM input for the shutdown must be pulled below 0.5 VDC for at least 1 second, with the parking brake set and ground speed at zero, before the shutdown feature activates.
What should I check first if E265 keeps coming back?
Check the ground level shutdown switch for proper operation, inspect connectors and pins for full engagement, and trace the harness between the switch and ECM for corrosion, abrasion, or pinch points. An intermittent wiring fault is a common repeat cause.
Does E265 mean the switch or the ECM is bad?
Not necessarily. It usually points to the switch being activated normally, or to a wiring or connector issue changing the input state unexpectedly. A bad ECM is listed as a possible cause but should be considered only after the switch and harness are ruled out.