Bobcat · Fuel
Bobcat code E000097-03: Water in fuel sensor fault
What it means
The engine ECU sees a fault in the water-in-fuel sensor circuit (SPN 97). FMI 3 means voltage above normal or shorted high, so this is usually a sensor or wiring problem, not water.
Can I keep running?
Keep going carefully, fix soonUsually, if the machine runs normally: finish the job carefully and fix it soon. Stop if the machine derates, overheats, loses power or the code comes with an alarm.
Check first
- Park on level ground, lower the lift arms and attachment to the ground, stop the engine and remove the key.
- Drain water from the fuel filter into a container as the O&M manual shows. Bobcat says to do this daily before operating. This rules out real water.
- Inspect the sensor connector and wire at the fuel filter for corrosion, damage or a loose plug.
- Don't jumper the sensor to clear the code.
- Restart and see if the code comes back. If it does, stop and call your Bobcat dealer.
Likely causes
- Unplugged or corroded sensor connector at the fuel filter
- Damaged sensor wiring
- Failed water-in-fuel sensor
The fix
If there's no water and a new filter doesn't clear it, the sensor or its wiring needs repair. Until then the machine can't warn you about water, so drain the filter daily.
Different code on your screen? Snap the display and Mechy reads it.
Questions
What does Bobcat code E000097-03 mean?
Water in fuel sensor fault. The engine ECU sees a fault in the water-in-fuel sensor circuit (SPN 97). FMI 3 means voltage above normal or shorted high, so this is usually a sensor or wiring problem, not water.
Can I keep running with E000097-03?
Usually, if the machine runs normally: finish the job carefully and fix it soon. Stop if the machine derates, overheats, loses power or the code comes with an alarm.
How do I fix Bobcat code E000097-03?
If there's no water and a new filter doesn't clear it, the sensor or its wiring needs repair. Until then the machine can't warn you about water, so drain the filter daily.
Sources
- Bobcat T450 Operation & Maintenance Manual 7250077 (2018), Diagnostic Service Codes
- Bobcat T870 Operation & Maintenance Manual 7253831 (2015), Diagnostic Service Codes
- BBA Pumps, engine error codes list (J1939 SPN names)
- CODESYS, J1939 failure mode identifiers (FMI)
- TractorByNet forum, T650 water in fuel sensor E000097-03
Code meanings vary by model, serial range and software. Confirm with your operator's manual or Bobcat dealer before replacing parts.
Snap the display and Mechy reads the code
Take a photo of the screen and the machine, say what it is doing, and get the checks and the fix as steps with moving drawings.
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