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Bobcat · Fuel

Bobcat code E000097-31: Water in fuel detected

What it means

The water-in-fuel sensor has found water in the fuel filter. SPN 97 is the water-in-fuel indicator and FMI 31 means the condition is present.

Can I keep running?

Stop: fix before running

No. Stop the machine safely (bucket or attachment down, engine off) and find the cause before you run it again.

Check first

  1. Park on level ground, lower the lift arms and attachment to the ground, stop the engine and remove the key.
  2. Drain water from the fuel filter into a container as the O&M manual shows. Bobcat says to do this daily before operating.
  3. Dispose of the drained fuel and water properly. No smoking or open flame near fuel.
  4. Restart and confirm the code clears.
  5. If water keeps coming back, check the fuel source and tank, and replace the fuel filter.

Likely causes

  • Water collected in the fuel filter
  • Condensation in the tank
  • Contaminated fuel

The fix

Draining the water from the fuel filter clears it. Don't run with water in the fuel: it can damage the injection system. Repeated codes mean contaminated fuel or a tank that collects water.

Different code on your screen? Snap the display and Mechy reads it.

Questions

What does Bobcat code E000097-31 mean?

Water in fuel detected. The water-in-fuel sensor has found water in the fuel filter. SPN 97 is the water-in-fuel indicator and FMI 31 means the condition is present.

Can I keep running with E000097-31?

No. Stop the machine safely (bucket or attachment down, engine off) and find the cause before you run it again.

How do I fix Bobcat code E000097-31?

Draining the water from the fuel filter clears it. Don't run with water in the fuel: it can damage the injection system. Repeated codes mean contaminated fuel or a tank that collects water.

Sources

  1. Bobcat T450 Operation & Maintenance Manual 7250077 (2018), Diagnostic Service Codes
  2. Bobcat T870 Operation & Maintenance Manual 7253831 (2015), Diagnostic Service Codes
  3. BBA Pumps, engine error codes list (J1939 SPN names)
  4. CODESYS, J1939 failure mode identifiers (FMI)

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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