Caterpillar ET: Purchase, Support-Ticket Setup, Updates, and Adapter Selection
Caterpillar ET (Electronic Technician) is purchased through AE Tools sales and set up through a support ticket. Off-highway CAT work uses the CAT COMM adapter; on-highway-only work can use the Nexiq USB Link 3.
Caterpillar ET (Electronic Technician) is the diagnostic software for Caterpillar engines and equipment. Getting it set up through AE Tools works the same way as other heavy-duty software: purchase runs through the Sales department, and the software is delivered and set up through a support ticket. The one thing specific to CAT is the adapter — which one you need depends on whether you do off-highway work. This article covers purchasing, setup, updates, and adapter selection.
Step 1 — Purchase through AE Tools Sales
1. Contact AE Tools Sales to purchase Caterpillar ET.
2. Sales creates a Sales Order (SO) for the purchase.
3. Confirm payment to complete the order.
Step 2 — Submit a support ticket for setup
Once the Sales Order is placed:
1. Submit a support ticket referencing your Sales Order.
2. AE Tools transfers the Caterpillar ET software to you and completes the setup.
3. AE Tools confirms the software is installed and licensed.
For the install source and license activation on your machine, AE Tools handles this as part of the ticket — contact AE Tools if you need details for your setup.
Step 3 — Choose the correct adapter
The adapter you need for Caterpillar ET depends on whether you work on off-highway equipment:
- Off-highway CAT — use the CAT COMM adapter. This is the adapter for off-highway Caterpillar equipment.
- On-highway only (no off-highway) — if you don't do off-highway work, the Nexiq USB Link 3 can be used instead.
Contact AE Tools to confirm the right adapter for the CAT work you do.
Step 4 — Updates New Caterpillar ET updates are transferred to the customer by AE Tools:
1. When updates are available, submit a support ticket.
2. AE Tools transfers the update to you.
3. Apply the update and confirm the software is current.
Troubleshooting: Caterpillar ET
"I purchased Cat ET but don't have the software yet." Delivery and setup are handled by support ticket after the Sales Order is placed — submit a ticket referencing your order and AE Tools will transfer the software.
"Which adapter do I need for CAT?" For off-highway CAT, use the CAT COMM adapter. If you only do on-highway work, the Nexiq USB Link 3 can be used. Contact AE Tools if you're unsure which fits your work.
"I need a newer version of Cat ET." Updates are transferred by AE Tools - submit a support ticket and AE Tools will send you the current update.
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