What is Sumitomo SH210-5 Fault Code 117?

Fault Code 117 on the Sumitomo SH210-5 excavator indicates a hydraulic pump control solenoid circuit malfunction or abnormal signal from the pump control system. This code is triggered when the machine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects irregular voltage, current flow, or resistance in the wiring harness or solenoid valve that regulates hydraulic pump displacement and output pressure.

The SH210-5 uses an advanced load-sensing hydraulic system where electronic signals modulate pump flow based on operational demand. When Code 117 activates, the ECU cannot properly communicate with the pump control solenoid, compromising fuel efficiency, hydraulic response time, and overall machine performance. This is particularly critical in used excavators where electrical connections may have degraded over thousands of operating hours.

Common Symptoms

When Fault Code 117 is active, operators typically experience:

• Illuminated warning light on the instrument cluster, often accompanied by a buzzer or audible alarm
• Reduced hydraulic power across all functions (boom, arm, bucket, swing) with noticeably slower cycle times
• Erratic engine RPM fluctuations as the ECU attempts to compensate for pump control issues
• Increased fuel consumption due to inefficient pump operation running at maximum displacement
• Intermittent loss of hydraulic functions during operation, especially under heavy loads or high temperatures

Potential Causes

The most common technical reasons for Code 117 on used SH210-5 excavators include:

• Faulty pump control solenoid valve with internal coil failure or mechanical sticking (common after 6,000+ hours)
• Damaged wiring harness near the hydraulic pump mounting area where vibration causes wire chafing and insulation breakdown
• Corroded electrical connectors at the solenoid or ECU, particularly on machines operated in wet or coastal environments
• ECU internal fault or corrupted software parameters (less common but possible in high-hour machines)
• Low voltage supply from aging batteries or failing alternators affecting solenoid activation threshold
• Contaminated hydraulic oil causing solenoid valve spool binding or sensor inaccuracy

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Code 117

Step 1: Visual Inspection and Connector Check Begin by locating the pump control solenoid mounted on the main hydraulic pump. Disconnect the electrical connector and inspect for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture intrusion. Clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner and check for visible damage to the wiring harness, especially where it routes near moving components or sharp edges.

Step 2: Electrical Testing with Multimeter Using a quality digital multimeter, measure the solenoid coil resistance. Typical specifications for the SH210-5 pump solenoid range between 10-30 ohms (verify exact specs in your service manual). Test the supply voltage at the connector with the ignition on—it should read approximately 12 volts DC. Check for continuity in the ground circuit back to the ECU.

Step 3: Solenoid Function Test If resistance and voltage readings are within specification, perform a functional test by applying direct power to the solenoid (with pump depressurized). You should hear an audible click indicating mechanical activation. No click suggests internal solenoid failure requiring replacement.

Step 4: Harness Continuity and ECU Check Trace the entire wiring harness from solenoid to ECU, checking for breaks, shorts to ground, or resistance issues. On used excavators, pay special attention to harness routing near the engine mount and pump bracket where vibration-induced wear is common. If all wiring tests normal, the ECU may require professional diagnostics using Sumitomo-specific diagnostic software to check internal fault logging and output driver circuits.

Step 5: Component Replacement and System Reset Replace the faulty solenoid valve or repair damaged wiring as identified. After repairs, clear the fault code using diagnostic software or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. Test operate the machine under load to verify proper hydraulic response and confirm the code does not return.

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general troubleshooting information for experienced technicians. Always consult the official Sumitomo service manual for your specific machine serial number and safety procedures. If unfamiliar with hydraulic or electrical systems, seek assistance from a certified heavy equipment technician to prevent injury or further damage.