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Troubleshooting T3 Keypad Start Issues

A guide to diagnose common T3 Keypad start issues and determine the appropriate next steps.

If an asset will not start using the T3 keypad, follow the troubleshooting steps below to identify whether the issue is related to the keypad, wiring, installation, or the asset itself.

Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, verify the following:

  • Your asset battery is charged.

  • The asset is otherwise operating normally.

  • The keypad is securely mounted and does not appear damaged.

Step 1: Check the Keypad

Press any button on the keypad and observe the lights.

Scenario: The Keypad Does Not Light Up

  1. Verify the asset battery is charged and at the recommended voltage.

  2. Check the light above the 1 key.

Red, Blue, Red, Red Flashing Lights

  • If lights are showing red, blue, red, red across the top of numbers 1-4 this is a communication error within the keypad

  • This is most commonly a bad ECM01 but could be any part of the install. Recommendation is to replace the ECM01 and possibly any part of the install related to CAN communication within the install.

  • Possible Bad Components Of Installation.

    • ECM01

    • Keypad

    • Harness

    • CAN resistors

    • Main Harness for install

If the Light Above the 1 Key Is Solid Red

A solid red light may indicate that the keypad is:

  • Stuck in bootloader mode

  • Receiving insufficient voltage

  • Missing a proper ground connection

To attempt a reset:

  1. Disconnect both the keypad and the ECM01 (if accessible).

  2. Leave both disconnected for 5 minutes.

  3. Reconnect both components.

  4. Test the keypad again.

If the keypad still does not power on, continue to Step 3.

If the Light Above the 1 Key Is Not Solid Red

Continue to Step 3 for additional electrical troubleshooting.

Scenario: The Keypad Lights Up Normally

Press every button on the keypad.

Verify that each button illuminates the blue backlight when pressed.

If every button responds correctly, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Test the Starting System

Enter your asset code and observe what happens.

Scenario: The Asset Does Not Start

  1. Verify all machine safety requirements have been met (for example, the machine is in park, the parking brake is engaged, and any required safety interlocks are satisfied).

  2. Enter your code again and attempt to start the asset.

  3. Verify voltage is present on the brown wire at both the ECM01 and the key switch adapter harness. This confirms the T3 system is sending power to the starting circuit.

If the asset still does not start, continue with the troubleshooting section below that matches your installation.

Step 3: Check the Installation

If the asset still will not start, inspect the electrical installation.

Verify the following:

Asset Battery

  • Confirm the battery is fully charged and holding the correct voltage.

Fuses

  • Check all ignition and starting system fuses for damage or failure.

Power

  • Verify the red wire on the harness is supplying the correct voltage to the keypad, ECM01, and tracker (if installed).

Ground

  • Verify the black wire provides a proper ground to all installed components.

Harness Connections

  • Ensure all keypad, ECM01, relay, and harness connections are fully seated.

  • Inspect wiring for loose connectors, damaged insulation, or pinched wires.

Relay (if installed)

  • Verify the relay is securely connected and does not appear damaged.

Reconnect any loose connections and attempt to start the asset again.

If the Issue Persists

If the asset still will not start after completing these troubleshooting steps, contact T3 Customer Support using the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of T3.

To help speed up troubleshooting, provide:

  • Asset ID

  • A description of the issue

  • The troubleshooting steps already completed

If T3 Customer Support determines additional investigation is required, the issue will be escalated to an Installation Engineer for further diagnosis.

For more information on connected keypads, see Installing EquipmentShare's Connected Keypad System.

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