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This website requires cookies to provide all of its features. For more information on what data is contained in the cookies, please see our Privacy Policy page. To accept cookies from this site, please click the Allow button.Although BBA Pumps works with different brands of diesel engines, the error codes are largely universal. The Support Document Engine Related Errors provides a clear overview of SPN (Suspect Parameter Numbers) codes. In such cases you should contact a certified person trained to work safely on high-pressure common rail diesel engines.

In our specific example we have a SA 0, this SA is used to define the engine computer (ECM). Other manufacturers may use SA 1 or in Volvos’ case they use SA 16 to define the engine computer. Other common SA numbers are SA 11 for brakes (ABS), SA 3 for transmission (TCM), and SA 33 for body controller (BCM).

For example, you can get an FMI 31 code for having an empty DEF tank, or it may even be a code that informs you that the truck is in derate. Often there will be another code that accompanies an FMI 31 code. Another failure like FMI 0 or 1 tells you that the data being received is above or below operational range. These are condition failures that stem from a set condition not being met or if the set limit is being exceeded. The most common places you will see a failure like this will be in the aftertreatment system (DPF, EGR, SCR). The first thing you will notice when reading a J1939 diagnostic code, also known as a DTC (diagnostic trouble code), is SA, SPN, and FMI numbers. All three of these identifiers give you a complete DTC that you can use to quickly enhance your understanding and diagnose an issue.

When there is a short, that tells you there is wire that is grounding out, this usually points to an internal component failure. If you see these types of FMI there is a high chance that you have a component failure, but in less common cases this could mean there is a problem with the wiring.Digging further into FMI, one of the most common failures you will see is a circuit break, for example, FMI’s 3, 4, 5 or 6 tell you that there is a some type of issue within the circuit itself. It could be an open circuit or even a short to ground in a circuit. Some terms to keep in mind when diagnosing this type of FMI are open, closed and short.An example is a slow response or non-response from a VGT actuator or EGR valve, this will cause FMI 9 fault. FMI 10 means that a computer is receiving data but is expecting changes and not getting them or the component is taking too long to update.Trouble codes are populated following a protocol, which is just a form of communication for computer networks. One of the most common protocols used in trucking is J1939. In some cases, you may see an FMI 31 code for a condition just existing, in this type of failure, it is generally set by a specific condition being met and not having a connection to being an electrical type of fault. A common data failure is FMI 9 for an abnormal update rate or FMI 10 for an abnormal rate of change. An FMI 9 failure code is an issue with the CAN communication where data is not being sent and received in a timely way by the engine computer.Next, we see SPN which stands for suspect parameter number, this is used to identify the specific component or condition that is triggering a fault. In our example, we see SPN 3216, when looked up this SPN shows that there is an issue with the Aftertreatment Intake NOx sensor. This would be an example of a component-based fault, but there are also condition-based faults where it has not detected a specific component failure but a set of operating conditions not performing as they should.

Data Communication errors are usually going to come from issues in CAN communication. CAN is short for controller area network which allows computers and different devices to talk to each other within a vehicle.When you see an open circuit failure this means that there is a part of the circuit that is not complete, like a broken wire or a part that is disconnected. When you see closed, it means that something that should normally have an open circuit is now closed and that is not how it normally operates.

A component failure would look like an FMI 12 for bad device/component or an FMI 7 for a component not responding or being out of adjustment. A component failure FMI is usually one of the easier ones to diagnose because the DTC points you at exactly what needs to be inspected and tells you the type of repair that needs to be done with little to no further diagnosis needed.

Going back to our example, we have FMI 14, which is a unique failure because it tells us that this is an issue that requires special instructions from the manufacturer. This would mean that the manufacturer has decided to put in this special note as they typically have more specifics regarding the fault, even though it will still fall under the types of failures mentioned before.Now that we have established which computer is detecting the problem, and the general area in which the problem is detected, we look at FMI. FMI stands for failure mode indicator, this tells us the type of failure that is being reported to the computer, truly narrowing down your issue as far as the computer can detect on its own. FMI can point you more specifically to circuit breaks, component failures, data communication errors, or operating conditions exceeding set ranges.

DEF Fluid – The tank with the blue cap holds DEF Fluid. This has a level sensor and a quality sensor to make sure the concentrations are in allowable limits. If you have bad DEF fluid, this can cause DEF quality issues and can put you into a derate.DEF Control Module – This module controls the operation of the emission system. The DEF Module and Engine Control Module (ECM) are in direct communication to make sure the system is operational.

So, you hold the clutch down and put it into 2 gear to try to creep past that 5 MPH mark realizing after a few minutes that your truck will not budge. So, you crawl to the shoulder only to find that now you can’t even proceed driving.Yes, updates are recommended if they are available. It’s recommended to see if you have any updates available and to do them if so because this can remove any bugs or issues. However, please note that this isn’t a fix for all your problems or ghost codes, but it’s good practice to have the latest updates.

NOx Sensors, both inlet and outlet sensors – When the sensor detects much NOx in the exhaust stream, it tells the SCR/DEF system to inject more urea, which uses ammonia to reduce emissions levels in your system.

ECM – The DPF system and the regeneration process is controlled by the ECM on a Cummins truck. So, the DEF module + ECM make up for controlling your entire operation.

You just crossed the bridge into Canada and your 2013 Peterbilt 389 with a Cummins ISX CM2250 truck was turned off at the border checkpoint. When you start your truck back up you notice a red stop engine light and your DPF light is flashing. The truck carrying your precious load is now in a critical state of emergency. You pray that it’s not in the dreaded 5 MPH derate…

Unfortunately, we don’t have a tip or trick to share on how to do this on a Cummins powered truck. The only way we have found is to clear the fault codes with a dealer level service tool to allow you to drive to a service shop. If you have the OTR Diagnostics or the OTR Reset Tool for Cummins, then you will be able to reset the system yourself anytime anywhere. This is a more cost-effective solution to get you to a dealer or shop. You can learn more about OTR Diagnostics here and about the OTR Reset Tool here.DEF Pump Assembly – This is the heart of your DEF system that pumps the DEF fluid throughout the DEF system. If this fails, you will go into a derate immediately

We recommend seeking service immediately. Driving with a derate may cause permanent damage to your engine or emission system. Be cautious when driving with an active derate and get into a service shop as soon as you can to figure out what the issue is.

After clearing your codes, if they don’t come back, you are done and ready to get back on the road! Being your own technician is difficult sometimes but it sure beats waiting for someone else to fix your equipment when you can fix it yourself for significantly less money, and most likely less down time.Now that you have your advanced fault code information, you can use this to further diagnose the issue. For this specific example, you would go to the sensor and look to see if it’s disconnected or if the connector has some debris in it. If it passes a visual inspection, you should begin to test the harness based on the repair procedure, first by checking to see if you have the 5v supply signal with a multimeter, then checking continuity of the signal wire with an ohm meter. If no issues are detected in the harness, you would then go on to replace the sensor and clear the codes. After that, running the truck will test your repair.

After connecting the adapter and loading the app, you will see a tab marked “Fault Codes”. Tap on that and you will be brought to a screen similar to this;Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site (“Posts”) comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided “as is” with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the “Verified” symbol in some Experts’ profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.ASE Med/HD Truck Technician, NATEF Diesel Engines and Electrical/Electronics Technician, Network Engineer specializing in CAN faults, Aftertertreatment, and vehicle communications

For 2011 models, this code sets when the vehicle has been driven for 30 miles while a code is present for the DEF tank level, DEF metering valve, DEF pump, NOx sensors, Blocked DEF line, DEF quality, NOx efficiency, SCR harness and/or SCR sensor.

For 2010 models, this code sets when the vehicle has been driven for 10 hours or 500 miles while a code is present for the DEF tank level, DEF metering valve, DEF pump, NOx sensors, Blocked DEF line, DEF quality, NOx efficiency, SCR harness and/or SCR sensor.What this means is, you will need the Detroit diagnostic software connected in order to reset the system and clear this fault. I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you for all your help. It is nice to know that this service is here for people like myself, who need answers fast and are not sure who to consult.

Hi, My name is***** will be glad to help. We can follow up as needed on here, Give me some time to review your information and follow up with my responses. Professionals are not employees of the site but users of the site and help on here as time allows in between jobs, family,etc. Response time can vary depending on my work load each day but I will always respond back on my next available login. Feel free to respond back at anytime if for any reason we seem to get separated,for status, etc.He answered my question promptly and gave me accurate, detailed information. If all of your experts are half as good, you have a great thing going here.

Just let me say that this encounter has been entirely professional and most helpful. I liked that I could ask additional questions and get answered in a very short turn around.

Detroit Diesel EPA 2010 and newer engines will often have active and inactive codes for the DEF system. There are a variety of Detroit DEF and SCR tests that exists, which we want to make you aware of. The following is a shortlist of possible codes that you could see:

The Detroit DEF Quantity Test is a command that is run with our diagnostic software. This test will measure how much DEF fluid is dispensed, which then tells you if the DEF Nozzle is functioning properly or not. In order for this command to run properly, the following criteria must be met:This step requires that you own a computer-based diagnostic tool to run this command. Both the Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link software and the TEXA Dealer Level Tool can perform these commands. What you do first is disconnect the Detroit DEF tank return line from the DEF pump. You then run the “SCR Air Pressure Test”, which runs for about 60 seconds. What you are looking for is to see if the DEF fluid comes out of the pump return outlet during the test procedure. If it does, you need to replace the DEF Pump Pneumatic switching valve. If it does not, we proceed to the next step.