What is SPN and FMI? - Dieseltraining.net (2024)

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Fault Codes

What is SPN and FMI? - Dieseltraining.net (3)

Does your diagnostic system display engine Fault Codes as SPN and FMI? Learn how to decode SPN and FMI and identify the problem!

Here is a very basic and over-simplified example:

The driver wants to accelerate the vehicle. They depress the throttle pedal from 20% to 50%.

The throttle’s position sensor registers the new position and the ECU reads the new position as voltage (sensor signal). The voltage value is compared to the values stored on a table in the ECU’s internal memory.

If the value the ECU reads is acceptable and corresponds to an action, then the action follows. In our case, the injectors would be commanded to inject more fuel, the engine RPM will increase and the vehicle will accelerate.

If a signal value is not acceptable, eg. Too high, then a fault code will be stored and displayed to the driver in the form of a management light or a display message.

Fault codes and messages are standardised and follow a basic structure:

First part:

SPN or Suspect Parameter Number.

Simply put, WHAT failed. Each engine or aftertreatment component has a unique number. For example, the SPN of the oil rifle pressure sensor is 100.

Second part:

FMI or Failure Mode Indicator.

HOW did the component fail? Each failure mode has been assigned with a number. For example, when the voltage signal of a sensor is lower than normal (could also be zero!), the FMI displayed will be 4.

How are fault code messages created?

The fault code message text is a combination of SPN + FMI. Here is what it looks like:

SPN 100 – FMI 4

“Engine Oil Rifle Pressure 1 Sensor Circuit – Voltage Below Normal or Shorted to Low Source”

SPN 100 = “Engine Oil Rifle Pressure 1 Sensor Circuit”

FMI 4 = “Voltage Below Normal or Shorted to Low Source”

To summarize the function of generating fault codes: The ECU measures voltage (sensors) or current (actuators) from a component and determines that it is out of specifications. First it identifies which component failed and locates its SPN and then based on the signal value, it determines the FMI.

Afterwards the ECU puts the two texts that correspond to the identified SPN and FMI together and creates the fault code text.

See? It is not that difficult! Understanding how to “decode” the fault code’s text is crucial to engine diagnostics.

If we simply swap the component identified in the SPN with a new one, will the fault disappear?

Yes and no. If you are lucky and the component was faulty, then the fault will most likely disappear. If the cable, orECU, or any other component which may affect the operation of the component in question is faulty, then the fault code will not go away.

Please, do not swap components without determining the root cause first! This only costs time and money. I’ve seen people blindly changing half the components of a system trying to “fix” it, but at the end someone has to pay the bill of all the new components that shouldn’t be replaced in the first place! That’s usually the customer (they must NEVER pay for the incompetence of technicians or for the sake of profit) or the company. There are a lot of spare parts suppliers who will also charge a fee for every component returned in an open box, which is another prime example of incurring extra and unnecessary costs to the business.

Looking for a quality diagmostic tool? Check out my suggestions.

Experiencing Fault Codes on your Cummins engine? Create a FREE QuickServe Online Account and start troubleshooting! I’ve made two online courses about QSOL too.

Are YOU ready to improve your knowledge about engine management systems? I am currently working on another post about Engine Management Systems, Sensors and Actuators. Check back soon!

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What is SPN and FMI? - Dieseltraining.net (4)

George Sarimpalidis

I've got a long experience as technical trainer and training course developer. My specialization is diesel engines and electronic management systems. I love learning about how everything works and then explaining complex systems in a way that everybody understands. The more complex, the better!

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What is SPN and FMI? - Dieseltraining.net (2024)

FAQs

What does spn and fmi mean? ›

SPN stands for Suspected Parameter Number which tells you the circuit where the fault occurred. For example, if you had a SPN 1791 code, it would point to a fault detected in the EGR Valve Control Circuit. FMI stands for Failure Mode Indicator which tells you the reason the fault code was set.

What does spn mean in diesel? ›

SPN stands for Suspect Parameter Number. It's a diagnostic trouble code that provides detailed information about specific faults detected by the vehicle's ECU, making it easier to identify and address issues within the vehicle's electronic systems.

What does FMI mean in Cummins? ›

FAILURE MODE IDENTIFIERS (FMI) Now that we have defined MID (The component) and PID (types of data), we can talk about Failure Mode Identifiers (FMI). Every diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that you find will have an FMI.

What is engine spn? ›

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.

What does FMI mean in diagnostics? ›

Failure Mode Identifier (FMI) Codes on J1939 data link. The FMI is used along with the SPN to provide specific information that relates to a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). The FMI may indicate that a problem with an electronic circuit or an electronic component has been detected.

What is the failure mode indicator FMI? ›

Failure Mode Indication (FMI), as part of the J1939 standard used in heavy-duty vehicles, functions by closely monitoring system components. When a fault occurs, FMI generates a precise code that identifies the specific nature of the issue, much like an advanced version of a 'check engine' light.

How do I clear my Cummins fault code? ›

Software and a diagnostic tool are generally needed for this. Using a code reader tool, connect to the ECM and find the “fault codes” tab. The displayed codes can generally be clicked on one by one. Another option is to select “erase all faults” and then follow the onscreen instructions.

What does it mean when FMI is off? ›

Find My OFF means that the "Find My" feature is off. Meaning that the device cannot be tracked, and that it won't have Activation Lock if restored.

What does the ECM do on a Cummins? ›

Role of the Electronic Control Module (ECM) in engines:

This data flow allows the ECM to not only optimize engine performance but also adjust critical parameters like fuel consumption and ignition timing, thereby playing a pivotal role in enhancing engine efficiency while reducing fuel usage.

What is code SPN 168 Cummins? ›

This is a battery voltage related fault code indicating that low battery voltage or fluctuations in voltage have been detected going to your control modules. I would start by testing all of your batteries with a load tester and digital battery tester individually for possible bad cells or other internal problems.

How to fix fmi 4 code? ›

If the code SPN 4 FMI 4 is active, it means that there is an issue with the engine oil pressure. The first step is to check the oil level and add oil if necessary. If the oil level is good, then the oil pressure sensor will need to be replaced.

What is SPN 91 FMI 10? ›

SPN 91/FMI 10 – Throttle Pedal Rationality Check Failed is set by the driver pressing the throttle pedal and brake pedal simultaneously. The code is informational and will log in memory; however, no lamps will illuminate. The codes become inactive after an ignition cycle.

What does FMI 2 mean? ›

FMI 2 stands for Data Erratic, Intermittent, or Incorrect. This means that there is an issue with the Inlet Nozzle Pressure sensor that is causing the data to be erratic, intermittent, or incorrect. This code is for a loss of the high side pressure sensor signal.

What is the abnormal update rate? ›

Abnormal Update Rate: Any failure detected when receipt of data via the data link or as input from a smart actuator or smart sensor is not at the update rate expected or required by the ECM (outside Region c of the signal range definition).

How to reset a permanent OBD code? ›

The only way to clear a PDTC is to fix the underlying problem with the vehicle that originally caused the PDTC and its corresponding DTC to set, and then allow the vehicle sufficient drive time to re-run the monitor that identified the problem in the first place.

What does FMI 4 mean? ›

SPN 4 FMI 4 is a code used to diagnose a problem with the fuel injectors on a diesel engine. This code is often associated with a loss of power, and the engine may run rough or stall. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

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