AI Diesel Tech

Fault Code Reference

SPN 1110 FMI 4Engine Protection

Engine Coolant Temperature - Voltage Below Normal or Shorted Low

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DVOM Testing — in guided session

Connector Pinout — in guided session

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Overview

Fault Code

SPN 1110 / FMI 4

Category

Engine Protection

Derate Risk

Yes

Regen Inhibit

No

Inducement Risk

No

Component Location: Engine coolant temperature sensor is typically mounted in the engine coolant passage near the thermostat housing or cylinder head.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp illuminated
  • Engine runs rich or exhibits cold start fueling behavior continuously
  • Poor fuel economy due to enriched fueling
  • Engine may fail to reach normal operating temperature display
  • Cold weather driveability issues
  • White smoke from exhaust due to rich mixture
  • Cooling fans may not operate correctly

Root Causes

  • Shorted coolant temperature sensor Damaged or chafed wiring harness to coolant sensor Water intrusion in sensor connector Failed ECM coolant temperature sensor circuit Corroded sensor connector terminals

Full step-by-step tests, DVOM guidance, and pinout data are available inside the AI Diesel Tech diagnostic session.

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Derate Behavior

Power Derate

Yes

System Interactions

SPN 1110 FMI 4 interacts with the following systems and may trigger cascading faults if not resolved promptly.

ECM communication — J1939 network faults can affect all connected modules
Engine protection — ECM may trigger derate to prevent damage
Aftertreatment — engine protection derates can affect regen strategy

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Replacing the sensor without verifying wiring continuity and supply voltage first.

Clearing codes without identifying and resolving the root cause — the fault will return.

Ignoring related active faults — cascading faults often share a root cause.

Skipping the connector inspection — corrosion and damaged pins are a leading cause of sensor faults.

Condemning the ECM before exhausting all wiring and component tests.

Deep-dive diagnostic page: SPN 1110 FMI 4 — Full FSM Sequence & Repair Steps — includes wiring notes, sensor specs, and gated repair procedures.

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