AI Diesel Tech

Fault Code Reference

SPN 174 FMI 0FuelHigh

Engine Fuel Temperature — High

Scan Tool — in guided session

DVOM Testing — in guided session

Connector Pinout — in guided session

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Overview

Fault Code

SPN 174 / FMI 0

Category

Fuel

Fault Type

sensor

FMI Category

performance

Severity

High

Derate Risk

Yes

Regen Inhibit

No

Inducement Risk

No

Component Location: Fuel temperature sensor — on fuel filter housing or fuel supply line

Common Symptoms

  • Fuel temperature high
  • Engine derate
  • Fuel return temperature high
  • Possible fuel system damage

Root Causes

  • Fuel cooler restriction
  • Fuel return temperature high
  • Ambient temperature high
  • Fuel cooler bypass valve stuck

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Derate Behavior

Power Derate

Yes

Mileage / Regen Notes

Fuel cooler restriction common at 200k–400k miles.

System Interactions

SPN 174 FMI 0 interacts with the following systems and may trigger cascading faults if not resolved promptly.

TSB Reference: Cummins TSB 4021684 — Fuel Temperature High Diagnosis

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.

OEM Notes

Cummins

X15: High fuel temp reduces fuel density and power.

Detroit

DD15: Check fuel cooler for restriction.

PACCAR

MX-13: Check fuel return line routing.

Deep-dive diagnostic page: SPN 174 FMI 0 — Full FSM Sequence & Repair Steps — includes wiring notes, sensor specs, and gated repair procedures.

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