AI Diesel Tech

Fault Code Reference

SPN 1807 FMI 31AftertreatmentInducement Risk

DEF Tank Heater - Condition Exists

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Overview

Fault Code

SPN 1807 / FMI 31

Category

Aftertreatment

Derate Risk

No

Regen Inhibit

No

Inducement Risk

Yes — SCR inducement possible

Component Location: DEF tank heater is integrated into or mounted directly on the DEF tank, typically located on the frame rail or crossmember beneath the cab or behind the fuel tank.

Common Symptoms

  • DEF tank heater active indicator on
  • DEF heater running continuously in cold ambient conditions
  • DEF heater cycling frequently
  • No driveability symptoms typically present
  • Fault logged as informational condition exists code

Root Causes

  • DEF tank heater circuit open or short to ground Failed DEF tank heater element (burned out or open circuit) Corroded or damaged connector at DEF tank heater plug Blown fuse or failed relay in DEF heater supply circuit Faulty ACM (Aftertreatment Control Module) output driver Chafed or broken wiring harness between ACM and DEF tank heater DEF tank assembly failure requiring full tank replacement

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Derate Behavior

Power Derate

No

SCR Inducement Risk

If left unresolved, this fault may trigger SCR inducement — a progressive derate enforced by the ECM to ensure emissions compliance.

Mileage / Regen Notes

SPN 1807 FMI 31 may inhibit or delay DPF regeneration in cold ambient conditions if the DEF system cannot be confirmed operational; the ACM may prevent dosing and regen until DEF fluid temperature is verified within acceptable range.

System Interactions

SPN 1807 FMI 31 interacts with the following systems and may trigger cascading faults if not resolved promptly.

DPF differential pressure monitoring — soot load calculations affected
SCR NOx conversion efficiency — DEF dosing strategy may be altered
Active regen inhibit logic — regen may be blocked or delayed
Engine protection derate — ECM may reduce power to protect components

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.

Replacing the DPF without verifying the regen system is functional — a failed regen injector will reload the new DPF.

Ignoring DEF quality — contaminated DEF causes SCR efficiency faults that look like hardware failures.

Deep-dive diagnostic page: SPN 1807 FMI 31 — Full FSM Sequence & Repair Steps — includes wiring notes, sensor specs, and gated repair procedures.

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