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Fault Code Reference

SPN 3246 FMI 4AftertreatmentMedium

DPF Outlet Temperature 2 Sensor - Voltage Low

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Overview

Fault Code

SPN 3246 / FMI 4

Category

Aftertreatment

Severity

Medium

Derate Risk

Sometimes

Regen Inhibit

No

Inducement Risk

No

Component Location: DPF outlet temperature 2 sensor is mounted on the downstream end of the DPF canister in the aftertreatment assembly, typically located mid to rear chassis under the vehicle.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light illuminated. MIL lamp on. Possible yellow engine warning lamp. Scan tool shows DPF outlet temp 2 reading abnormally low or at minimum value (-40°F or 0V). Active regen may not complete properly. Possible white smoke if regen strategy is affected. Driver may report regen taking longer than normal or not initiating. Fault may be intermittent with temperature changes or vehicle vibration.

Root Causes

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Derate Behavior

Power Derate

Sometimes

Mileage / Regen Notes

This fault typically does NOT inhibit active regeneration on its own, but it may affect regen control strategy. The ECM/ACM uses DPF outlet temp sensors to monitor regen progress and combustion efficiency. With a voltage low fault, the system may not accurately detect regen completion, potentially causing extended regen cycles or incomplete regens. If multiple DPF temp sensors are faulted, active regen will likely be inhibited. Verify regen status with scan tool — check if regen inhibit flags are present. Always repair this fault before attempting forced regen to prevent aftertreatment damage.

System Interactions

SPN 3246 FMI 4 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
TSB Reference: No confirmed universal TSBs — verify in OEM service portal for your specific engine make. Cummins ISX and ISB platforms have had service bulletins related to aftertreatment harness routing and heat shield placement. Detroit DD13/DD15 have known harness chafing areas near DPF. Paccar MX engines check for connector moisture intrusion TSBs. Always search by engine serial number for applicable campaigns.

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 3246 FMI 4 — Full FSM Sequence & Repair Steps — includes wiring notes, sensor specs, and gated repair procedures.

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