AI Diesel Tech

Fault Code Reference

SPN 3516 FMI 2AftertreatmentInducement Risk

Exhaust Gas Temperature Bank 1 Sensor 1 - Data Erratic

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Overview

Fault Code

SPN 3516 / FMI 2

Category

Aftertreatment

Derate Risk

Yes

Regen Inhibit

No

Inducement Risk

Yes — SCR inducement possible

Component Location: Exhaust gas temperature sensor 1 is located in the exhaust system upstream of the diesel oxidation catalyst or turbocharger outlet.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light illuminated
  • DPF regeneration frequency increased or irregular
  • Exhaust temperature readings fluctuating abnormally
  • Intermittent fault code active/inactive cycling
  • Poor regeneration performance or incomplete regens
  • Engine derate or limited power in severe cases

Root Causes

  • Faulty or degraded EGT sensor 1 (Bank 1) providing erratic/intermittent signal
  • Damaged or corroded wiring harness between EGT sensor and ACM connector
  • Loose or corroded sensor connector causing intermittent signal dropout
  • Exhaust soot or moisture contamination on sensor element causing erratic readings
  • Exhaust leak near sensor affecting accurate temperature measurement
  • ACM software fault or calibration mismatch requiring reflash
  • Failed ACM input circuit for EGT sensor signal

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Derate Behavior

Power Derate

Yes

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 3516 FMI 2 will typically inhibit or interrupt active DPF regeneration cycles as the ACM relies on EGT Bank 1 Sensor 1 to monitor and control regen temperatures; erratic data prevents safe regen execution and may trigger a regen inhibit or disable condition.

System Interactions

SPN 3516 FMI 2 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 3516 FMI 2 — Full FSM Sequence & Repair Steps — includes wiring notes, sensor specs, and gated repair procedures.

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