Cummins fault code 116
Fuel Timing Pressure Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high
What it means
Cummins' description: Fuel Timing Pressure Sensor Circuit - shorted high.
SPN 156 is Fuel Timing Pressure Sensor Circuit. FMI 3 means the voltage on the circuit is higher than possible for a good sensor, usually an open signal wire, a short to a power wire, or a failed sensor.
Modern Cummins engines build very high fuel pressure in a common rail that feeds the injectors. The ECM controls rail pressure with a fuel pump actuator and monitors it with a rail pressure sensor. A pressure relief valve protects the system.
What the lamp means
A red stop lamp means Cummins treats this as serious. Stop the engine as soon as you can do it safely and get it checked before running it again.
Green, yellow, red: three ways this can look
The same code can be a quick fix or a reason to shut down. Match your situation to the closest example. Cummins rates this a red stop lamp code, so if the red lamp is on, go by the red example.
Keep an eye on it
A low rail pressure code right after a filter change or running the tank low, that clears once air is bled out.
Schedule a repair
Hard starts, hesitation, power loss, or the code keeps coming back. Change the fuel filters first, then have the pressure tested.
Stop and get help
Stalling, no-start, a red stop lamp, or fuel spraying anywhere. Shut it down. High-pressure fuel leaks are a fire and injury risk.
Common causes
FMI 3 is an electrical or signal fault, so start with the circuit:
- Rail pressure sensor or wiring fault
- Fuel pump actuator (metering valve) circuit fault
- Connector damage at the pump
If the circuit checks out, the reading may be real. Other possibilities: clogged fuel filters (the most common cause of low rail pressure); air in the fuel from a loose fitting or empty tank; weak lift pump or restricted fuel supply.
What you can check before calling
- Check when the fuel filters were last changed
- Make sure there's plenty of fuel in the tank
- Look for fuel leaks at the pump, rail and lines
- Notice hard starting, stalling or power loss under load
Clearing the code without fixing the cause usually brings it right back, and on emissions systems it can restart derate timers.
Engines and sources
Cummins uses the same fault code numbers across its electronic engines, including on-highway models like the ISB/B6.7, ISL/L9 and ISX/X15, though not every code applies to every engine or software level. Source: Diagnostic Fault Codes for Cummins Engines. Always confirm with Cummins service information (QuickServe) for your engine serial number.
Same SPN, other failure types
Related High-pressure fuel system codes
- 114 SPN 635 FMI 4
Engine Timing Actuator Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 118 SPN 135 FMI 3
Fuel Pump Delivery Pressure Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 113 SPN 635 FMI 3
Engine Timing Actuator Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 119 SPN 135 FMI 4
Fuel Pump Delivery Pressure Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 112 SPN 635 FMI 7
Engine Timing Actuator is not responding to ECM commands: not responding / out of adjustment - 166 SPN 733 FMI 3
Rack Position Sensor #1 Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high
Look up another code
Cummins fault code (like 1922), J1939 SPN and FMI (like SPN 3251 FMI 0), or an OBD-II code (like P0420).
Questions
What does Cummins fault code 116 mean?
Cummins fault code 116 is J1939 SPN 156 FMI 3: Fuel Timing Pressure Sensor Circuit - shorted high. In plain terms: fuel timing pressure sensor circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high.
Can I keep driving with Cummins code 116?
No. Cummins assigns this code a red stop lamp. Stop the engine as soon as it's safe and have it checked before running it again. Look at the green, yellow and red examples on this page to judge your situation.
What is the SPN and FMI for Cummins code 116?
SPN 156 identifies the part or system (Fuel Timing Pressure Sensor Circuit). FMI 3 describes the type of failure: circuit voltage high / shorted high.
What usually causes Cummins code 116?
The most common causes are: rail pressure sensor or wiring fault; fuel pump actuator (metering valve) circuit fault; connector damage at the pump.
Diesel down in the Midlands?
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