Cummins fault code · Engine oil

Cummins fault code 137

Pre Filter Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Failed Low: circuit voltage low / shorted low

J1939 SPN1208
FMI4
LampNo lamp
SystemEngine oil

What it means

Cummins' description: Pre Filter Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Failed Low.

SPN 1208 is Pre Filter Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Failed Low. FMI 4 means the voltage on the circuit is lower than possible for a good sensor, usually a short to ground, a damaged harness, or a failed sensor.

The ECM monitors oil pressure, oil temperature and, on some engines, oil level. Low oil pressure is one of the fastest ways to destroy an engine, so Cummins treats it very seriously.

What the lamp means

This code normally doesn't turn on a dash lamp. It's logged in the ECM for a technician to see, and often explains another active code.

How serious is it?

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.

Green

Keep an eye on it

An oil change reminder, or a sensor code where the gauge reads normal and the level is full.

Yellow

Schedule a repair

Oil level low or a sensor code that keeps coming back. Top off and get it checked soon, and don't ignore oil consumption.

Red

Stop and get help

Low oil pressure warning, gauge near zero, knocking, or a stop lamp. Shut the engine off immediately. Every second of low oil pressure damages bearings.

Common causes

FMI 4 is an electrical or signal fault, so start with the circuit:

  • Oil pressure or temperature sensor failed
  • Connector or wiring problem at the sensor

If the circuit checks out, the reading may be real. Other possibilities: low oil level; wrong oil viscosity or diluted oil (fuel or coolant in the oil); worn oil pump or bearings.

What you can check before calling

  • Check the oil level with the engine off and level
  • Look at the oil for milky color (coolant) or a fuel smell
  • Note whether the oil gauge drops at hot idle

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.

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 137 mean?

Cummins fault code 137 is J1939 SPN 1208 FMI 4: Pre Filter Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Failed Low. In plain terms: pre filter oil pressure sensor circuit failed low: circuit voltage low / shorted low.

Can I keep driving with Cummins code 137?

Usually, yes. This code doesn't normally turn on a lamp by itself, but check for other active codes that might be more serious. Look at the green, yellow and red examples on this page to judge your situation.

What is the SPN and FMI for Cummins code 137?

SPN 1208 identifies the part or system (Pre Filter Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Failed Low). FMI 4 describes the type of failure: circuit voltage low / shorted low.

What usually causes Cummins code 137?

The most common causes are: oil pressure or temperature sensor failed; connector or wiring problem at the sensor.

Diesel down in the Midlands?

We work on Cummins-powered pickups, vans and medium-duty trucks across Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, on site at your yard or roadside.

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