Cummins fault code · Intake air and environment sensors

Cummins fault code 153

Intake Manifold 1 Temperature Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high

J1939 SPN105
FMI3
LampAmber warning lamp
SystemIntake air and environment sensors

What it means

Cummins' description: Intake Manifold 1 Temperature Sensor Circuit - Voltage above normal, or shorted to high source.

SPN 105 is Engine Intake Manifold 1 Temperature. 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.

These sensors measure the air coming into the engine: intake manifold temperature, charge air cooler outlet temperature, ambient temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and air filter restriction. The ECM uses them to calculate fueling and timing.

What the lamp means

An amber (yellow) warning lamp means the engine can usually keep running, but the fault should be repaired soon, ideally the same day.

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

A one-time sensor code with normal power and temperatures.

Yellow

Schedule a repair

Amber lamp, rough cold starts, or the code returns. Usually a sensor or connector. Book it so fueling stays correct.

Red

Stop and get help

Several sensor codes at once with a stop lamp or no-start. That can point to a shared sensor supply or ECM problem. Get it diagnosed before driving.

Common causes

FMI 3 is an electrical or signal fault, so start with the circuit:

  • Sensor connector corroded or loose
  • Harness damage
  • Failed sensor
  • Shared 5-volt sensor supply problem (several sensor codes at once)

If the circuit checks out, the reading may be real. Other possibilities: clogged air filter; dirty or blocked charge air cooler or radiator fins; real high intake temperature in hot weather or under heavy load.

What you can check before calling

  • Check the air filter and the restriction indicator
  • Clean bugs and debris from the front of the charge air cooler
  • Look for unplugged or damaged connectors on intake sensors

Clearing the code without fixing the cause usually brings it right back, and on emissions systems it can restart derate timers.

Engines and sources

Listed by Cummins for: QSB 6.7, QSL 9, QSX 15, QSB 4.5, QSF 3.8, QSG 12. 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: Cummins Tier 4 Fault Codes. 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 153 mean?

Cummins fault code 153 is J1939 SPN 105 FMI 3: Intake Manifold 1 Temperature Sensor Circuit - Voltage above normal, or shorted to high source. In plain terms: intake manifold 1 temperature sensor circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high.

Can I keep driving with Cummins code 153?

Usually for a short time, if the engine runs normally and no other warnings are on. Get it diagnosed soon, because many amber codes lead to a derate if ignored. Look at the green, yellow and red examples on this page to judge your situation.

What is the SPN and FMI for Cummins code 153?

SPN 105 identifies the part or system (Engine Intake Manifold 1 Temperature). FMI 3 describes the type of failure: circuit voltage high / shorted high.

What usually causes Cummins code 153?

The most common causes are: sensor connector corroded or loose; harness damage; failed 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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