Cummins fault code · Injectors and misfire

Cummins fault code 1657

Engine Misfire Cylinder 4: condition exists

J1939 SPN1326
FMI31
LampAmber warning lamp
SystemInjectors and misfire

What it means

Cummins' description: Engine Misfire Cylinder 4 - Condition Exists.

SPN 1326 is Engine Misfire Cylinder #4. FMI 31 means the ECM has confirmed the condition described in the code is happening.

Each cylinder has an electronically controlled fuel injector. The ECM watches each injector's circuit and how each cylinder is contributing, and flags misfires or fueling errors.

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 single injector or misfire code that cleared and the engine runs smooth.

Yellow

Schedule a repair

Rough running, smoke, or a misfire or injector code that keeps coming back. Schedule diagnosis. A bad injector can wash down a cylinder and hurt fuel economy.

Red

Stop and get help

Heavy knocking, a severe miss, a red lamp, or smoke pouring out. Shut it down. A stuck-open injector can hydrolock or melt a piston.

Common causes

The sensor reading itself is out of range or the condition is real, so look at the system:

  • Worn or sticking injector
  • Low compression in that cylinder
  • Fuel supply or rail pressure problem
  • Air in the fuel

What you can check before calling

  • Note rough idle, shaking, white or black smoke, or a knocking sound
  • Check whether the misfire is constant or only cold
  • Check recent fuel filter service and fuel quality

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, QSB 4.5, QSF 3.8. 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 1657 mean?

Cummins fault code 1657 is J1939 SPN 1326 FMI 31: Engine Misfire Cylinder 4 - Condition Exists. In plain terms: engine misfire cylinder 4: condition exists.

Can I keep driving with Cummins code 1657?

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 1657?

SPN 1326 identifies the part or system (Engine Misfire Cylinder #4). FMI 31 describes the type of failure: condition exists.

What usually causes Cummins code 1657?

The most common causes are: worn or sticking injector; low compression in that cylinder; fuel supply or rail pressure problem.

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.

CallBook