Cummins fault code 235
Coolant Level: reading below normal (most severe)
What it means
Cummins' description: Coolant Level - Data valid but below normal operational range - Most Severe Level.
SPN 111 is Engine Coolant Level. FMI 1 means the sensor is working, but the value it reports is far below where it should be. This is the most severe 'low' level.
The cooling system keeps the engine at operating temperature. The ECM watches coolant temperature, pressure and level, and will derate or shut down the engine to protect it from overheating.
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 coolant level warning that clears after topping off with the right coolant, and no leak shows up.
Schedule a repair
Coolant keeps dropping, the gauge runs hotter than normal, or the amber lamp is on. Find the leak before it becomes an overheat.
Stop and get help
Temperature gauge in the red, steam, a stop lamp, or engine protection derating power. Pull over and shut it down. Running hot can warp the head and ruin the engine.
Common causes
The sensor reading itself is out of range or the condition is real, so look at the system:
- Low coolant from a leak
- Radiator or charge air cooler blocked with dirt or bugs
- Fan clutch or fan not engaging
- Stuck thermostat
- Failing water pump
- Head gasket or EGR cooler pushing exhaust into the coolant
What you can check before calling
- Check the coolant level only with the engine cool
- Look for leaks, wet spots or dried coolant residue
- Clean the front of the radiator and charge air cooler
- Watch the temperature gauge and whether the fan kicks on
Clearing the code without fixing the cause usually brings it right back, and on emissions systems it can restart derate timers. For the bigger picture, read our guide: Car overheating: what to do right now, and what's causing it.
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.
Same SPN, other failure types
- 195 SPN 111 FMI 3
Coolant Level Sensor 1 Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 196 SPN 111 FMI 4
Coolant Level Sensor 1 Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 197 SPN 111 FMI 18
Coolant Level: reading below normal (moderately severe) - 422 SPN 111 FMI 2
Coolant Level: erratic or intermittent signal - 2448 SPN 111 FMI 17
Coolant Level: reading below normal (least severe) - 3366 SPN 111 FMI 18
Coolant Level: reading below normal (moderately severe) - 3613 SPN 111 FMI 9
Coolant Level Sensor: abnormal update rate - 3614 SPN 111 FMI 19
Coolant Level Sensor: network data error
Related Engine cooling codes
- 233 SPN 109 FMI 18
Coolant Pressure: reading below normal (moderately severe) - 232 SPN 109 FMI 4
Coolant Pressure Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 231 SPN 109 FMI 3
Coolant Pressure Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 151 SPN 110 FMI 0
Engine Coolant Temperature: reading above normal (most severe) - 146 SPN 110 FMI 16
Engine Coolant Temperature: reading above normal (moderately severe) - 145 SPN 110 FMI 4
Engine Coolant Temperature 1 Sensor Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low
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 235 mean?
Cummins fault code 235 is J1939 SPN 111 FMI 1: Coolant Level - Data valid but below normal operational range - Most Severe Level. In plain terms: coolant level: reading below normal (most severe).
Can I keep driving with Cummins code 235?
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 235?
SPN 111 identifies the part or system (Engine Coolant Level). FMI 1 describes the type of failure: reading below normal (most severe).
What usually causes Cummins code 235?
The most common causes are: low coolant from a leak; radiator or charge air cooler blocked with dirt or bugs; fan clutch or fan not engaging.
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.