Cummins fault code 271
Engine Fuel Pump Pressurizing Assembly 1 Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low
What it means
Cummins' description: Engine Fuel Pump Pressurizing Assembly 1 Circuit - Voltage below normal, or shorted to low source.
SPN 1347 is Engine Fuel Pump Pressurizing Assembly #1. 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.
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
An amber (yellow) warning lamp means the engine can usually keep running, but the fault should be repaired soon, ideally the same day.
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.
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 4 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
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
Related High-pressure fuel system codes
- 273 SPN 1348 FMI 4
High Fuel Pressure Solenoid Valve #2 Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 268 SPN 94 FMI 2
Fuel Pressure Sensor Circuit: erratic or intermittent signal - 274 SPN 1348 FMI 3
High Fuel Pressure Solenoid Valve #2 Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 276 SPN 633 FMI 3
Fuel Injection Control Valve Circuit: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 277 SPN 633 FMI 7
Fuel Injection Control Valve: not responding / out of adjustment - 278 SPN 1075 FMI 11
Fuel Priming Pump Control Circuit: root cause not known
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 271 mean?
Cummins fault code 271 is J1939 SPN 1347 FMI 4: Engine Fuel Pump Pressurizing Assembly 1 Circuit - Voltage below normal, or shorted to low source. In plain terms: engine fuel pump pressurizing assembly 1 circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low.
Can I keep driving with Cummins code 271?
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 271?
SPN 1347 identifies the part or system (Engine Fuel Pump Pressurizing Assembly #1). FMI 4 describes the type of failure: circuit voltage low / shorted low.
What usually causes Cummins code 271?
The most common causes are: rail pressure sensor or wiring fault; fuel pump actuator (metering valve) circuit fault; connector damage at the pump.

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