Cummins fault code · Cooling fan

Cummins fault code 3634

Engine Fan Clutch 2 Control Circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low

J1939 SPN5484
FMI4
LampAmber warning lamp
SystemCooling fan

What it means

Cummins' description: Engine Fan Clutch 2 Control Circuit - Voltage below normal, or shorted to low source.

SPN 5484 is Engine Fan Clutch 2 Output Device Driver. 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 cooling fan pulls air through the radiator and charge air cooler. On most trucks it's controlled by a fan clutch the ECM switches on and off, and some have speed sensors or variable pitch blades.

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 fan code that set once with normal engine temperatures.

Yellow

Schedule a repair

Temperatures creep up at idle or with A/C on, or the code keeps returning. Get it checked before summer heat finds it for you.

Red

Stop and get help

Engine overheating because the fan isn't engaging. Shut it down and let it cool before driving.

Common causes

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

  • Fan clutch solenoid wiring or driver circuit fault
  • Fan speed sensor failed
  • Air or electrical supply to the fan clutch problem

If the circuit checks out, the reading may be real. Other possibilities: fan clutch worn and slipping; air leak to an air-operated fan clutch; fan stuck on or off.

What you can check before calling

  • Listen for the fan engaging when the engine is hot or the A/C is on
  • Look for damaged wiring or air lines at the fan clutch
  • Watch whether temperature climbs at idle or in traffic

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.

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 3634 mean?

Cummins fault code 3634 is J1939 SPN 5484 FMI 4: Engine Fan Clutch 2 Control Circuit - Voltage below normal, or shorted to low source. In plain terms: engine fan clutch 2 control circuit: circuit voltage low / shorted low.

Can I keep driving with Cummins code 3634?

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 3634?

SPN 5484 identifies the part or system (Engine Fan Clutch 2 Output Device Driver). FMI 4 describes the type of failure: circuit voltage low / shorted low.

What usually causes Cummins code 3634?

The most common causes are: fan clutch solenoid wiring or driver circuit fault; fan speed sensor failed; air or electrical supply to the fan clutch 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.

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