Cummins fault code 6476
DEF Tank Heater: reading below normal (moderately severe)
What it means
Cummins' description: Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Heater - Data Valid But Below Normal Operating Range - Moderately Severe Level.
SPN 3363 is Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank 1 Heater. FMI 18 means the value is clearly below normal operating range. It's the middle 'low' level.
DEF is sprayed into the exhaust ahead of the SCR catalyst to break down NOx. The system includes the tank, level and temperature sensors, a quality sensor, heaters for cold weather, a pump or dosing unit, lines and the doser.
What the lamp means
This code normally doesn't turn on a dash lamp. It's logged in the ECM for a technician to see, and often explains another active code.
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
The DEF level warning is on and the truck runs normally. Topping off with fresh DEF clears it.
Schedule a repair
Amber lamp or a DEF quality or dosing code that comes back after filling. Get it checked soon. If left alone, the system will start counting down toward a derate.
Stop and get help
Blinking lamp with a derate countdown, or the truck is already limited to low speed. That's an EPA inducement. It won't fix itself and it can leave a truck stuck at 5 mph.
Common causes
The sensor reading itself is out of range or the condition is real, so look at the system:
- DEF tank low or empty
- Contaminated, diluted or old DEF (water, coolant, diesel, or DEF older than about a year)
- Crystallized DEF clogging the doser, lines or filter
- Weak pump or blocked DEF filter
- Frozen DEF with a heater not working
What you can check before calling
- Check the DEF level and top off with fresh, sealed DEF
- Look for white crystal buildup around the doser, lines and tank
- If DEF was recently added, think about whether it could have been mixed with water or something else
- Note whether the code shows up only in cold weather
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: DEF warning lights and derate: what diesel drivers need to know.
Engines and sources
Listed by Cummins for: QSB 6.7, QSL 9, QSX 15, QSB 4.5, QSF 3.8 (With SCR), 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
- 1683 SPN 3363 FMI 3
DEF Tank Heater: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 1684 SPN 3363 FMI 4
DEF Tank Heater: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 1712 SPN 3363 FMI 18
DEF Tank Heater: reading below normal (moderately severe) - 1713 SPN 3363 FMI 16
DEF Tank Heater: reading above normal (moderately severe) - 3242 SPN 3363 FMI 7
DEF Tank Heater: not responding / out of adjustment - 6475 SPN 3363 FMI 7
DEF Tank Heater: not responding / out of adjustment - 6479 SPN 3363 FMI 3
DEF Tank Heater: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 6481 SPN 3363 FMI 4
DEF Tank Heater: circuit voltage low / shorted low
Related DEF codes
- 6477 SPN 5491 FMI 3
DEF Line Heater Relay: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 6478 SPN 5491 FMI 4
DEF Line Heater Relay: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 6482 SPN 4340 FMI 5
DEF Line Heater 1 Circuit: circuit open / current low - 6483 SPN 4342 FMI 5
DEF Line Heater 2 Circuit: circuit open / current low - 6484 SPN 4344 FMI 5
DEF Line Heater 3 Circuit: circuit open / current low - 6513 SPN 5745 FMI 17
DEF Dosing Unit Heater: reading below normal (least severe)
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 6476 mean?
Cummins fault code 6476 is J1939 SPN 3363 FMI 18: Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Heater - Data Valid But Below Normal Operating Range - Moderately Severe Level. In plain terms: def tank heater: reading below normal (moderately severe).
Can I keep driving with Cummins code 6476?
Usually, yes. This code doesn't normally turn on a lamp by itself, but check for other active codes that might be more serious. Look at the green, yellow and red examples on this page to judge your situation.
What is the SPN and FMI for Cummins code 6476?
SPN 3363 identifies the part or system (Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank 1 Heater). FMI 18 describes the type of failure: reading below normal (moderately severe).
What usually causes Cummins code 6476?
The most common causes are: dEF tank low or empty; contaminated, diluted or old DEF (water, coolant, diesel, or DEF older than about a year); crystallized DEF clogging the doser, lines or filter.
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.