Cummins fault code 6496
Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit- Current Below Normal or Open Circuit: circuit open / current low
What it means
Cummins' description: Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit- Current Below Normal or Open Circuit.
SPN 3464 is Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit. FMI 5 means the ECM is driving the circuit but almost no current flows, which usually means an open circuit: a broken wire, unplugged connector, or failed coil.
Some Cummins engines have an electronic intake throttle to help regeneration and a smooth shutdown. Others have an air shutoff valve that can stop the engine in an emergency.
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
An informational code reminding you a shutoff test is due.
Schedule a repair
Rough running, slow regens, or throttle codes that keep coming back. Have it cleaned or replaced.
Stop and get help
Engine shuts down or won't start because the air shutoff is closed or stuck. It needs a technician on site.
Common causes
FMI 5 is an electrical or signal fault, so start with the circuit:
- Throttle actuator or position sensor wiring fault
- Air shutoff valve sensor or circuit fault
If the circuit checks out, the reading may be real. Other possibilities: throttle plate sticking from soot and oil; air shutoff tripped and not reset; air shutoff maintenance test overdue.
What you can check before calling
- Check whether the air shutoff has been tripped and needs resetting
- Look for oil and soot buildup at the intake throttle
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
- 6493 SPN 3464 FMI 3
Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit- Voltage above normal, or shorted to high source: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 6494 SPN 3464 FMI 4
Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit- Voltage above normal, or shorted to low source: circuit voltage low / shorted low
Related Intake throttle and air shutoff codes
- 6497 SPN 51 FMI 3
Engine Intake Throttle Actuator Position Sensor Circuit- Voltage above normal, or shorted to high source: circuit voltage high / shorted high - 6498 SPN 51 FMI 4
Engine Intake Throttle Actuator Position Sensor Circuit- Voltage above normal, or shorted to low source: circuit voltage low / shorted low - 5292 SPN 520809 FMI 31
Excessive Time Since Last Engine Air Shutoff Maintenance Test: condition exists - 5221 SPN 3667 FMI 2
Engine Air Shutoff Status: erratic or intermittent signal - 4484 SPN 3667 FMI 7
Engine Air Shutoff: not responding / out of adjustment - 3141 SPN 3667 FMI 4
Engine Air Shutoff 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 6496 mean?
Cummins fault code 6496 is J1939 SPN 3464 FMI 5: Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit- Current Below Normal or Open Circuit. In plain terms: electronic throttle control actuator driver circuit- current below normal or open circuit: circuit open / current low.
Can I keep driving with Cummins code 6496?
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 6496?
SPN 3464 identifies the part or system (Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Driver Circuit). FMI 5 describes the type of failure: circuit open / current low.
What usually causes Cummins code 6496?
The most common causes are: throttle actuator or position sensor wiring fault; air shutoff valve sensor or circuit fault.
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.