Cummins fault code · Turbo, VGT and boost

Cummins fault code 694

RBF Turbo Comp Inlet Temp Sens Failed High: circuit voltage high / shorted high

J1939 SPN1173
FMI3
LampNo lamp
SystemTurbo, VGT and boost

What it means

Cummins' description: RBF Turbo Comp Inlet Temp Sens Failed High.

SPN 1173 is RBF Turbo Comp Inlet Temp Sens Failed High. FMI 3 means the voltage on the circuit is higher than possible for a good sensor, usually an open signal wire, a short to a power wire, or a failed sensor.

The turbocharger forces air into the engine. Most modern Cummins engines use a variable geometry turbo (VGT) with an electronic actuator. The ECM watches intake manifold pressure, turbo speed and compressor temperatures to control boost.

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.

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 brief underboost code climbing a hill that clears, with normal power the rest of the time.

Yellow

Schedule a repair

Noticeable power loss, black smoke, or amber lamp with a boost or VGT code. Get it checked. Boost leaks and sticky VGT actuators get worse and hurt fuel economy.

Red

Stop and get help

Loud whine or grinding from the turbo, heavy smoke, oil pouring out of the exhaust, or a stop lamp. Shut it down. A failing turbo can feed parts or oil into the engine.

Common causes

FMI 3 is an electrical or signal fault, so start with the circuit:

  • VGT actuator internal fault or wiring problem (common)
  • Boost or intake manifold pressure sensor failed or plugged
  • Turbo speed sensor or wiring fault
  • Actuator power, ground or network connection problem

If the circuit checks out, the reading may be real. Other possibilities: boost leak: split charge air hose, loose clamp, cracked charge air cooler; vGT vanes sticking from soot; worn or damaged turbo.

What you can check before calling

  • Listen for a new hiss or whistle under load, a typical sign of a boost leak
  • Check charge air hoses and clamps for oil or soot
  • Check the air filter restriction indicator
  • Notice whether power loss happens only under heavy load or on hills

Clearing the code without fixing the cause usually brings it right back, and on emissions systems it can restart derate timers.

Engines and sources

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: Diagnostic Fault Codes for Cummins Engines. 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 694 mean?

Cummins fault code 694 is J1939 SPN 1173 FMI 3: RBF Turbo Comp Inlet Temp Sens Failed High. In plain terms: rbf turbo comp inlet temp sens failed high: circuit voltage high / shorted high.

Can I keep driving with Cummins code 694?

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 694?

SPN 1173 identifies the part or system (RBF Turbo Comp Inlet Temp Sens Failed High). FMI 3 describes the type of failure: circuit voltage high / shorted high.

What usually causes Cummins code 694?

The most common causes are: vGT actuator internal fault or wiring problem (common); boost or intake manifold pressure sensor failed or plugged; turbo speed sensor or wiring fault.

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