What Is Code SPN 2791 FMI 11? (Paccar, Cummins, Freightliner)
Paccar is the odd man out. It seems that the fault codes for this company do not line up with the other fault code lists. The company guards its information very carefully and you may have to talk directly to the company to get the right definition for their codes.
The SPN 2791 FMI 11 code stands for the Motor Control Module (MCM) Detects that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Position is Incorrect or a High Coolant Temperature Has Been Detected. You should see two amber lights but experience no loss in engine performance.
To learn more about this code just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that you can assess the situation properly and take the proper steps to solve the problem.
What is Fault Code SPN 2791?
This is a very popular code and may be quite common to see. There are 20 FMI numbers attached to SPN 2791 which tells you that it comes up often and there is information available.
When you see the SPN 2791 portion of this code, you should know that it is pointing to a problem somewhere in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. With 20 FMI numbers, you have a lot of options for parts or components to fail.
To diagnose exactly what is wrong, you will need to take step #1 no matter which FMI code appears. That step is to connect the DiagnosticLink to read this and any other code that may have been set at the same time.
If you see these codes, SPN 2791/FMI 10, SPN 110/FMI 0, or SPN 110/FMI 2, then you have to repair those issues first before continuing down through the next 14 steps till the code is finally cleared.
As far as we can tell, this code should not produce any derate level or impact your engine’s performance in any way.
SPN 2791 FMI 11
This code is defined as- the Motor Control Module (MCM) Detects that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Position is Incorrect or a High Coolant Temperature Has Been Detected.
The 16 steps we mentioned in the previous section actually belong to this code. We are not sure how many steps each of the other 19 possibilities have to clear them. You will have to turn the ignition on and off several times before solving this problem completely.
In the end, you may have to replace the EGR actuator if you get to step 16. To read all the steps involved, just click on this link. You may also have to perform DiagnosticLink’s slow learner routine but that is step 15 so you may not get there if you are lucky.
What is Freightliner code SPN 2791 FMI 2?
According to one data sheet, this is the problem that the code is warning you about- DATA ERRATIC, INTERMITTENT, OR INCORRECT > DESCRIPTION
High load operation in high ambient temperatures cause this fault, which is a "silent" fault where the fan will be turned on.
There is a note underneath this explanation and it says - This fault is an issue when fan-on times are excessive and coolant temperatures are in normal operating range. There are only 4 steps in this repair:
1. Inspect for multiple codes:
A. Repair the cooling system first if SPN 110 FMI 0 is active. Validate repairs.
B. Go to the next step if SPN 2791 FMI 2 is active.
2. Inspect the EGR valve actuator for exhaust leaks.
A. Exhaust leaks are present, perform the necessary repair. Validate repairs.
B. Exhaust leaks are not present, go to the next step.
3. Remove actuator cooler lines and fittings and inspect.
A. Observe kinked or plugged, and repair or replace the damaged component.
B. No restrictions are present, go to the next step.
4. Blow through the actuator and ensure the coolant passage has no restriction.
A. Actuator is plugged, repair, or replace the component.
B. Actuator is not plugged, validate repairs.
We should say that the official SPN fault code list says something different than this fact sheet.
SPN 2791 FMI 13
There are 5 explanations associated with this code on the official SPN fault code list. All but one are related to the EGR. The first is, Dfc For Valve Position Sensor Voltage Src High; the second is, Egr Actuator, Eol Calibration Error. And you can read the rest at this link.
The reason owners may see this code frequently is that you may have replaced the EGR valve but did not update the ECM. This update is- Reduce occurrences of FC 1896.
There may also be a wiring issue or a problem with the ECM. Most likely, it is the EGR valve as these have been known to fail the moment they had been installed. This part has a bad reputation for being faulty right after installation.
It could be that the EGR valved failed the automatic calibration. Or it could be a problem with the EGR brushless motor or the three sensors this system employs to monitor the valve position.
Either way, it may be best to have a qualified mechanic handle this repair. You may not have the diagnostic tool to read all the codes that may be set at this time. Or the other tools needed to make this repair.
SPN 2791 FMI 14
The simplest explanation for this code is-Smart Remote Actuator 3(EGR) Wrong Failsafe Calibration. But like the previous code, there are more than 3 explanations for why this code was set.
The code is usually set by the MCM when it detects that the EGR valve is in the wrong position. You will see the MIL and the CEL lights illuminated but there should be no reduction in engine performance.
To start the repair, the first thing you have to do is make sure the MCM software level is at 4.7.0.00 ZGS 002 or higher. Then you need to make a visual inspection of the EGR hardware, clamps, and connections to make sure they are not interfering with the movement of the pull rod.
There are 5 more steps to make before this repair can be cleared and your vehicle gets back on the road. You can view those steps at this link. The last step will include replacing the EGR actuator if the SPN 2791 FMI 14 fault code is active during the transition from step 5 to step 6.
SPN 2791 FMI 18
This code only has 3 explanations to it and the first one is, EGR Valve Actuator, Learn Cycle Too Small and the second one is, Permanent Governor Deviation For Valve.
The third and final explanation is Smart Remote Actuator 3 (EGR), Learn Span Too Small: Engine Exhaust Gas Recirculation 1 (egr1) Valve Control Data Valid But Below Normal Operating Range - Moderately Severe Level; Tbd (uebachs).
Unfortunately, there is not much information on this code. One person did ask at a discussion forum but he did not get a reply as of yet. There are no data sheets published on this code either. Nor is it on the Cummins list that we could see.
But what the FMI 18 stands for are- Data valid but below normal operating range - moderately severe level. The words moderately severe tell us that you may experience some performance or driving issues if you do not take care of the problem as soon as you are free.
What is interesting is that SPN 2791 FMI, 8, 9, 11, 14, or 31 are said to have the same procedure. You can read about that procedure at this link.
Another Mystery Solved
We keep working at it when we have trouble finding specific information about the different codes and their lists. The mystery we mentioned in another article was we did not understand what the numbers meant after the codes EPA and GHG.
With further research today, we were able to find the answer. The numbers behind those letters, for example, EPA 10 or GHG 14 & GHG 17 stand for the year the regulations were implemented and vehicles had to meet.
EPA 10 means the regulations that were implemented in 2010. The GHG 14 & 17 numbers stand for the greenhouse gas regulations that were implemented in 2014 and 2017.
That makes those codes easier to look up. All you need to do is look up the EPA & GHG standards in those years and you can read the different requirements all vehicles have to abide by.
Some Final Words
When it comes to SPN 2791 make sure you get the correct FMI code. With 20 different options, you need the specific FMI code to make sure you can find the location of the problem.
After that, it is just a matter of time and skill to make the repair. Just do not be surprised if one of those SPN or FMI codes does not appear on your main list. They may be on another one under a different number.
While these codes are meant to help, they don’t when they are not recorded properly.
