Overview

 

CODE REASON EFFECT
Fault Code: 1981
PID: 
SPN: 3936
FMI: 0/15
LAMP: Amber
SRT: 

 

The aftertreatment differential pressure has exceeded the maximum operating limits or the diesel particulate filter is plugged.

 

 

Possible reduced engine performance.

Circuit Description

The engine aftertreatment system monitors the soot load in the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter. Under normal operating conditions, the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter is self-cleaning, where soot is converted to carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. Under light load operating conditions, it can be necessary to perform a stationary regeneration of the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter. The soot load in the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter is estimated, using the aftertreatment differential pressure sensor and the calculated soot output of the engine.

Component Location

The aftertreatment diesel particulate filter is located in the exhaust system and is installed by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Refer to the OEM service manual.

 

Conditions for Running the Diagnostics

This diagnostic runs continuously when the engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the Fault Codes

The Engine Control Module (ECM) detected the diesel particulate filter is plugged or that the differential pressure across the diesel particulate filter was greater than the maximum limits.

Action Taken When the Fault Code is Active

  • The ECM illuminates the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp and/or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) immediately when the diagnostic runs and fails.
  • Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve operation will be disabled.
  • Active and stationary regeneration of the diesel particulate filter will be disabled.
  • Engine torque will be reduced if the engine is operated for an extended period of time with this fault active.

Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code

  • To validate the repair, perform a key cycle, start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute.
  • The fault code status displayed by the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent will change to INACTIVE immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes.
  • The ECM will turn off the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes.
  • For On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) engines, the ECM will extinguish the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) after three consecutive trips where the diagnostic runs and passes.
  • The “Reset All Faults” command in the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent can be used to clear active and inactive faults, as well as extinguish the MIL for OBD applications.

 

Shop Talk

Possible causes of this fault code include:

The aftertreatment diesel particulate filter can be plugged with ash.

The engine has been operating in light load conditions that prevent exhaust gas temperatures from being high enough to actively regenerate the aftertreatment particulate trap.

An engine malfunction that is elevating the engine smoke output.

  • Excessive ash in the DPF
  • Reference the appropriate OEM wiring diagram when troubleshooting circuits that utilize wiring supplied by the OEM.

Solution: S00000645

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch OFF.

Action

  • This solution is information only.
  • ALL solutions displayed for this fault code must be performed.
  • Continue to perform the verifications of ALL solution steps listed for this fault code regardless if a given solution is within specification or out of specification.
  • If redirected in this troubleshooting to another fault code or symptom it is required to come back to this fault code troubleshooting and complete every step.

Specification

  • This solution is information only.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • If a resolution is found in any solution for this fault code, continue performing ALL solutions listed for this fault code.

Validation

  • None

Solution: S00001124

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Action

  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to read the fault codes.

Specification

Before troubleshooting this fault code, troubleshoot any fault code that is active or has more than one inactive count within the last 25 engine operating hours from the following list:

  • Aftertreatment regeneration: 3375, 3376, 5383
  • Aftertreatment differential pressure: 1879, 1881, 1883
  • Aftertreatment DOC: 3313, 3314, 3315
  • Aftertreatment DPF: 3133, 3134, 3135, 3316, 3317, 3318, 3319, 3321, 3322

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Perform a search on the appropriate fault codes.

Validation

  • None

Solution: S00009944

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch OFF.

Action

  • Visually inspect the air filter to make sure it is not plugged.

Specification

  • If the intake air filter is plugged, then a restricted intake air filter has been detected.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Replace the air filter.

Refer to OEM Service Manual

Refer to Procedure 010-031

Validation

  • Connect all components
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Disable the fault code.
  • Operate the engine within the “Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code” found in the Overview section of the troubleshooting procedure.
  • Verify that the fault code is no longer active.
  • Check ECM Calibration Revision History
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM Calibration Revision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
  • Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.

Solution: S00006241

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch OFF.

Action

  • Remove the air intake connection.
  • Visually inspect the EGR differential pressure sensor flow port cross-drillings for soot blockage.

Refer to Procedure 010-080

  • Visually inspect the exhaust gas entrance ports for soot blockage.

Refer to Procedure 010-080

  • Visually inspect the intake air heater for carbon buildup.

Refer to Procedure 010-080

  • Visually inspect the air intake connection for carbon buildup.

Refer to Service Bulletin 5579934

Refer to Procedure 010-080

Specification

  • Clean any carbon or soot blockage from the components inspected.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Clean the EGR differential pressure ports.

Refer to Procedure 010-080

Validation

  • None

Solution: S00001183

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch OFF.

Action

  • Inspect the aftertreatment DPF differential pressure sensor tubes for signs of damage, plugging, kinks, leakage or loose connections.

Refer to Procedure 011-047

Specification

  • If plugging or damage is found, then proceed to the Repair section.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Repair or replace DPF differential pressure sensor tubes.

Refer to Procedure 011-047

Validation

  • Connect all components
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Disable the fault code.
  • Operate the engine within the “Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code” found in the Overview section of the troubleshooting procedure.
  • Verify that the fault code is no longer active.
  • Check ECM Calibration Revision History
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM Calibration Revision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
  • Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.

Solution: S00000793

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Action

  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Monitor the aftertreatment DPF differential pressure sensor voltage.

Refer to Procedure 019-443

Specification

  • If the aftertreatment DPF differential pressure sensor voltage readings are not within specification, then a malfunctioning aftertreatment DPF differential pressure sensor has been detected.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Replace aftertreatment DPF differential pressure sensor.

Refer to Procedure 019-443

Validation

  • Connect all components
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Disable the fault code.
  • Operate the engine within the “Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code” found in the Overview section of the troubleshooting procedure.
  • Verify that the fault code is no longer active.
  • Check ECM Calibration Revision History
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM Calibration Revision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
  • Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.

Solution: S00000338

Verification

Conditions

  • Connect all components.
  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Start the engine.

Action

  • Run the engine at high idle for the following minutes: 10
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Monitor the following parameters:

  • Aftertreatment diesel oxidation catalyst intake temperature
  • Aftertreatment diesel particulate filter intake temperature
  • Aftertreatment diesel particulate filter outlet temperature

Specification

  • A malfunctioning aftertreatment exhaust gas temperature sensor has been detected if each sensor is not within the following specification of the others: 24 C [43 F]

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

Repair or replace only the components that were found to be out of specification.

  • Replace the aftertreatment exhaust gas temperature sensor module.

Refer to Procedure 019-449

Validation

  • Connect all components
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Disable the fault code.
  • Operate the engine within the “Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code” found in the Overview section of the troubleshooting procedure.
  • Verify that the fault code is no longer active.
  • Check ECM Calibration Revision History
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM Calibration Revision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
  • Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.

Solution: S00004187

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Action

  • If the aftertreatment DPF has already been replaced during this repair, then proceed to the next solution.
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Perform the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Automated Restriction Test.

Refer to Procedure 011-085

Specification

  • If the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Automated Restriction Test exceeds the limits called out in procedure, then a plugged or restricted aftertreatment DPF has been detected.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Replace aftertreatment DPF.

Refer to Procedure 011-041

Validation

  • Connect all components
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Disable the fault code.
  • Operate the engine within the “Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code” found in the Overview section of the troubleshooting procedure.
  • Verify that the fault code is no longer active.
  • Check ECM Calibration Revision History
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM Calibration Revision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
  • Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.

Solution: S00009916

Verification

Conditions

  • Reconnect previously disconnected components.
  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Action

  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Perform the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Test.

Refer to Procedure 014-027

  • Verify the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent has a version that supports this test.

Refer to Procedure 014-027

Specification

  • If the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Test does not pass, then reset the search to Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Did Not Pass. Only select the solution title that matches the error messages in the recommend Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • If the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Test will not start, then reset the search to Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Did Not Start.
  • If the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Test does not complete, then reset the search to Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Analyzer Did Not Complete.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • No additional action is required for this solution.

Validation

  • None

Solution: S00000443

Verification

Conditions

  • Connect all components.
  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Action

  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to read the fault codes.
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revision listed in the ECM calibration revision history for applicable changes.

Specification

  • If a calibration update for this fault code is available, the ECM calibration revision must be that revision or higher.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • Prior to downloading the ECM calibration, check to see that all job images and all other troubleshooting has been documented as downloading an ECM calibration will remove the fault codes on the ECM.
  • Download the updated ECM calibration code.

Refer to Procedure 019-032

Validation

  • Connect all components
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
  • Disable the fault code.
  • Operate the engine within the “Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code” found in the Overview section of the troubleshooting procedure.
  • Verify that the fault code is no longer active.
  • Check ECM Calibration Revision History
  • Use the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent to find the current ECM code and revision number in the ECM.
  • Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM Calibration Revision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
  • Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.

Solution: S00001113

Verification

Conditions

  • Turn keyswitch ON.
  • Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.

Action

  • Perform the Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration test.

Refer to Procedure 014-016

Specification

  • If the aftertreatment stationary regeneration does not complete, then reset the Search to stationary regeneration will not complete.
  • If the aftertreatment stationary regeneration does not activate, then reset the Search to stationary regeneration will not start.

Linked Solutions

  • None

Repair

  • No additional action is required for this solution.

Validation

  • None

If all steps have been completed and no root cause has been identified, then follow the technical escalation process.