The official SPN FMI fault code list is extensive but not exhaustive so you may not always find the code on that list. But you can always go to Cummin’s list to find it.
This code is Cummins fault code 5177 and it stands for - “VGT Actuator Driver Circuit VGT Actuator Driver Circuit - Abnormal update rate .’ When you see the code you should also see an amber light illuminated. It is a communications error between the ECM and the VGT actuator.
To learn more about this code, just continue to read our article. It presents the best information possible so you can be prepared to make the repair or talk with a mechanic about the repair. Take a few minutes to find out more about this code.
Code SPN 6713 FMI 9
Cummins Fault Code SPN 6713 FMI 9
SPN 6713 FMI 9 OC 1
The Error Code Process For The VGT
Cummins Fault Code SPN 6713 FMI 9
This is not a hard code to find unless you are looking at the official SPN FMI fault code list. For some reason, all codes between SPN 6598 and SPN 6822 did not make the list.
However, when you look at the complete Cummins fault code list we previously published you will find it listed under the number 5177. This number gives the explanation- Variable Geometry Turbocharger Actuator Software - Abnormal Update Rate.
What that means is that the Variable Geometry Turbocharger Actuator (VGT) is not talking to the ECM or possibly other modules. The first two steps in resolving this issue are to turn your key to the ON position and then connect the Cummins electronic service tool or equivalent code reader.
Then the data sheet gives this warning, as it does with most Cummins fault codes, “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:
• Turbocharger: 1894, 2636”
At this point, if you have cleared all other codes and the verification process passed, then you have a faulty VGT. There are 2 steps you need to take to do this task:
“- Replace the variable geometry turbocharger actuator. Refer to Procedure 010-134 Perform the following checks for progressive damage.
- Perform the Snap Acceleration - Aftertreatment Connected Test. Refer to Procedure 014-017” (source)
There is a validation process you can read and follow at that link.
SPN 6713 FMI 9 OC 1
The code may be common and found in different lists but the OC portion is not common. It may only be found on school buses. At least that is what our research turned up when we went looking for this specific code.
We did find some OC information over at Navistar and you can read about it at this link. The document is 133 pages long. The OC stands for Occurrence Count and that is defined as:
“This number represents the number of times a fault has gone from
previously active to active.” it does not seem to have any effect on your engine or its performance but simply lets you know how many times this code has been set.
Unfortunately, the fault code list from pages 4 to 133 does not list SPN 6713 FMI 9. It stops at SPN 4058 FMI 2 before jumping to SPN numbers in the 520000 range.
We would suggest you use the above instructions if you see this code on your vehicle. Or talk to a qualified mechanic who is familiar with this code as well as with your vehicle.
The lack of information on that list may be due to the following advisory:
“ Diagnostic Trouble Codes listed in this document are Body Controller, Auxiliary Gauge Switch Pack, Secondary Instrument Cluster, Instrument Cluster, Rear HVAC Module, and Compass Module”
SPN 6713 FMI 9 Freightliner & International
The good news for these brands of trucks is that this code is the same for those vehicles with a Cummins motor. The problem is the same as well as the repair process.
The instructions to clear the fault code are as follows:
- Connect all components
- Connect the recommended Cummins® electronic service tool or equivalent.
- Disable Fault Code
- Operate the engine within the "Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code" found in the Overview section of thetroubleshooting 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 revisionnumber in the ECM.
- Compare the ECM code and revision number in the ECM to the calibration revisions listed in the ECM CalibrationRevision History Database for applicable changes related to this fault code.
-Refer to ECM Calibration Revision History Database.
- If all steps have been completed and no root cause has been identified, then follow the technical escalation process.
You may experience some lower engine performance when you see this code.
The Error Code Process For The VGT
The variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) is electronically activated by the VGT actuator. The VGT actuator is a smart device and receives information via the J1939 data link from the primary engine control module (ECM).
The VGT actuator performs its own diagnostics and reports malfunctions back to the primary engine ECM, using the J1939 data link. The ECM then decodes the error message and converts it to a fault code.
Some Final Words
Not all codes are easy to find. That is why many fault code lists exist. If the code is not in one list, it may be on another list under a different number. It pays to save or print out the different lists so you can always find out what the problem is.
Then you can know if the problem is low, moderate, or severe and if a derate is coming. Keep the lists handy for easy reference.
