SPN 4331: Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Level - ZIPtuning Blog (2024)

Table of Contents

Fault Code SPN 4331: Injector Solenoid Driver Circuit Issue Severity and Recommended Action Code Details Affected Components Buy tested tuning file for Adblue / EGR / DPF / Adblue off now! Typical Causes Diagnostic Process Repair Options Preventive Measures Associated Costs Frequently Asked Questions about Fault Code SPN 4331 What does Fault Code SPN 4331 indicate? Is it safe to keep driving with SPN 4331? What are the symptoms of SPN 4331? Which engine cylinders can be affected by SPN 4331? What is the role of the injector solenoid driver? What damage can occur from a faulty injector? What are the common causes of SPN 4331? How is SPN 4331 diagnosed? Can SPN 4331 be caused by bad fuel? What repairs are needed to fix SPN 4331? How much does it cost to fix SPN 4331? Can SPN 4331 be prevented? What other codes may appear with SPN 4331? Is SPN 4331 a generic code? Can low fuel pressure cause SPN 4331? How do you perform an injector buzz test? What should injector coil resistance be? Can SPN 4331 be caused by a wiring issue? How do you check injector return flow? What is the best way to clean injectors? Buy tested tuning file for Adblue / EGR / DPF / Adblue off now! FAQs References

Fault Code SPN 4331: Injector Solenoid Driver Circuit Issue

Fault Code SPN 4331 indicates a problem with the injector solenoid driver circuit for a specific engine cylinder. When this code appears, it's crucial to diagnose and fix the issue promptly to avoid damage to the fuel system and engine.

In our workshop, we've encountered Fault Code SPN 4331 quite frequently across various makes and models. Just last week, we had a Mercedes-Benz Actros in with this code pointing to issues with the injector solenoid on cylinder #8. The week before, a Volvo FH16 threw the same code but for cylinder #10. We've also seen it on MAN, Scania, and DAF trucks. It's not just limited to European makes though – we've diagnosed SPN 4331 on Hino, Isuzu, and Fuso trucks from Japan, as well as on Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Western Star models from the US. While the specific cylinder may vary, the common denominator is always an issue with the injector solenoid driver circuit. In our experience, the most frequent causes are faulty injector coils or wiring, but it can also stem from low fuel pressure, contamination, or even ECM problems.

Severity and Recommended Action

When SPN 4331 is detected, the engine typically enters a reduced power "limp home" mode. While it may be feasible to drive a short distance, the safest course of action is to stop operating the vehicle and have it towed to a repair shop to prevent further damage. Do not continue driving normally with this fault present.

Code Details

SPN 4331 is a generic J1939 code that applies to various makes of diesel engines. The FMI (Failure Mode Indicator) pinpoints which cylinder is affected:

FMI 5 – Cylinder #7
FMI 6 – Cylinder #8
FMI 7 – Cylinder #9
FMI 8 – Cylinder #10
FMI 9 – Cylinder #11
FMI 10 – Cylinder #12

Affected Components

The injector solenoid driver is an integral part of each cylinder's fuel injector. It operates the injector by quickly opening and closing the valve to accurately spray fuel at high pressure.

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A malfunctioning injector can cause incomplete combustion, decreased engine power, higher emissions, and possible engine harm if fuel floods the cylinder.

Typical Causes

Common reasons for SPN 4331 include:

Diagnostic Process

Pull fault codes and record the specific affected cylinder
Inspect the suspect injector, wiring harness and connectors
Do an injector buzz test to verify solenoid operation
Check injector coil resistance and compare to specs
Monitor rail pressure and injector return flow
If wiring and injectors check out okay, test fuel quality and pressure, then consult OEM service info for additional tests

Repair Options

Depending on the identified root cause, repairs may involve:

Replacing the bad injector
Fixing damaged wiring or connectors
Cleaning injectors and fuel system if contaminated
Updating injector calibration
Replacing fuel filters and possibly draining the tank if water is found

Preventive Measures

To help avoid repeat instances of SPN 4331:

Adhere to recommended fuel filter change intervals
Use quality diesel fuel from trusted sources
Promptly resolve any fuel contamination problems
Make sure injectors are correctly calibrated after replacement

Associated Costs

Typical repair costs for SPN 4331 are in the range of:

$350-600 USD (€300-500 EUR) to replace one injector
$1500-3000 USD (€1300-2600 EUR) if several injectors need replacement
$100-300 USD (€90-260 EUR) for minor wiring fixes or fuel system cleaning

Actual prices vary based on vehicle model, labor rates, and part costs.

Other codes that frequently appear along with SPN 4331 are:

SPN 1323 – Cylinder #1 Misfire
SPN 1324 – Cylinder #2 Misfire
SPN 1325 – Cylinder #3 Misfire
SPN 94 – Fuel Delivery Pressure Below Normal
SPN 97 – Water in Fuel Indicator

The misfire codes can occur due to incomplete combustion in the problem cylinder. Fuel pressure and water codes may point to underlying causes.

Carefully diagnosing SPN 4331 and completing the necessary repairs will restore your engine to proper performance and reliability. Refer to the manufacturer's service literature for troubleshooting steps specific to your application.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fault Code SPN 4331

What does Fault Code SPN 4331 indicate?

Fault Code SPN 4331 points to an issue with the injector solenoid driver circuit for a specific engine cylinder. It means there is a problem with the electrical circuit that controls the fuel injector on one of the cylinders.

Is it safe to keep driving with SPN 4331?

No, when SPN 4331 appears, the engine will usually go into a reduced power “limp home” mode. While you might be able to drive a short distance, the safest action is to stop driving and have the vehicle towed to a repair facility to prevent further damage.

What are the symptoms of SPN 4331?

Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, reduced engine power, rough running, misfires on the affected cylinder, and in some cases the engine may not start.

Which engine cylinders can be affected by SPN 4331?

The Failure Mode Indicator (FMI) specifies the affected cylinder:

What is the role of the injector solenoid driver?

The injector solenoid driver is part of the fuel injector on each cylinder. It rapidly opens and closes the injector valve to spray fuel at high pressure into the cylinder at precisely timed intervals. A faulty injector driver can disrupt the fuel delivery.

What damage can occur from a faulty injector?

A malfunctioning injector can lead to incomplete fuel combustion, loss of engine power, increased emissions, and potential engine damage if excess unburnt fuel washes down the cylinder walls and contaminates the oil.

What are the common causes of SPN 4331?

Typical causes include a defective injector solenoid coil or wiring, damaged injector nozzle or control valve, low fuel rail pressure, incorrect injector calibration, or contamination in the fuel system.

How is SPN 4331 diagnosed?

Key diagnostic steps are:

Scan for fault codes and note the specific cylinder
Visually inspect the suspect injector, wiring, and connectors
Perform an injector buzz test to check solenoid function
Measure injector coil resistance and compare to specs
Monitor rail pressure and injector return flow
Check fuel quality and pressure if no obvious injector issues are found

Can SPN 4331 be caused by bad fuel?

Yes, contaminated fuel or water in the fuel can cause injectors to malfunction and set SPN 4331, along with other fuel system-related codes. Checking fuel quality is an important diagnostic step.

What repairs are needed to fix SPN 4331?

Repairs depend on the root cause but may include:

Replacing the faulty injector
Repairing damaged injector wiring or connectors
Cleaning the fuel system if contamination is found
Updating injector calibration settings
Replacing fuel filters and draining the tank if water is present

How much does it cost to fix SPN 4331?

Repair costs for SPN 4331 vary, but are typically in the range of:

$350-600 USD (€300-500 EUR) to replace a single injector
$1500-3000 USD (€1300-2600 EUR) if multiple injectors need replacement
$100-300 USD (€90-260 EUR) for minor wiring repairs or fuel system cleaning

Actual costs depend on the specific vehicle, labor rates, and parts prices.

Can SPN 4331 be prevented?

While not 100% preventable, risks can be minimized by:

Following recommended service intervals for fuel filter changes
Using high-quality diesel fuel from reputable suppliers
Promptly addressing any fuel contamination issues
Ensuring injectors are properly calibrated after replacement

What other codes may appear with SPN 4331?

Related codes that often occur along with SPN 4331 include:

Misfire codes like SPN 1323, 1324, 1325 due to incomplete combustion
Low fuel pressure codes like SPN 94
Water in fuel indicators like SPN 97

These codes can help pinpoint the underlying cause of the injector fault.

Is SPN 4331 a generic code?

Yes, SPN 4331 is a generic SAE J1939 code that can appear on diesel engines from various manufacturers that use this communication protocol, such as Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Volvo, Mack, etc.

Can low fuel pressure cause SPN 4331?

Yes, insufficient fuel rail pressure can lead to SPN 4331 by causing the injector to malfunction even if the injector itself is not faulty. Always check fuel pressure as part of the diagnostic process.

How do you perform an injector buzz test?

An injector buzz test is done by commanding the injector to open and close rapidly from a scan tool or by providing a pulsed voltage to the solenoid. A buzzing sound and vibration from the injector indicate the solenoid is operating. No buzz may indicate a faulty injector coil or wiring.

What should injector coil resistance be?

Injector coil resistance specifications vary by engine make and model. Always refer to the manufacturer service information for the exact values. Typically, resistance for a good injector coil will be in the range of 0.5 to 5 ohms.

Can SPN 4331 be caused by a wiring issue?

Absolutely. Damaged or shorted wiring, or loose connectors, can interrupt the electrical signal to the injector solenoid and cause SPN 4331 to set. Always perform a thorough visual inspection and wiggle test of the wiring harness and connectors.

How do you check injector return flow?

Injector return flow can be checked by disconnecting the return line from the injector and measuring the volume of fuel that is bypassed during cranking or running. Excessive return flow indicates an injector control issue. Little or no return flow points to a plugged injector.

What is the best way to clean injectors?

If injector contamination is suspected, first drain the fuel tank and replace the fuel filters. Use a concentrated diesel injector cleaner additive and run the engine to help purge deposits. In severe cases, the injectors may need to be removed and cleaned in an ultrasonic tank, flow bench tested, and reinstalled.

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SPN 4331: Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Level - ZIPtuning Blog (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean fill diesel exhaust fluid tank? ›

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) also known as AdBlue™, is a non-toxic, colourless, odourless and non-flammable fluid. Stored in a dedicated tank in your car, it is injected into the exhaust system to clean exhaust gases.

Know More ›

What is diesel exhaust fluid warning? ›

The diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) light, also known as the “AdBlue” light, is a warning light that can appear on the dashboard of many diesel vehicles. This light typically illuminates when there is a problem with the DEF system, which is responsible for reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in diesel engines.

Read On ›

How do I check my diesel exhaust fluid level? ›

If your vehicle is equipped with a dipstick to check DEF levels, it should be attached to the inside of the DEF cap or located near the cap. Retrieve the dipstick from its storage location. Insert the dipstick into the DEF tank until it reaches the bottom. Make sure it is fully submerged in the DEF fluid.

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How full should the DEF tank be? ›

To estimate how much you'll need, you'll need to know the efficiency of your engine. DEF is consumed at a rate of about 2-3% relative to the amount of fuel you are using. This means between 1.2 and 2.0 gallons of DEF will be required for a vehicle with a 65-gallon gas tank.

What to do if DEF level is low? ›

When DEF gets low the vehicle will display a warning and constant (annoying) reminders to refill the adblue fluid. If the driver does not fill the adblue the vehicle will count down the miles until the engine will not start or run any longer.

Read On ›

Is there a gauge for DEF fluid? ›

What is diesel exhaust fluid? is an elixir that's necessary to make sure that what exits a diesel vehicle's tailpipe is as sweet as an Alpine breeze. The DEF fluid gauge is usually beneath the fuel gauge and in this case, shows 0. When full it would show four green bars.

Can I overfill my DEF tank? ›

Overfilling can also cause DEF to be expelled from the system, leading to a loss of DEF volume and potentially causing the engine to run inefficiently. To avoid overfilling, use a DEF nozzle or container with an automatic shut-off feature. It is also important to know the capacity of your DEF tank before adding DEF.

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Is it better to keep your DEF tank full or empty? ›

Since DEF has a high water content, it expands when it freezes and can grow up to 7%. If you know the weather will be cold, keep your DEF tank at about three-quarters full or less, giving it room to expand without damaging the tank.

How far can you go on 1 gallon of DEF? ›

2.5 gallons of DEF will last approximately 800 miles on the road. That means, 1 gallon of DEF will last about 300 to 500 miles. You can figure, for every 50 gallons of diesel, you'll need 1 gallon of DEF. One important note, make sure you don't allow your DEF to go completely dry.

Learn More Now ›

What happens if you don't fill diesel exhaust fluid? ›

There are level gauges in the cab to indicate the DEF level. If you run out of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), your engine will lose power, and then it will shut down. If you run out of diesel fuel or DEF, your engine will shut down.

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What happens if you put diesel in the diesel exhaust fluid tank? ›

Accidentally putting diesel into your DEF tank is a serious issue that requires immediate and thorough action. Running the engine with diesel-contaminated DEF can cause significant damage to your SCR system, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Keep Reading ›

What happens when a diesel runs out of exhaust fluid? ›

Before your diesel exhaust fluid tank ends up empty, actually when it drops below 2.5%, the alert light will be displayed to warn you to refill the DEF tank. Because running out of DEF fluid reduces the engine's power and limits the vehicle's speed to 5 mph (miles per hour).

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What does diesel exhaust fluid do? ›

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a solution of urea and water that's injected into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to turn NOx gases (harmful emissions) into nitrogen and water. This system is called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) implemented by vehicle manufacturers to meet EPA emissions standards in 2010.

Learn More ›