Detailed guide for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑This fault is common after winter road salt damages wiring near the bumper.
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SPN 171 FMI 4: Ambient air temperature sensor voltage low – open circuit
SPN 171 FMI 4: Ambient air temperature sensor voltage low – open circuit. Symptoms (2), causes (2), and fixes (1). What to check first to prevent derate and downtime.
| Code | SPN 171 FMI 4 |
|---|---|
| Severity | Info |
| Applies to | Varies by OEM configuration (confirm your exact calibration) |
| Can I drive? | Usually yes. If SPN 171 FMI 4 repeats after clearing, treat it as ACTIVE and diagnose before it escalates. Use the checks below to confirm the root cause. |
Symptoms
2
Likely causes
2
Fixes
1
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What does SPN 171 FMI 4 mean?
Back to top ↑When SPN 171 FMI 4 sets, the ECM is indicating a fault condition that affects performance, protection strategy, or emissions (depending on calibration).
OEM definitions can vary slightly, so confirm your exact meaning with your service manual or diagnostic tool.
Treat repeat faults as ACTIVE and diagnose using a scan tool and basic inspections before replacing parts.
How this system works (why SPN 171 FMI 4 happens)
Back to top ↑Most modern fault logic is based on expected vs actual sensor readings, timing windows, and plausibility checks.
A single event might store a code, but repeated events across drive cycles are what typically trigger warnings, derate strategies, or inducement (emissions systems).
Your goal is to identify the failure mode (electrical, mechanical, sensor drift, or upstream cause) rather than “parts cannon” replacement.
Location hint for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑Component location varies by OEM and chassis. Use your engine’s service manual to confirm the sensor/valve location before replacing parts.
Tip: Inspect connectors and harness routing before replacing parts.
Scan tool checks for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- Check status: ACTIVE vs INACTIVE / stored. If it’s not active, look at last occurrence conditions (freeze-frame if available).
- Record companion codes. Fixing the “first” code often makes others disappear.
- Clear and re-test under similar conditions. If it returns quickly, you have a repeatable fault (good for diagnosis).
If your tool can’t run actuator tests, you can still diagnose a lot with careful inspection + repeatability testing.
Step-by-step diagnostic for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- Visual inspection (fast wins). Harness routing, connector pins, hoses/lines (if applicable), and obvious damage.
- Check fluid sanity. Not applicable unless your fault is fluid-related. Focus on inspections + repeatability.
- Confirm the fault is ACTIVE. Stored-only faults can be old events.
- Run actuator tests (if supported). Use OEM diagnostic software (examples: Cummins INSITE, Detroit DDDL, PACCAR DAVIE4) (or a capable J1939 tool) to command tests when available.
- Verify after repair. Clear codes, road test, confirm it stays inactive.
Decision guide (fast path) for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- If the fault is STORED only → inspect, clear, and monitor. If it returns, treat it as active.
- If ACTIVE → check connector/harness first → then confirm sensor values and plausibility → then consider component testing.
- If you have multiple codes → diagnose the earliest/most upstream code first.
Common misdiagnosis mistakes for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- Replacing sensors without checking wiring, grounds, and connector pin fitment.
- Clearing codes repeatedly without confirming whether the fault is ACTIVE and repeatable.
- Missing companion codes that point to the real upstream problem.
Will SPN 171 FMI 4 cause derate or inducement?
Back to top ↑Info-level faults usually don’t derate immediately, but repeated faults can indicate a developing issue that later becomes a warning/critical condition.
Exact behavior depends on ECM calibration and which companion faults are active.
“Do this first” checklist for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- Scan for companion/derate codes and record freeze-frame data (if available).
- Inspect connectors, harness rub points, and pins for corrosion.
- Check for other active faults that may be upstream causes (communications, sensors, air/fuel issues).
- After repair, clear codes and confirm the fault stays inactive after a drive cycle.
Tools needed to diagnose SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- Basic hand tools + good lighting for inspection
- Multimeter for connector/power/ground checks (if wiring suspected)
- OEM diagnostic software (examples: Cummins INSITE, Detroit DDDL, PACCAR DAVIE4) (or equivalent scan tool) for actuator tests and live data
Prevention tips to avoid repeat SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑- Fix small wiring/connector issues early before they become repeat faults.
- During service, inspect harness routing and clamp points near heat/vibration.
- Don’t ignore intermittent faults. “Erratic” usually gets worse.
What to check first for SPN 171 FMI 4
- Inspect connectors and harness near the affected component for corrosion, rubbing, or loose pins.
- Check for upstream causes (communications, sensors, air/fuel issues).
- Check for other active faults that may be upstream causes (communications, sensors, air/fuel issues).
If the fault repeats after clearing, diagnose it as ACTIVE. Many faults escalate into derate when ignored.
Related fault codes
No related faults found yet. Commonly seen with: SPN 5246, SPN 1569, SPN 4364, SPN 3719.
Mechanic community notes for SPN 171 FMI 4
Back to top ↑Real-world tips from technicians. Submissions are moderated to keep spam and “my cousin fixed it with duct tape” content out.
Share your fix / advice
Keep it useful: symptoms, what you checked, what fixed it, and whether the code stayed inactive after a drive cycle.