Can I drive with SPN 5246 FMI 31?

Usually yes for a short distance, but fix it soon. Warning faults like SPN 5246 FMI 31 often escalate into torque derate/inducement if the condition repeats over multiple drive cycles. The scan-tool checks below help determine how urgent it is.

How do I fix SPN 5246 FMI 31?

Start with: Drain and replace DEF with fresh ISO 22241 fluid. Then follow the diagnostic steps and scan-tool checks on this page.

What tools help diagnose SPN 5246 FMI 31?

A quality J1939 scan tool and, when available, Cummins INSITE for actuator tests and live data.

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Level: WarningCummins • Cummins X15

SPN 5246 FMI 31: DEF Quality - Poor Quality Detected

SPN 5246 FMI 31: DEF Quality - Poor Quality Detected. For Cummins / Cummins X15. Symptoms (4), causes (4), and fixes (3). What to check first to prevent derate and downtime.

Code	SPN 5246 FMI 31
Severity	Warning
Applies to	Cummins • Cummins X15
Can I drive?	Usually yes for a short distance, but fix it soon. Warning faults like SPN 5246 FMI 31 often escalate into torque derate/inducement if the condition repeats over multiple drive cycles. The scan-tool checks below help determine how urgent it is.

Symptoms

Likely causes

Fixes

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What does SPN 5246 FMI 31 mean?

When SPN 5246 FMI 31 sets, the ECM is telling you it detected DEF dosing performance that doesn’t match what it expects for emissions control.

That usually means the system commanded dosing, but the outcome (NOx conversion / feedback) didn’t line up. The root cause can be mechanical (restriction/crystallization), electrical (connector/harness), or fluid-related (quality/contamination).

This page is written for Cummins / Cummins X15, but the diagnostic logic is similar across many OEMs.

The key is to confirm whether the fault is ACTIVE and repeatable right now, or stored from a past event.

How this system works (why SPN 5246 FMI 31 happens)

The aftertreatment system reduces NOx by injecting DEF upstream of the SCR catalyst. The DEF decomposes into ammonia, and the SCR catalyst uses it to convert NOx into harmless nitrogen and water.

If the ECM commands DEF dosing but doesn’t see the expected result (from NOx sensors and model-based checks), it assumes dosing performance is abnormal.

Common disruptors include crystallized DEF around the doser tip, restricted lines, connector corrosion, or poor fluid quality that prevents consistent dosing.

Detailed guide for SPN 5246 FMI 31

Overview\n\nSPN 5246 FMI 31 indicates the ECM has detected poor quality DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid). This can lead to reduced NOx conversion and eventual derate.\n\n## Why This Happens\n\nThe DEF quality sensor monitors fluid concentration and properties. When DEF falls outside specifications (too weak or too strong), this code sets.\n\n## Step-by-Step Diagnosis\n\n1. Check DEF age and source - Old DEF or off-brand fluid often causes this\n2. Test DEF concentration - Use a refractometer (should be 32.5% urea)\n3. Inspect for contamination - Look for crystals, debris, or discoloration\n4. Clear and test - Replace fluid, clear codes, and monitor\n\n## Prevention\n\n- Always use fresh DEF from reputable sources\n- Check expiration dates before purchase\n- Keep DEF tanks clean and sealed

Location hint for SPN 5246 FMI 31

The DEF dosing valve (doser) is typically mounted in the exhaust aftertreatment piping upstream of the SCR catalyst (often on the decomposition pipe). Look for a small injector-style body with an electrical connector and a DEF line attached.

Tip: White crust around DEF fittings or injector body usually indicates crystallization.

Scan tool checks for SPN 5246 FMI 31

Confirm whether SPN 5246 FMI 31 is ACTIVE. If it’s active, don’t guess. Diagnose it.
Look for companion codes: torque derate, inducement, NOx sensor, SCR efficiency, DPF soot, or DEF quality-related faults.
If supported by your tool (Cummins INSITE / J1939 scanner), run aftertreatment tests: doser/actuator test, verify commanded vs actual behavior.
Review regen history (if available). Frequent regens and aftertreatment faults together often indicate underlying emissions performance problems.

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 5246 FMI 31

Visual inspection (fast wins). Harness routing, connector pins, DEF lines, leaks, and crystallization.
Check fluid sanity. Confirm DEF level and condition. If contamination is suspected, plan service soon.
Confirm the fault is ACTIVE. Stored-only faults can be old events.
Run actuator tests (if supported). Use Cummins INSITE (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 5246 FMI 31

If SPN 5246 FMI 31 is ACTIVE → do a quick inspection for crystallization/leaks + connector corrosion.
If inspection finds obvious damage/crystals → fix/clean → clear → road test.
If inspection is clean → run doser/actuator test (tool permitting). Weak/inconsistent operation points to restriction, fluid supply issue, or failing doser.
If companion NOx/SCR/inducement codes exist → diagnose those too. Dosing faults often “ride along” with the real root cause.

Common misdiagnosis mistakes for SPN 5246 FMI 31

Replacing the doser immediately without checking the connector and harness routing (rub-through is common near heat shields).
Ignoring companion codes. NOx sensor faults, SCR efficiency faults, or inducement codes can make dosing faults show up as “symptoms” instead of the root cause.
Assuming DEF is fine because the tank is full. Contamination and crystallization can still happen.

Will SPN 5246 FMI 31 cause derate or inducement?

Warning aftertreatment faults often start as an emissions warning, then progress to torque derate if the fault remains active over multiple drive cycles. If ignored, many platforms can eventually enter inducement and severe speed limiting.

Exact behavior depends on ECM calibration and which companion faults are active.

“Do this first” checklist for SPN 5246 FMI 31

Scan for companion/derate codes and record freeze-frame data (if available).
Inspect connectors, harness rub points, and pins for corrosion.
Check DEF quality/contamination and look for crystallization near fittings.
If available, run an actuator/doser test with OEM diagnostics.
After repair, clear codes and confirm the fault stays inactive after a drive cycle.

Tools needed to diagnose SPN 5246 FMI 31

Basic hand tools + good lighting for inspection
Multimeter for connector/power/ground checks (if wiring suspected)
Cummins INSITE (or equivalent scan tool) for actuator tests and live data
DEF refractometer/test strips (optional but useful for quality checks)

Prevention tips to avoid repeat SPN 5246 FMI 31

Use fresh, sealed DEF from reputable sources (ISO 22241).
Fix small DEF leaks early to prevent crystallization and connector contamination.
Avoid excessive idling when possible (aftertreatment systems hate it).
During service, inspect harness routing and clamp points near exhaust heat.

What to check first for SPN 5246 FMI 31

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.