DEF Wire Connection Problem?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by PE_T, Apr 2, 2019.

  1. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    My 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD15 is displaying code SPN 4358 EEC 61. I have both amber check engines lights on. Sometimes one disappears while driving, and then comes back on a few seconds later. I found Detroit’s instructions, and they mention it’s a wiring problem, which explains why the check engine light comes on/off.

    So I checked three connections (two heater and one doser; #s 2, 4, 9 in image) on the DEF metering unit, but they look good. I suppose now I should disconnect all connectors and check for continuity? The problem I will have next is that it’s a bundle of wires and not just one wire. What tools do I need beside a multi-meter tool?

    MORE:

    I forgot to mention this problem started right after getting a truck wash.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 2, 2019
    Reason for edit: Typo
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  3. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    I had a similar problem on one of my def heater lines this winter. At first they changed the whole heated hose. But it turned out to be a corroded wire on the one-box side of the same connector.
     
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  4. HopeOverMope

    HopeOverMope Road Train Member

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    Yeah you can check for continuity. The troubleshooting tree you posted looks like a pretty solid start. Testing for voltage between pin 4 and ground followed by the next steps to help isolate wether it’s a wire or the unit itself. The truck wash could be a clue too, and would lead me to inspect real closely at anywhere that was pressure washed. Especially if you got a motor wash. It’s real common for folks to pressure wash to hard around the ECM, sensors, harness, and introducing water behind firewall electrical pads throughs
     
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  5. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    I didn’t get an engine wash at the time. I get one like once a year.

    I think I may have found the problem. Pin #4 (in the image) appears to be the problem. What I did is disconnect pin #2, and surprisingly (a new) code SPN 4353 appeared. When I disconnect pin #4, there is no new code, which means that code SPN 4358 must be the code for when pin #4 disconnected.
     
  6. Working2party

    Working2party Medium Load Member

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    So it sounds like you have an open or scuffed wire between the metering unit heater and the ACM. I would follow the harness back from the metering unit and the ACM. I would start opening the loom to look deeper where ever it makes a bend. If all else fails you know what pins to connect. Run a new wire from the ACM to the metering unit heater.
     
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  7. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    Is this the ACM? Also, in my truck, it looks like it’s a bundle of cables. Freightliner may very well only sell the bundle. Maybe I can find the corroded wire and fix it.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Working2party

    Working2party Medium Load Member

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    No, the ACM aftertreatment looks like the MCM bolted on the side of the motor.

    If it’s like the Cascadia is anything like the Coronado. Then the ACM is mounted in front the air tanks/ battery box, with a plastic cover, right behind the left steer tire. (Yeah like the dumbest f’n place to mount such an important computer, like nothing would comes off the steer tire and hit it.)

    At the ACM the large bundle of wires comes off both the 21 pin (com/power) and 120 pin (sensor) connectors travels up the frame rail over to the top rear of the tranny, splits off the communication/power, splits off for the def pump/tank/line heaters, and sends still a large bundle of wires to the OneBox sensors and metering valve.

    On my trucks, we usually have wire troubles right on top the one box and above the ACM, though we have had a few ontop the transmission and more over around the def pump, but your issue will be inline between ACM and onebox.
     
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  9. Working2party

    Working2party Medium Load Member

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    Your arrow is pointing to basicly a box that holds the NOX and exhaust pressure sensors
     
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  10. Working2party

    Working2party Medium Load Member

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    Does your dash display a FMI or FAIL number with the code?
     
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  11. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    Yes, it’s 5.
     
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