Cummins fault code4281 · Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3
Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3 - Data Erratic, Intermittent, or Incorrect
4281 Cummins fault code as shown in INSITE / CaltermSPN5848 · Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3 SensorFMI2 Data erratic, intermittent or incorrectOBD codenone (J1939 only)LampAmber WARNING lampCummins textAftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3 - Data Erratic, Intermittent, or IncorrectFailure modeData Erratic, Intermittent, or IncorrectWhat Cummins code 4281 means
The ECM is receiving a signal for Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3, but the value jumps around, drops out, or does not agree with other sensors it is checked against. Typical causes are a chafed harness, a corroded connector pin, a failing sensor, or, for a datalink value, another module sending bad data.
It lights the amber CHECK ENGINE (warning) lamp. The engine keeps running, but a torque or speed derate may apply depending on the calibration and on how long the fault stays active.
On a generic J1939 scan tool, or on the dash of a Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International or Volvo chassis, the same fault is shown as SPN 5848 FMI 2 rather than as Cummins code 4281. Cummins INSITE and Calterm show the Cummins number, the SPN / FMI pair and the lamp together.
This is an emissions-system code. If the component it refers to has been removed or unplugged (DPF, EGR, SCR / DEF or NOx sensor delete) the code will keep returning and the derate with it, however many times it is cleared, because the diagnostic is still enabled in the calibration. The lasting fix in that case is to disable the fault in the .xcal itself.
Fault code 4281 is defined in the fault tables of the Cummins calibrations we have analysed, so it is a real, current code rather than a legacy number.
Custom DTC delete, up to 30 codes, $150. Full DPF / EGR / SCR delete with all related codes and derates, $500. Upload your Calterm .xcal, tick the services, pay with PayPal, and the finished file comes back by email and WhatsApp.
Upload your .xcal →Cummins ECFG / E2M definitions for CM550, CM552, CM554, CM570, CM800, CM850, CM870, CM871 and more: the fault table, torque, fuelling, boost, EGR, DPF and SCR maps, ready for Calterm or WinOLS. Instant download.
Find your ECFG →Other Cummins codes on SPN 5848 Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3 Sensor
10 other fault codes share this SPN; each one is a different failure mode (FMI) of the same component.
Related Cummins fault codes
J1939 failure mode identifiers (FMI)
FMI 2 is highlighted. The FMI is the second half of every J1939 fault and tells you how the component failed; the SPN tells you which component.
| FMI | Meaning (SAE J1939-73) |
|---|---|
| 0 | Data valid but above normal operational range - most severe level |
| 1 | Data valid but below normal operational range - most severe level |
| 2 | Data erratic, intermittent or incorrect |
| 3 | Voltage above normal, or shorted to high source |
| 4 | Voltage below normal, or shorted to low source |
| 5 | Current below normal or open circuit |
| 6 | Current above normal or grounded circuit |
| 7 | Mechanical system not responding or out of adjustment |
| 8 | Abnormal frequency, pulse width or period |
| 9 | Abnormal update rate |
| 10 | Abnormal rate of change |
| 11 | Root cause not known |
| 12 | Bad intelligent device or component |
| 13 | Out of calibration |
| 14 | Special instructions |
| 15 | Data valid but above normal operating range - least severe level |
| 16 | Data valid but above normal operating range - moderately severe level |
| 17 | Data valid but below normal operating range - least severe level |
| 18 | Data valid but below normal operating range - moderately severe level |
| 19 | Received network data in error |
| 20 | Data drifted high |
| 21 | Data drifted low |
| 22 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 23 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 24 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 25 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 26 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 27 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 28 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 29 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 30 | Reserved for SAE assignment |
| 31 | Condition exists |
Questions about code 4281
What does Cummins fault code 4281 mean?
Cummins 4281 is "Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3 - Data Erratic, Intermittent, or Incorrect". It maps to SPN 5848 FMI 2. The ECM is receiving a signal for Aftertreatment 1 SCR Intermediate NH3, but the value jumps around, drops out, or does not agree with other sensors it is checked against. Typical causes are a chafed harness, a corroded connector pin, a failing sensor, or, for
Which lamp does fault code 4281 turn on?
Amber WARNING lamp: It lights the amber CHECK ENGINE (warning) lamp. The engine keeps running, but a torque or speed derate may apply depending on the calibration and on how long the fault stays active.
How do I clear or permanently delete Cummins code 4281?
An active code goes inactive on its own once the condition is gone; the inactive record stays in the ECM fault history until it is cleared with Cummins INSITE (or a J1939 tool that supports the DM3 / DM11 clear). If the code keeps coming back because the part is gone, disconnected or not worth repairing, the lasting fix is to disable fault 4281 in the calibration: upload your .xcal to the ECFG Superstore file service, custom DTC delete from $150 (up to 30 codes), full DPF / EGR / SCR delete $500, and flash the returned file with Calterm or INSITE.
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