Check Engine light - 1081 Code - More

[Gary.Jones]

DebbieMH (Lynn) published a thread a few weeks ago about getting an engine code SPN 1081 - FMI-19, and it being a "false code" produced by a communication problem between Cummins electronic monitoring system and Spartan's on-board monitoring system. This is apparently a well known problem that is waiting for a technology fix by Cummins and a company named Amatech (I think) and will be resolved when these two suppliers figure out the problem. Some coaches have the problem, some do not, I am told.

I am passing this along since I am now having this code. It illuminates the dash yellow check engine light and is supposed to sound an alarm (my alarm is also missing in action). This code, as Lynn told us, is meaningless but I was concerned about this "meaningless code" masking a real important code while driving down the highway.

The fix prescribed by Spartan is short-term and is to start the diesel, run for 5 minutes, shut down for 30 seconds, then restart for 5 minutes, and again shut down for 30 seconds, and repeat this start and stop process for a total of 4 or 5 times (not too annoying !!!!) . I did mine 7 times (taking roughly an hour) and the code never cleared. Lynn has learned to ignore her code and idiot light and I guess that is what I will do also, but both she and I want others to understand what happens if this problem happens to you, it won't be a complete mystery.

Gary

[DebbieMH]

Yes, hopefully Spartan and Cummins will come up with a solution soon. They were hoping by Feb - guess that hasn't been the case.

[brobox]

I also had just the 1081 code shortly after delivery. Spartan had the dash cluster replaced by Palm Truck Center. So far it has ended the problem,.... keeping fingers crossed.

[1mainiac]

The restart process only works if the code is inactive when you do it. This is true of nearly all codes after several starts with no fault the light goes out and the code is stored in inactive memory. When I was doing this I would start and stop several times in under 10 min there is no need to run the coach for more than 30 seconds if the code is going to clear it will go away. If it will not go away there may be a second code in the system and the screen only shows the one code which must be cleared before it will show a second code. I would suggest you have it scanned.

[C310]

I had the same code I was able to clear by multiple starts and like Chuck they replaced my LMC a few weeks ago. Hopefully that will be the end. Not sure why Spartan is not stepping up and replacing yours? But I also have other issues with them they have been kicking down the road for a year. Steve

[taraf]

I used to get the same 1081 code and another code popped up SPN 5571 having to do with the fuel rail pressure. So, one day, coincidentally, I saw a mobile Cummins service truck which pulled up to service another rig. I went over and asked him if he could look at the fault codes I was having.
He connected his computer and saw the SPN 5571 code and said is was a false reading...he also noticed I was at Rev 19 for my engine, he said the latest was rev 21, so he updated the firmware and I have not seen the 1081 or any other codes yet....it's been about 6 months.
Also, since there was an active code, there was no charge for the firmware upgrade.

I would go directly to Cummins (genny needs service anyway) and have them check the codes and ask for the latest firmware.

[Gary.Jones]

I literally got this 1081 code within one hour of leaving a Freightliner repair facility where they worked on another Spartan code (Cummins 4518) dealing with the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) Catalytic Sensor system in the DEF system (I have another thread on here in the last two or three days that deals with that code and symptoms). They cleared that code and there was nothing else in the system after it was replaced and all looked good, drove 30 minutes home, and shut-er down. About 15 minutes later, fired it back up to move it into my driveway and the 1081 code came on. Never saw it before (but only have 1200 miles on the new coach).

The fix suggested by Spartan was to simply ignore it (if the on off alternations did not fix it) and keep driving....

Gary

[C310]

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

I literally got this 1081 code within one hour of leaving a Freightliner repair facility where they worked on another Spartan code (Cummins 4518) dealing with the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) Catalytic Sensor system in the DEF system (I have another thread on here in the last two or three days that deals with that code and symptoms). They cleared that code and there was nothing else in the system after it was replaced and all looked good, drove 30 minutes home, and shut-er down. About 15 minutes later, fired it back up to move it into my driveway and the 1081 code came on. Never saw it before (but only have 1200 miles on the new coach).



The fix suggested by Spartan was to simply ignore it (if the on off alternations did not fix it) and keep driving....



Gary

??? Gary, I'm constantly amazed at the responses I and others have been told on problems. I know I could write a book.😖😖 Steve

[johnnyreno]

That code will go away after driving ETC, meaning starts and stops However if you don't want that code again, Turn the ignition key to the right leave it there til all lights go out on the dash the yellow engine will go out after about 30 seconds. you may have tried to start it to quick and it was not done with its diagnostics. So after that check engine light goes out when you start up use that turn on ignition wait for approx. 30 seconds til all dash lights go out including the orange engine light them run the starter

[Gary.Jones]

Johnny:

I was told that during the PDI, and believe that I have always done that. At this point, it just never went off.

Gary

[DebbieMH]

Gary, if yours is like mine, it will go out - probably when you start up to go to Kerrville, it will be gone, if not, prob the next day. Mine comes and goes - more gone now than when I first got the coach in January.

[johnnyreno]

Yea its like 5 real start and stops it goes out let us know. unless its red drive away.