Sensor Supply 3 Circuit - Voltage Below Normal, or Shorted to Low Source Page 1 of 8

FAULT CODE 238

Sensor Supply 3 Circuit - Voltage Below Normal, or
Shorted to Low Source
Overview

CODE REASON EFFECT

Fault Code: 238 Sensor Supply 3 Circuit - Voltage Below Normal, Possible hard
PID: S232 or Shorted to Low Source. Low voltage detected starting and
SPN: 611 on the +5 volt sensor supply circuit to the engine rough running.
FMI: 4/4 speed sensor.
LAMP: Amber
SRT:

Engine Speed Sensor Circuit

Circuit Description

The engine speed voltage supply provides +5 VDC for the engine speed sensor. If the
supply wire to this sensor is damaged, the sensor will not work properly.

Component Location

The engine speed sensor is located on the intake side of the engine between number 5 and
number 6 cylinders at the crankshaft level. Refer to Procedure 100-002 for detailed
component view location.

Shop Talk

Low voltage on the +5 VDC supply line can be caused by a short circuit to ground in a
supply line, a short circuit between a supply line or a return line, a failed sensor, or a failed
ECM power supply.

Cautions and Warnings

CAUTION

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To reduce the possibility of damaging a new ECM, all other active fault
codes must be investigated prior to replacing the ECM.

CAUTION
To reduce the possibility of pin and harness damage, use the following
test leads when taking a measurement:
Part Number 3164596 - male Framatome test lead
Part Number 3822917 - female Deutsch/AMP/Metri-Pack test lead.

Troubleshooting Steps

STEPS SPECIFICATIONS
STEP 1. Check the fault codes.
STEP 1A. Check for an active Fault Code 238 active?
fault code.
STEP 2. Check the engine speed sensor
and circuit.
STEP 2A. Inspect the engine Dirty or damaged pins?
speed sensor and connector pins.
STEP 2B. Check the circuit Fault Code 238 active?
response.
STEP 3. Check the engine harness.
STEP 3A. Inspect the engine Dirty or damaged pins?
harness and ECM connector pins.
STEP 3B. Check the circuit Fault Code 238 active?
response.
STEP 4. Clear the fault codes.
STEP 4A. Disable the fault code. Fault Code 238 inactive?
STEP 4B. Clear the inactive fault All fault codes cleared?
codes.

Guided Step 1 - Check the fault codes.

Guided Step 1A - Check for an active fault code.

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Conditions

z Connect INSITE™ electronic

service tool.
z Turn keyswitch ON.

Action

Check for an active fault code.

z Use INSITE™ electronic service

tool to read the fault codes.

Fault Code 238 active? Fault Code 238 active?

YES NO
No Repair No Repair
Inactive or Intermittent Fault Code,
Go to 2A
Procedure 019-362

Guided Step 2 - Check the engine speed sensor and

circuit.

Guided Step 2A - Inspect the engine speed sensor and connector pins.

Conditions

z Turn keyswitch OFF.

z Disconnect the engine speed
sensor from the engine harness.

Action

Inspect the engine harness and sensor

connector pins for the following:

z Loose connector
z Corroded pins
z Bent or broken pins
z Pushed back or expanded pins
z Moisture in or on the connector
z Missing or damaged connector
seals

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z Dirt or debris in or on the

connector pins
z Wire insulation damage
z Connector shell broken.

For general inspection techniques, refer

to Component Connector and Pin
Inspection, Procedure 019-361.

Dirty or damaged pins? Dirty or damaged pins?

YES NO
A defective connection has been detected No Repair
in the sensor or harness connector.

Clean the connector and pins.

Repair the damaged harness, connector,

or pins if possible.

Refer to Procedure 019-043.

Go to 4A Go to 2B

Guided Step 2B - Check the circuit response.

Conditions

z Turn keyswitch OFF.

z Disconnect the engine speed
sensor from the engine harness.
z Turn keyswitch ON.
z Connect INSITE™ electronic
service tool.

Action

Check for the appropriate ECM

response after 30 seconds.

z Use INSITE™ electronic service

tool, to read the fault codes.

Fault Code 238 active? Fault Code 238 active?

YES NO
No Repair The engine speed sensor is internally

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shorted.

Replace the engine speed sensor.

Refer to Procedure 019-365.

Go to 3A Go to 4A

Guided Step 3 - Check the engine harness.

Guided Step 3A - Inspect the engine harness and ECM connector pins.

Conditions

z Turn keyswitch OFF.

z Disconnect the engine harness
from the ECM.

Action

Inspect the engine harness and ECM

connector pins for the following:

z Loose connector
z Corroded pins
z Bent or broken pins
z Pushed back or expanded pins
z Moisture in or on the connector
z Missing or damaged connector
seals
z Dirt or debris in or on the
connector pins
z Wire insulation damage
z Connector shell broken.

For general inspection techniques, refer

to Component Connector and Pin
Inspection, Procedure 019-361.

Dirty or damaged pins? Dirty or damaged pins?

YES NO
A defective connection has been detected No Repair
in the sensor or harness connector.

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Clean the connector and pins.

Repair the damaged harness, connector,

or pins if possible.

Refer to Procedure 019-043.

Go to 4A Go to 3B

Guided Step 3B - Check the circuit response.

Conditions

z Turn keyswitch OFF.

z Disconnect the engine harness
from the ECM.
z Turn keyswitch ON.
z Connect INSITE™ electronic
service tool.

Action

Check for the appropriate ECM

response after 30 seconds.

z Use INSITE™ electronic service

tool ,to read the fault codes.

Fault Code 238 active? Fault Code 238 active?

YES NO
Call for pre-authorization. The engine speed sensor SUPPLY line has
shorted to ground or a return wire.
Replace the ECM.
Repair or replace the engine harness.
Refer to Procedure 019-031.
Refer to Procedure 019-043.

Go to 4A Go to 4A

Guided Step 4 - Clear the fault codes.

Guided Step 4A - Disable the fault code.

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Conditions

z Connect all components.

z Turn keyswitch ON.

Action

Disable the fault code.

z Start the engine and let it idle for

one minute.
z UseINSITE™ electronic service
tool , to verify that the fault code is
inactive.

Fault Code 238 inactive? Fault Code 238 inactive?

YES NO
No Repair No Repair
Go to 4B Go to 1A

Guided Step 4B - Clear the inactive fault codes.

Conditions

z Connect all components.

z Turn keyswitch ON.

Action

Clear the inactive fault codes.

z Use INSITE™ electronic service

tool, to erase the inactive fault
codes .

All fault codes cleared? All fault codes cleared?

YES NO
No Repair No Repair
Repair complete Appropriate troubleshooting steps

Last Modified: 29-Nov-2004

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Copyright© 2004
Cummins, Inc.
All rights reserved

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