Cummins ISX15 CM2250 (2010-12) Fault Code: 3256 PID: SPN: 3246 FMI: 15 Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Outlet Temperature- Data Valid But Above Normal Operating Range- Least Severe level

Circuit Description
The aftertreatment temperature sensors are used by the engine control module (ECM) to monitor the engine exhaust temperatures in the aftertreatment system. The aftertreatment temperature sensors are thermistors and change resistance based on the temperature being measured. The ECM provides a 5 volt reference voltage to the sensor. The ECM monitors the change in signal voltage and converts this to a temperature value.

When the exhaust temperature is low, the sensor or thermistor resistance is high. The ECM signal voltage only pulls down a small amount through the sensor to ground. Therefore, the ECM senses a high signal voltage or a low temperature. When the exhaust gas temperature is high, the sensor resistance is low. The signal voltage pulls down a large amount. Therefore, the ECM senses a low signal voltage or a high temperature.

Component Location
The aftertreatment DPF outlet temperature sensor is located in the aftertreatment system. Refer to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service manual.

Conditions for Running the Diagnostics
This diagnostic runs continuously when the keyswitch is in the ON position and when the engine is operating.

Conditions for Setting the Fault Codes
The aftertreatment DPF outlet temperature sensor reading exceeds 675?C [1247?F] for 10 seconds on five separate occasions.

Action Taken When the Fault Code is Active
The ECM illuminates the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp and/or malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) immediately when the diagnostic runs and fails.
Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code
To validate the repair using a Diagnostic Road Test, utilize a route that incorporates both stop-and-go city driving and steady state highway driving. It may be necessary to load the unit for certain diagnostics in the ECM to run.
To validate the repair using a Chassis Dynamometer Test, utilize a routine that incorporates acceleration and motoring events, steady state highway operation, and load. This will simulate normal driving and allow the diagnostics in the ECM to run.
Start the engine and perform INSITE? electronic service tool Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Test.
The fault code status displayed by INSITE? electronic service tool will change to INACTIVE immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes.
The ECM will turn off the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp after the diagnostic runs and passes.
For On-Board Diagnostics engines, the ECM will turn off the MIL after three consecutive trips where the diagnostic runs and passes.
The ?Reset All Faults? command in INSITE? electronic service tool can be used to clear active and inactive faults, as well as extinguish the MIL for On-Board Diagnostics applications.

Shop Talk
This fault will go inactive immediately after the aftertreatment temperatures drop below the warning limit, and will likely be inactive when the vehicle is in the shop. For these reasons, this troubleshooting tree must be used for both active and inactive fault codes.

Possible causes of this fault code include:

Excessive engine oil or diesel fuel introduced into the exhaust system from the engine
A damaged engine fuel injector caused unburned diesel fuel to enter the exhaust system
The aftertreatment DPF outlet temperature sensor malfunctioned in-range
A face plugged aftertreatment diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)
An in-range engine sensor malfunction has occurred, causing excessive fuel to enter the exhaust system
Engine brake malfunctioned.
Reference the appropriate OEM wiring diagram when troubleshooting circuits that utilize wiring supplied by the OEM.

For intermittent power supply and data link communication issues with aftertreatment components, it is highly recommended that the OEM power distribution center fuses and relays be thoroughly checked for loose, missing, or intermittent connections.

possible Cause:
1) ECM calibration