Case IH 3445 – Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Engine Control Module (ECM): Torque limitation due to excessive fuel temperature

This is an informational fault code indicating that the engine control system actively limited engine performance (torque) because the diesel fuel temperature was too high for a duration longer than 50.0 milliseconds. It confirms that a temporary torque limitation took place to protect the engine and fuel system components.

• Steiger T4B
• Puma Series Tractors
• 240 Series Axial-Flow Combines
• Farmall 40-45-50 Tractors

1. 1

   Connect your diagnostic tool and pull all active and stored fault codes from the ECU

2. 2

   Check if another failure that influences fuel temperature is present in the failure memory (e.g., a fuel temperature sensor circuit fault, fuel cooler blockage, or general engine overheating codes like F623)

3. 3

   If no other codes are present, verify if the torque limitation was a temporary response to a heavy load or high ambient temperature

1. 1

   Scan for Primary Faults

   Read the ECU for primary fault codes related to the fuel temperature sensor or engine cooling system.

2. 2

   Address Primary Codes

   If a primary fault is present (e.g., a failed fuel temperature sensor reading artificially high), follow the troubleshooting steps for that specific code.

3. 3

   Inspect Cooling/Fuel Systems

   If the engine was genuinely overheating, inspect the fuel cooler and engine radiators for debris, chaff, or mud blocking airflow. Clean the cooling package thoroughly.

4. 4

   Clear and Test

   Once primary issues are repaired (or if no other codes were found), clear the fault memory. Run the machine under load and monitor the live fuel temperature data to ensure it stays within normal operating parameters.