3841

Case IH 3841 – Engine Control Unit (ECU): Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Upstream Temperature Sensor: Diagnostic fault check for SRC low

Issue description

The Engine Control Unit is detecting a "Source Low" condition from the sensor located just before (upstream of) the Diesel Particulate Filter. This typically points to a short circuit to a low voltage source (short to ground) in the sensor itself or its wiring harness.

Applies to these machines

  • Farmall
  • Maxxum
  • Puma
  • Magnum
  • Optum
  • Steiger
  • Quadtrac
  • Quantum
  • AF
  • AFX

Check the cause

  1. Inspect the wiring harness leading to the DPF upstream temperature sensor for chafing, melting from exhaust heat, or bare wires touching the chassis.

  2. Disconnect the sensor and inspect the pins on both the sensor side and the harness side for corrosion, moisture, or bent pins.

  3. Using a multimeter, check the sensor signal wire for continuity to ground. If the harness is shorted to ground while disconnected from the sensor, the wiring harness is the culprit.

  4. Test the internal resistance of the temperature sensor. If it reads completely open or dead shorted internally, the sensor has failed.

Repair steps

  1. Disconnect Power

    Turn off the machine and disconnect the battery to prevent electrical spikes.

  2. Access the Sensor

    Locate the DPF upstream temperature sensor on the exhaust aftertreatment assembly (it will be threaded into the exhaust pipe just before the DPF canister).

  3. Remove the Sensor

    Disconnect the electrical pigtail. Use a specialized sensor socket or a flare nut wrench to carefully unthread the sensor from the exhaust bung. (Note: Penetrating oil may be required if the sensor is seized from exhaust heat).

  4. Install the New Sensor

    Apply a small amount of high-temp anti-seize to the threads of the new sensor (avoiding the probe tip). Thread it into the exhaust bung and tighten to OEM torque specifications.

  5. Reconnect Wiring

    Plug the sensor connector back into the engine wiring harness, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Route the wire away from direct heat sources.

  6. Clear Codes and Test

    Reconnect the battery, turn the key on, and use a diagnostic scan tool to clear the 3841 fault code. Start the engine and monitor the exhaust gas temperature readings. A forced stationary DPF regeneration may be required to verify the sensor is reading the temperature ramp-up correctly.

Parts you might need

(4)
  • Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor / DPF Upstream Temperature Sensor

    47478880

    Commonly fits Farmall, Maxxum, Puma, Steiger, and Quadtrac models.

  • Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor / DPF Upstream Temperature Sensor

    87482353

    Superseded/Alternate OEM Number

  • Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor / DPF Upstream Temperature Sensor

    47367178

    Superseded/Alternate OEM Number

  • Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor / DPF Upstream Temperature Sensor

    1987588C1

    Used on select older or specific Case IH engine configurations.

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