396

Case IH 396 – Engine Control Module (ECM): Rear Fueling current is too low.

Issue description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a low current or an open circuit at the rear fueling actuator circuit. The engine will enter a protection 'limp mode' and run using only the front three cylinders, resulting in a severe loss of engine power and performance.

Applies to these machines

  • MX Magnum
  • STX Steiger
  • MX240
  • MX255
  • MX270
  • MX285
  • STX275
  • STX325
  • 8780

Check the cause

  1. Inspect the engine wiring harness connecting the ECM to the CAPS pump rear fueling actuator for chafed wires, breaks, or corrosion.

  2. Measure the resistance of the rear fueling actuator coil on the CAPS pump to check for internal coil failure.

  3. If the pump housing allows, swap the front and rear fueling actuators and run a cylinder performance test to determine if the fault follows the actuator or remains on the rear circuit.

Repair steps

  1. Disconnect Power

    Always disconnect the batteries (negative cable first) before performing service on the engine electrical or fuel system.

  2. Harness Repair

    If the diagnostic tests revealed an open circuit or short in the wiring harness, repair or replace the damaged section of the harness.

  3. Pump Replacement

    If the rear fueling actuator has failed, replace the entire CAPS fuel injection pump assembly, as the internal CAPS actuators are typically not serviced separately.

  4. Remove the CAPS Pump

    Disconnect the electrical connectors to the fueling actuators. Remove the high-pressure fuel lines, supply lines, and mounting hardware from the CAPS pump.

  5. Install the New Pump

    Install the remanufactured CAPS pump (or an aftermarket Bosch P-pump conversion kit).

  6. Reconnect and Torque

    Reconnect all fuel lines, ensuring proper torque specifications to avoid high-pressure leaks. Reconnect the electrical harness.

  7. Prime the System

    Reconnect the batteries. Prime the fuel system using the lift pump. Do not pre-fill the fuel filter directly, as this can introduce unfiltered contaminants into the new pump.

  8. Clear Codes

    Start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute. Verify that the fault code status changes to INACTIVE and the Check Engine light turns off. Use a diagnostic tool to clear the inactive faults.

Parts you might need

(10)
  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    JR4076442

    Case IH OEM

  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    87585287

    Case IH OEM

  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    J944386

    Case IH OEM

  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    4076441RX

    Cummins OEM

  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    4076442RX

    Cummins OEM

  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    4076443RX

    Cummins OEM

  • Remanufactured CAPS Fuel Injection Pump

    4954315RX

    Cummins OEM

  • CAPS Pump Conversion Kit

    CAPSKITM

    Area Diesel Service aftermarket alternative

  • CAPS Pump Conversion Kit

    AMX36274

    Abilene Machine aftermarket alternative

  • Engine Wiring Harness

    Required only if the diagnostic tests prove the open circuit is in the wiring rather than the pump actuator.

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