John Deere 3465.31 – Engine Control Unit (ECU): Exhaust Throttle Actuator Supply Voltage Fault

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has detected an issue with the supply voltage to the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) actuator. The VGT actuator is an electronically controlled motor that adjusts internal turbocharger vanes to optimize exhaust flow. A disruption in its power supply—typically due to a loss of power from the ECM, an open or shorted wire, or internal actuator failure—prevents these precise movements, resulting in poor engine performance, reduced power, and increased emissions.

• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6110R
• 6120R
• 6130R
• 6145R
• 6155R
• 6175R
• 6195R
• 6215R
• 5085M
• 5100M
• 5100MH
• 5100ML
• 5115ML
• 6090MC
• 6090RC
• 6100MC
• 6100RC
• 6110MC
• 6110RC
• 5045E
• 6105E
• 210G
• 210GLC

1. 1

   Inspect the Exhaust Throttle Actuator wiring harness and connectors for physical damage, corrosion, or loose pins.

2. 2

   Use a multimeter to verify the supply voltage reaching the actuator connector to determine if the issue is a dead actuator or a wiring/harness short.

3. 3

   Inspect the actuator linkage for heavy soot buildup or physical binding. The actuator sits directly in the exhaust stream and can become mechanically stuck, which sometimes triggers electrical mismatch or voltage faults.

4. 4

   Look for accompanying ECU codes that might narrow down the circuit issue, such as 3465.05 (Drive Circuit High Resistance), 3465.06 (Drive Circuit Low Resistance), or 3465.13 (Calibration Error).

1. 1

   Disconnect Power

   Disconnect the machine's battery to prevent electrical shorts and ensure the actuator does not cycle.

2. 2

   Drain Coolant

   Drain the engine coolant to a level below the turbocharger/exhaust throttle actuator.

3. 3

   Disconnect Electricals

   Unplug the wiring harness connector from the Exhaust Throttle Actuator.

4. 4

   Remove Coolant Lines

   Disconnect and remove the Exhaust Throttle Actuator Coolant Supply Line and Coolant Return Line.

5. 5

   Remove Actuator

   Unbolt the Exhaust Throttle Actuator assembly from the exhaust stream (located just downstream of the turbocharger).

6. 6

   Install New Actuator

   Mount the replacement Exhaust Throttle Actuator and torque the exhaust flange bolts to OEM specification.

7. 7

   Reattach Lines

   Reinstall the coolant supply and return lines.

8. 8

   Reconnect Wiring

   Plug the electrical connector back into the actuator.

9. 9

   Refill and Bleed

   Refill the engine with the correct ethylene or propylene glycol-based coolant and bleed the cooling system of air.

10. 10

    Calibrate

    Reconnect the battery. Use John Deere Service ADVISOR (or a compatible diagnostic tool) to clear the fault codes and perform an Exhaust Throttle Actuator Learn Value Reset (calibration). Caution: When power to the actuator is 'on', keep fingers clear of the mechanical linkage to prevent injury, as it may snap shut during its self-check/learn cycle.