John Deere 51.07 – Engine Control Unit (ECU): Engine Air Throttle Position Does Match The ECU Requested Position

Indicates a discrepancy between where the engine control system commands the air throttle to be and its actual physical position, typically causing the engine to enter a derate mode and disabling Active Exhaust Filter cleaning.

• 5085E
• 5090E
• 5090EL
• 5100E
• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6110R
• 6120R
• 6130R
• 6145R
• 6155R
• 6175R
• 6195R
• 6215R
• 8235R
• 8260R
• 8285R
• 8310R
• 8335R
• 8360R
• 8310RT
• 8335RT
• 8360RT
• 9470RT
• 9520RT
• 9570RT
• 9560RT
• Equipment utilizing John Deere/Yanmar 4TNV98C & 4TNV98CT or 6090 engines

1. 1

   Read ECU fault codes using John Deere Service Advisor to confirm the code and check for related codes (e.g., 000051.14, indicating swapped connectors).

2. 2

   Inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the air throttle actuator for pin damage, corrosion, or swapped plugs. Perform a continuity test.

3. 3

   Test actuator operation by running a Harness Diagnostic Mode test with the engine off using Service Advisor. Listen for smooth movement; grinding or sticking indicates mechanical failure.

4. 4

   Remove the air throttle from the intake and physically inspect the throttle plate for heavy carbon buildup, obstructions, or a snapped actuator shaft.

1. 1

   Clean the Throttle Plate

   If the diagnostic inspection reveals carbon buildup causing the throttle plate to stick, thoroughly clean the throttle plate and bore to remove the binding condition.

2. 2

   Replace the Actuator/Valve

   If cleaning does not resolve the mechanical binding, if the internal motor has failed, or if the actuator shaft is broken, the air throttle valve assembly must be replaced.

3. 3

   Calibrate the New Actuator

   After installing a new air throttle actuator, you must perform a recalibration using specialized diagnostic tools (like John Deere Service Advisor) to ensure the ECU accurately learns the new actuator's minimum and maximum position requirements.

4. 4

   Clear Codes and Test

   Reset the fault codes in the ECU. Perform an operational test (and force a stationary regeneration if the system was previously locked out) to verify that the actuator now accurately reflects commanded positions and no codes return.