John Deere 641.09 – Engine Control Unit (ECU): CAN Bus Message from VGT Actuator Not Received

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has lost communication with the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) electronic actuator. When this occurs, the ECU cannot command the turbocharger vanes, leading to reduced engine power (derate), poor emissions performance, and potential disabling of turbocharger functionality to prevent engine damage.

• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6110R
• 6120R
• 6130R
• 6145R
• 6155R
• 6175R
• 6195R
• 6215R
• 5085M
• 5100M
• 5100MH
• 5100ML
• 5115ML
• 9470RT
• 9520RT
• 9570RT
• 9570R
• 9620R
• 9RX 640
• 6090MC
• 6100MC
• 6110MC
• 7830
• 7180
• 7280
• 7380
• 7480
• 7580
• 7780
• 7980
• 444K
• 524K
• 544K
• 250G
• 4045
• 6068
• 6068H
• 6068T
• 6090
• 6090H
• 6136

1. 1

   Inspect the CAN Bus wiring harness and connectors between the ECU and the VGT actuator for physical damage, melted wires, corrosion, or disconnections.

2. 2

   Verify that the supply voltage to the actuator matches specifications (typically 12V or 24V depending on the machine) and check for poor grounding.

3. 3

   Verify the integrity of the CAN Bus communication lines to ensure data can physically transmit between the ECU and the actuator.

4. 4

   Check for accompanying fault codes such as ECU 000641.12 (VGT Actuator Internal Fault) or ECU 000641.13 (VGT Actuator Calibration Error). If wiring is intact but these codes are present, the actuator itself has failed.

1. 1

   Resolve Electrical Faults

   If corrosion or wire damage is found during diagnostics, clean the contacts with electrical contact cleaner and repair the damaged harness sections.

2. 2

   Remove the Faulty Actuator

   If the wiring is good and communication cannot be restored (indicating an internal actuator failure), remove the faulty VGT actuator from the turbocharger assembly.

3. 3

   Install the New Actuator

   Mount the replacement VGT actuator using the provided installation kit (which typically includes new hardware and linkages).

4. 4

   Calibrate the Actuator

   A new VGT actuator must be calibrated to the turbocharger. Connect John Deere diagnostic software (Service ADVISOR) to the machine and initiate the VGT actuator learn/calibration cycle.

5. 5

   Reset and Verify

   Clear the fault codes from the ECU, cycle the key, and run the engine to verify that CAN Bus communication is reestablished and the turbocharger operates without throwing the 641.09 code.