John Deere 641.13 – ECU: VGT Actuator Learn Error

This code indicates a self-calibration error with the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) actuator. During the power-up process, the turbocharger's smart device fails to detect its reference position or physical endpoint, or the VGT device reports that it is in a state with no known calibration data.

• 5085E
• 5090E
• 5090EL
• 5100E
• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6110R
• 6120R
• 6130R
• 6145R
• 6155R
• 6175R
• 6195R
• 6215R
• 5085M
• 5100M
• 5100MH
• 5100ML
• 5115ML
• 9230
• 9330
• 9430
• 9530
• 9630
• 8RT/9RT series
• 6230
• 6330
• 6430
• 8130
• 8230
• 8330
• 8270R
• 9570 STS
• 9670 STS
• 9770 STS
• 9870 STS
• 7760 Cotton Pickers
• 310K Backhoes
• 648G/H skidders

1. 1

   Inspect the turbo actuator wiring harness and ground connections for high resistance, shorts, or physical damage.

2. 2

   Use a John Deere diagnostic tool (Service ADVISOR) to clear the old turbo learn values and attempt to force a manual recalibration of the VGT actuator.

3. 3

   Check the actuator's encoder counts using the diagnostic tool; abnormally high counts indicate that the mechanical vanes inside the turbocharger are worn out or binding.

1. 1

   Recalibration Attempt

   Connect the diagnostic tool, clear the existing VGT learn values, and run the VGT actuator calibration test.

2. 2

   Actuator Replacement

   If the wiring is intact but the actuator fails the calibration test (or reports an internal failure), remove the VGT actuator from the turbocharger and install a new or remanufactured actuator.

3. 3

   Turbocharger Inspection/Replacement

   If a new actuator is installed but the 641.13 code persists (or if diagnostics revealed high encoder counts), the mechanical linkage or vanes inside the turbocharger are worn or seized. In this case, the entire turbocharger assembly must be replaced.

4. 4

   Final Calibration

   After replacing the actuator or the turbocharger, you must use the diagnostic tool to calibrate the new actuator to the turbocharger so it can learn its new physical endpoints.