Fault Code 161: Brake Application Pressure

J1939: SA 3 SPN 116 FMI 9, 13, 14, 19

Overview

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) receives the vehicle’s Service Brake Application Pressure message from a vehicle Electronic Control Unit (ECU) over the Primary Data Link (J1939A). This information is used to determine transmission operation.

Detection

The TCM monitors Service Brake Application Pressure messages. If messages are not received or are invalid, the fault is set Active.

Conditions to Set Fault Code Active

FMI 9 - Abnormal Update Rate: Service Brake Application Pressure message not received for 10 seconds.

FMI 13 – Out Of Calibration: Service Brake Application Pressure message not available for 10 seconds.

FMI 14 – Special Instructions: Service Brake Application Pressure message not received after a launch.

FMI 19 – Received Network Data In Error: Brake Application Pressure messages invalid for 10 seconds.

Fallback

FMI 9, 13, 14, 19:

  • If Fault Code 156, 161 and 163 are all Active:
    • Amber warning lamp on
    • Urge to Move and Creep Mode prohibited
    • Hill Start Aid prohibited
    • Transmission may not allow a shift out of Neutral

Note: Vehicle may have additional fallback modes. Refer to OEM.

Conditions to Set Fault Code Inactive

FMI 9, 13, 14, 19: Service Brake Application Pressure messages received and valid for 10 seconds.

Possible Causes

FMI 9, 13, 14, 19:

  • Vehicle Components
    • Service Brake Application Pressure message not enabled
    • Other vehicle ECU(s) faulted
  • Vehicle Harness - Primary Data Link (J1939A)
    • Wiring shorted to power, shorted to ground or open
    • Terminals bent, spread, corroded, or loose

Note: Refer to OEM for troubleshooting a failed system.

Additional Tools

  • None

Fault Code 161 Troubleshooting

A
Purpose:Check for Active or Inactive fault codes.
  1. Set vehicle parking brake and chock wheels.

  2. Record transmission fault codes, FMIs, occurrences, and timestamps from Service Activity Report created during the Diagnostic Procedure.

  • If Fault Code 161 is Inactive and there are other Active vehicle or transmission fault codes, troubleshoot all Active fault codes. Go to Step V

  • If Fault Code 161 FMI 9, 14 19 is Active or Inactive, Go to Step B

  • If Fault Code 161 FMI 13 is Active, refer to OEM and enable vehicle Service Brake Application Pressure message (SPN 116). Go to Step V

  • If Fault Code 161 FMI 13 is Inactive, Go to Step V

B
Purpose:Monitor Service Brake Application Pressure message.
  1. Key on with engine running.

  2. Allow air pressure to build to governor cut off.

  3. Key off.

  4. Key on with engine off.

  5. Connect ServiceRanger.

  6. Go To “Data Monitor”.

  7. Select “Pressure”.

  8. Select “Brake application pressure”.

  9. Select all “- 116” SPN sources.

    Note: Not all sources will indicate a value.

  10. Monitor 116 - Brake application pressure value. Record reading in table.

  11. Depress and hold service brake.

  12. Monitor 116 - Brake application pressure value. Record reading in table.

  13. Compare reading(s) in table.

  • If readings are out of range, refer to OEM guidelines for repair of the vehicle Service Brake Application Pressure message (SPN 116). Go to Step V

  • If readings are in range and no fault was found, the intermittent nature of the fault makes it likely that the problem is in the vehicle Service Brake Application Pressure message (SPN 116). Contact OEM for further diagnostic instructions. Go to Step V

Service Brake StateParameterRangeReading(s)
Released116 - Brake Application Pressure0 PSI
Depressed116 - Brake Application PressureGreater Than 0 PSI
V
Purpose:Verify repair.
  1. Key off.

  2. Reconnect all connectors and verify all components are properly installed.

  3. Key on with engine off.

  4. Connect ServiceRanger.

  5. Go To “Fault Codes”.

  6. Select “Clear All Faults”.

  7. Operate vehicle and attempt to reset the fault code or duplicate the previous complaint.

  8. Check for fault codes using ServiceRanger.