Code Details
| Display code | SPN 110 FMI 0 |
|---|---|
| SPN | 110 |
| FMI | 0 |
| OEM code | None listed |
| Manufacturer | Detroit Diesel |
| System | Engine �?cooling system |
| Component | Engine coolant temperature sensor / cooling system |
| Source address | Unknown or not applicable |
| Severity | stop safely |
| Review status | source backed |
| Source confidence | medium |
| Last reviewed | 2026-06-11 |
Plain-English Meaning
The DD13 cooling system keeps combustion temperatures within a safe range at all load conditions. When coolant temperature exceeds the warning threshold, the heat load is exceeding the system's cooling capacity. Prompt investigation of coolant level, fan engagement, and radiator condition is essential to prevent damage. On Freightliner Cascadia with the DD13, the cooling system is sized for the specific wheelbase and application. Short-wheelbase configurations with the DD13 may have reduced cooling capacity compared to DD15-equipped trucks. DiagnosticLink displays live coolant temperature and fan clutch status simultaneously. Monitoring both during a warm-up drive confirms whether the fan is engaging at the correct temperature set point and whether the radiator is maintaining adequate cooling capacity under load.
SPN 110 FMI 0 is Engine Coolant Temperature above normal. On Detroit DD13 MCM2.0, the MCM manages the viscous fan clutch and monitors coolant temperature. DiagnosticLink provides coolant temperature, fan duty cycle, and thermostat inlet temperature in live data mode.
Common Symptoms
- Coolant temperature warning lamp
- Possible engine protection derate if temperature reaches the critical threshold
- Steam or coolant smell in severe cases
- Engine protection derate activates at sustained high coolant temperature
- Possible white smoke or coolant smell if the engine is overheating severely
Possible Causes
Possible causes may include the items below. The list is not a parts diagnosis.
- Low coolant level
- Thermostat stuck closed
- Radiator face blocked
- Fan clutch not engaging
- Water pump failure
- EGR cooler leak
- Fan clutch not engaging at the correct threshold
- Coolant system scale or low inhibitor reducing heat exchange efficiency
First Checks
- Check coolant level in the expansion tank
- Inspect the radiator face for debris
- Connect DiagnosticLink and monitor coolant temperature and fan engagement
- Inspect for external coolant leaks
- Monitor coolant temperature and fan clutch state simultaneously in DiagnosticLink during a warm driving cycle
- Verify coolant concentration and inhibitor condition
Can I Keep Driving?
Reduce load and stop if temperature continues to rise. Overheating an engine risks head gasket failure and other serious damage.
Related Codes
Related Lookup Pages
Sources
- Detroit Diesel Service and Diagnostic Resources — Public Reference Detroit Diesel (Daimler Truck North America) · oem · accessed 2026-06-11 · confidence medium
Source: Detroit Diesel (Daimler Truck North America), Detroit Diesel Service and Diagnostic Resources — Public Reference. This page paraphrases factual fields only and is not a substitute for the original document.
Open source - DiagnosticLink Detroit Diesel Corporation · oem · accessed 2026-05-05 · confidence medium
Source: Detroit Diesel Corporation, DiagnosticLink. This page paraphrases factual fields only and is not a substitute for the original document.
Open source - SAE J1939 Standards Collection SAE International · official · accessed 2026-05-05 · confidence medium
Source: SAE International, SAE J1939 Standards Collection. This page paraphrases factual fields only and is not a substitute for the original document.
Open source
FAQ
Are the cooling systems on the Detroit DD13 and DD15 interchangeable in Freightliner trucks?
The DD13 and DD15 have different displacement and power output, but Freightliner Cascadia trucks are often available with either engine in the same chassis. The radiator and CAC may share the same chassis mounting positions, but the cooling capacity specifications may differ. Using the correct thermostat and coolant specification for the specific engine is important regardless of chassis.
How does the MCM2.0 protect the DD13 from overheating beyond the SPN 110 FMI 0 warning?
The Detroit MCM2.0 escalates from a warning lamp to a derate (SPN 1569 FMI 31) if the coolant temperature continues to rise above the warning threshold. Some DD13 configurations are programmed to shut the engine down if the critical overtemperature threshold is crossed. The protection level is configurable by the fleet via DiagnosticLink within the allowed range.
Can a low coolant concentration (too much water) cause false or premature SPN 110 FMI 0 on the DD13?
A low coolant concentration reduces the boiling point and the corrosion protection of the cooling system. While this does not directly cause the temperature gauge to read higher for a given heat load, a system with depleted corrosion inhibitors may accumulate deposits in the radiator and water jacket over time, reducing heat transfer efficiency and contributing to elevated temperatures.