What Is The Cummins Fault Code SPN 5585 FMI 18? (How To Fix) (2024)

Error codes are not always clear. Some are very hard to understand. They refer to parts you may not know you had under the hood of your RV. Another problem is that the company you think is responsible may not accept the responsibility and claim it is not their error code.

Cummins Fault Code SPN 5585 FMI 18 does say Cummins in front of it but it may not be the exact Cummins error code. This one translates into Cummins fault code 4691. This is what makes getting answers and repairs difficult. Not everyone uses the same code.

To learn more about this problem, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can get the help you need. However, there is never any guarantee that companies will not pass the buck and leave you stranded.

SPN 5585 FMI 18 Cummins Meaning

The meaning is as follows- “Engine Injector Metering Rail 1 Cranking Pressure Data Valid But Below Normal Operating Range” This does not seem to be connected to a mechanical, electrical, or even a fluid problem.

Instead, it is an ignition problem that has nothing to do with the electrical aspects of the ignition system. The reason most people experience this problem and see this fault code is that they do not know how to start their diesel engine correctly.

If you are a first-time diesel engine buyer, then you do need to learn that diesel engines do not start like gas ones. There is a process you have to follow in most cases and if you don’t the engine may not turn over.

We will get to the process in the next section but all experienced diesel owners already know about it and have learned to be patient when starting their diesel vehicles.

Just keep in mind that when you are in a hurry, a diesel engine is not the most supportive engine you can own. It takes only a few seconds to get them started but that could be enough of a delay to make things frustrating for you.

Fixing a Cummins Fault Code SPN 5585 FMI 18

As we said this is not a mechanical, electrical, or a fluid issue. It is an operator’s error that is the source of the problem. The answer to the problem we defined above goes like this: “this is usually caused by starting the engine too soon-- key on wait 4 seconds and then start”

What this mechanic is talking about is the delay in starting the diesel engine. On the dashboards of almost every diesel vehicle, there should be a little amber light.

It will turn on the moment you turn the key to the start position. This amber light is called the glow plug light and you have to wait till it goes out before you start your motor.

If you don’t, then you probably will not be able to start your diesel engine. The glow plugs have to warm up first before they can ignite the fuel. This is standard diesel operating procedure.

How long it takes the glow plugs to go out depends on your diesel motor and how modern it is. But usually, it is only a matter of seconds. Sometimes you do not have to wait for the glow plugs to go out but that is only when the engine remains hot after driving it for some time.

Check with your mechanic for more details on that option. There is one more thing to be aware of. Not all companies that produce diesel engines or install them in RVs have those ignitions start the same way.

According to Spartan, their way is to “Turn your key to light up the dash, but do not crank it to start. Press the brake and wait until you hear 4-6 pops. By that time the wait to start light should be out. Then crank the coach. Then press the brake hard once. That calibrates the brakes. Again, according to Spartan, doing it this way will prevent quite a few "codes""

Check your owner’s manual to be sure you get the right instructions to start your diesel engines.

International SPN 5585 FMI 1

There is some good news and some bad news. We will give you the bad news first as it is important to hear. On the International fault codes list and the SPN FMI fault code list, there is no SPN 555 FMI 1 error code listed.

The lists are exhaustive and very long and you can look at them here and here. The latter list jumps from 5571 to 5588. But as we said there is some good news in all of this.

Here is what one mechanic said this error code represents: “the fault is for the High-Pressure Common Rail Fuel Pressure Relief Valve located in the fuel rail. When it is stuck open it allows fuel to return to the pump. and will not let the rail pressurize. You need to replace the valve in the rail and recheck”.

The part can be serviced and you should replace both the valve and the sealing washer at the same time. According to that mechanic, there is no need to replace the whole rail.

We did check a second International fault code list and the 5585 was not listed on it either. The best thing to do is check with a mechanic or dealer to get the right information and location for that code.

Some Final Words

Error codes are there to help you understand what is wrong with your engine. However, they are not that helpful when they do not appear on any of the lists containing error codes. They may be on some list but that takes time to search and scan to see if it is there.

The best thing to do is talk to an experienced mechanic who works on the brand of vehicle or engine you own. That way you get the best answer.