File: 176-fc4642 Page 1 of 3

Fault Code 4642

Water in Fuel Indicator - Data Valid But Above Normal Operating Range - Most Severe Level

CODES REASON EFFECT

Fault Code: 4642 Water in Fuel Indicator - Data Progressive power and/or speed derate
PID(P), SID(S): Valid But Above Normal increasing in severity from time of alert. If the
SPN: 97 Operating Range - Least Severe Engine Protection Shutdown feature is
FMI: 0/0 Level. Water has been detected enabled, the engine will shut down 30
Lamp: Red in the fuel filter. seconds after the red STOP lamp starts
SRT: flashing.

Water-in-Fuel Indicator Sensor Circuit

Circuit Description:
The water-in-fuel sensor is in the fuel filter. The engine control module (ECM) provides a 5 volt reference signal to the
water-in-fuel sensor. When the water collected in the fuel filter covers the sensor probes, the water-in-fuel sensor pulls
the 5-VDC reference voltage down, indicating high water accumulation in the fuel filter.

Component Location:
The water-in-fuel sensor is integrated into the bottom of the OEM supplied suction fuel filter.

Conditions for Running the Diagnostics:

This diagnostic runs continuously when the engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the Fault Codes:

The Engine Control Module (ECM) detected water in fuel for an extended period of time.

Action Taken When the Fault Code is Active:

• The ECM illuminates the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) immediately
when the diagnostic runs and fails.

© 2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe® Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 21-Oct-2014
File: 176-fc4642 Page 2 of 3
Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code:
• To validate the repair, perform a key cycle, start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute.
• The fault code status displayed by INSITE™ electronic service tool will change to INACTIVE immediately after the
diagnostic runs and passes.
• The ECM will turn off the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes.
• The Reset All Faults command in INSITE™ electronic service tool can be used to clear active and inactive faults, as
well as extinguish the MIL for OBD applications.

Shop Talk:
Water in the fuel can do extensive damage to the fuel system, due to the tight tolerances of the fuel system
components. The engine will be derated for protection purposes.
The fuel filter must be drained immediately.
If this fault code is active and there is no water in the fuel filter then a malfunctioning Water-In-Fuel sensor or water in
the sensor connector could be causing the fault.
Reference the appropriate OEM wiring diagram when troubleshooting circuits that utilize wiring supplied by the OEM

Refer to Troubleshooting Fault Code 4642.

© 2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe® Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 21-Oct-2014
File: 176-fc4642 Page 3 of 3

© 2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe® Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 21-Oct-2014