CAT 94 Fault Code: Intake Valve Actuator #5 not responding
Intake Valve Actuator #5 not responding · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
CAT code 94, SPN 2954 FMI 7, means the ECM detected that the intake valve actuator on cylinder 5 is not responding correctly to its commands within the Intake Valve Actuation (IVA) system. The engine will be derated while the code is active on C11, C13, and C15 engines.
High severity. The engine is derated immediately while this code is active, and repeated logging causes the derate to persist until the code is cleared, so it should be diagnosed as soon as possible to restore full power and avoid recurring performance loss.
What does CAT error code 94 mean?
The Intake Valve Actuation (IVA) system uses pressurized engine oil to delay the closing of the intake valves, which helps control emissions and combustion timing. This system relies on a rail of pressurized oil inside the valve cover base, a check valve to keep oil from draining back into the main gallery, a pressure sensor to report rail pressure to the ECM, a control valve with a coil-driven spool that releases pressure when commanded, and an actuator under each valve cover that uses both oil pressure and electrical signals to delay intake valve closing.
Code 94 specifically points to the actuator for cylinder 5. The ECM has commanded that actuator to act and determined, based on feedback or lack of response, that it isn't working properly. Because this is a cylinder-specific actuation fault, the ECM responds by cutting engine power through a derate to protect the engine and reduce stress on the affected cylinder until the issue is addressed.
Common causes of 94
- Oil leak in the intake valve actuation system, including near the solenoids or under the valve cover
- Failed or damaged intake valve actuator for cylinder 5
- Failed or malfunctioning solenoid/control valve
- Faulty intake valve actuation oil pressure sensor
- Loose purge orifice
- Debris contaminating the intake valve actuator system
- Failed or damaged check valve in the oil rail
- Incorrect valve lash settings on the intake valve actuator
- Incorrect adjustment of an actuator
- Failed cylinder (confirm with a cylinder cut-out test)
How to troubleshoot CAT 94: first checks
- Visually inspect the valve cover area and solenoids for engine oil leaks or seepage that could indicate a leak in the IVA rail, check valve, or control valve
- Check the intake valve actuation oil pressure sensor and its wiring/connector for damage, corrosion, or looseness
- Inspect the purge orifice to confirm it is properly seated and not loose
- Check for debris or contamination that may have entered the intake valve actuator system
- Verify valve lash settings on the cylinder 5 intake valve actuator against specification
- Perform a cylinder cut-out test to check for a failed cylinder contributing to the fault
- Inspect the check valve for damage or failure that could allow oil to drain back into the main oil gallery
How the code clears
No separate clearing step is listed beyond correcting the root cause. Because this code can be logged multiple times, if it is not resolved the engine will be derated again even after the code is cleared, so the underlying oil leak, actuator, solenoid, or lash issue needs to be fixed rather than just clearing the code and moving on.
Affected models and serial ranges
94 appears in our records across 3 CAT models. Match your machine by model and serial number.
| Model | Serial ranges |
|---|---|
| C11 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C13 | Serial range not listed in source records |
| C15 | Serial range not listed in source records |
Frequently asked questions
What does CAT fault code 94 mean?
It means SPN 2954 FMI 7, which the ECM sets when the intake valve actuator for cylinder 5 is active but not responding correctly to the ECM's commands within the Intake Valve Actuation system.
Will my CAT engine lose power with code 94 active?
Yes. The engine will be derated while this code is active. If the code is logged several times, the derate continues until the code is cleared, and if the problem isn't fixed it will derate again.
What usually causes CAT code 94?
Common causes include oil leaks in the IVA system (near solenoids or under the valve cover), a failed intake valve actuator, incorrect valve lash, incorrect actuator adjustment, a failed solenoid or control valve, a bad pressure sensor, a loose purge orifice, debris in the system, a failed check valve, or in some cases a failed cylinder.
How do I know if the problem is the actuator itself or something else in the IVA system?
Start with a visual inspection for oil leaks around the solenoids and valve cover, check the pressure sensor and wiring, confirm the purge orifice is tight, and verify valve lash. If those check out, a cylinder cut-out test can help determine if the cylinder itself is the issue rather than the actuator.
Is it safe to keep running the engine with code 94 present?
The ECM will already be limiting power through a derate, but running with an unresolved actuator or oil leak issue risks further engine damage. It's best to diagnose and repair the cause as soon as practical rather than continuing to operate under derate.
Does fixing and clearing code 94 guarantee it won't come back?
No. If the underlying condition, such as an oil leak, bad actuator, or incorrect lash, is not actually corrected, the engine will derate again even after the code is cleared.
What components make up the Intake Valve Actuation system on these engines?
The IVA system includes a check valve, a pressure sensor, a control valve with a coil and spool, and an actuator under each valve cover, all working together using pressurized engine oil and ECM commands to delay intake valve closing.