John Deere Engines SPN1568FMI9 Fault Code: Torque Curve Selection Invalid
Also called Torque Curve Selection Missing
Torque Curve Selection Invalid · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
SPN 1568 FMI 9 means the John Deere engine ECU either never received torque curve selection data over the CAN network from another controller, or the data it got was not valid. On some machines this same fault shows as DTC 001569.09. The engine keeps running but drops to a default torque curve, which on many applications means reduced power.
Medium severity. The engine stays running and is not in immediate danger, but it may be limited to a lower power torque curve until the underlying CAN communication issue is fixed. Treat it as a diagnose-this-shift item, especially if reduced power is affecting the job.
What does John Deere Engines error code SPN1568FMI9 mean?
This code is about communication, not about the engine itself failing. The ECU can run the engine on more than one torque curve, and it relies on another controller on the machine to tell it, over the CAN network, which curve to use. SPN 1568 FMI 9 sets when that message either never arrives or arrives with invalid data.
When this happens, the ECU does not shut the engine down. Instead it falls back to a default torque curve so the machine keeps working. Depending on the application, that default curve can be a lower power setting, so the operator may notice the machine feels weaker or slower to respond than normal.
Because the fault originates in a message from another controller rather than in the engine's own sensors, fixing it usually means looking at the whole CAN network and the other controllers on the machine, not just the engine ECU.
Common causes of SPN1568FMI9
- Other active or stored fault codes on the engine ECU or on another controller on the machine are interfering with or blocking the torque curve selection message over CAN
- A bad ECU, if no other CAN or vehicle related codes are found to explain the missing or invalid message
- An active CAN Bus Error code on the network, which on some applications is logged separately and can cause the torque curve selection message to be lost
How to troubleshoot John Deere Engines SPN1568FMI9: first checks
- Connect the diagnostic service tool with the ignition ON and engine OFF, and start the ECU communication software before doing anything else
- Read all diagnostic trouble codes on the engine ECU, not just SPN 1568 FMI 9
- Check every other controller on the machine for active or stored DTCs, especially any CAN Bus related code, since clearing those first often resolves this one
- If a CAN Bus Error code is active, address that fault first using its own diagnostic procedure before returning to this code
- If no other stored or active CAN or vehicle related codes are found anywhere on the machine, the ECU itself is the likely cause and should be replaced and retested
How the code clears
No separate clearing step is listed beyond fixing the root cause. Once the other controller correctly sends valid torque curve selection data over CAN, or once any related CAN or controller faults are resolved, the code should stop being active. If no other codes explain the problem, the repair path listed is to replace the ECU and retest.
Frequently asked questions
What does SPN 1568 FMI 9 mean on a John Deere engine?
It means the engine's ECU did not receive valid torque curve selection information over the CAN network from another controller on the machine. The message was either missing entirely or contained invalid data.
Will the engine shut down when this code sets?
No. The ECU automatically selects a default torque curve so the engine keeps running. Depending on the machine, that default curve may deliver less power than normal.
Why does my machine feel weaker after this code appears?
Because the ECU has fallen back to a default torque curve, which on many applications is a lower power curve. This is intentional so the engine keeps operating safely without the selection data it needs.
Is DTC 001569.09 the same problem as SPN 1568 FMI 9?
On some applications, yes. John Deere notes that 001569.09 may display for the same Torque Curve Selection Invalid condition, so the diagnostic steps for SPN 1568 FMI 9 apply.
Do I need to check other fault codes before replacing parts?
Yes. This is the most important step. Check every controller on the machine for active or stored codes, especially CAN Bus related codes, and resolve those first. Many cases of this fault clear once another code is fixed.
When is ECU replacement actually necessary?
Only after confirming there are no other active or stored CAN or vehicle related codes anywhere on the machine that could explain the missing torque curve data. If the ECU checks out clean on that front, replacement and retesting is the listed next step.