John Deere Engines SPN4766FMI16 Fault Code: DOC Outlet Temperature Moderately High
Also called Engine Shutdown Commanded by Application
DOC Outlet Temperature Moderately High · ai-assisted, editor-reviewed · Last updated 2026-07-13
TL;DR
SPN 4766 FMI 16 means the John Deere engine ECU has detected that the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) outlet temperature is moderately high during an active regeneration event. It is set as a Warning-level code, and the ECU responds by trying to hold proper operating conditions and blocking further purges or regenerations for that key cycle.
Medium severity. This is logged as a Warning, not a stop-engine code. The ECU keeps running but locks out regeneration and purge events for the rest of that key cycle, so left unaddressed it can lead to repeated incomplete regenerations and DPF loading issues over time.
What does John Deere Engines error code SPN4766FMI16 mean?
SPN 4766 FMI 16 is set when the engine control unit detects that the exhaust temperature coming out of the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is higher than expected while a regeneration is in progress. The DOC is part of the aftertreatment system that helps convert exhaust gases and assists in burning off soot collected in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) during regeneration.
The ECU only runs this specific diagnostic while the engine is operating in a transient condition during an active regeneration, so it is tied directly to how the aftertreatment system is behaving in that moment rather than to a steady idle condition.
Because this is flagged as a Warning, the engine keeps running. The control module response is to try to maintain proper operating conditions and to stop any further purge or regeneration events from starting for the remainder of that key cycle, which protects the aftertreatment hardware from a worse overheat condition.
What triggers a John Deere Engines SPN4766FMI16 code?
The code sets when the ignition is on, the engine is running, and a regeneration is occurring. The ECU performs this diagnostic specifically while the engine is in a transient operating condition during that regeneration.
Common causes of SPN4766FMI16
- Bad exhaust filter temperature module (the listed possible cause for this code).
How to troubleshoot John Deere Engines SPN4766FMI16: first checks
- Check for any other active or stored fault codes tied to the troubleshooting sequence for this code, including codes for SPN 27, SPN 51, SPN 102, SPN 103, SPN 105, SPN 108, SPN 412, SPN 1172, SPN 1176, SPN 1209, SPN 2659, SPN 2629, SPN 2630, and SPN 2795, since these are meant to be reviewed first.
- Check for SPN 522494 FMI 9, SPN 4766 FMI 12, SPN 3936 (FMI 0, 15, or 16), and SPN 5018 (FMI 0, 15, or 16), all of which are part of the same troubleshooting sequence and can point to the underlying issue.
- Inspect the exhaust filter temperature module and its wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion, or looseness, since a bad temperature module is the specific possible cause listed for this fault.
- Confirm the regeneration event that triggered the code and note whether it happened under a transient load condition, since that is when this diagnostic runs.
- Have the machine's diagnostic history pulled with a John Deere service tool to see the full list of active and stored codes before doing any component replacement.
How the code clears
No separate clearing step is listed for this code. Since the ECU blocks purges and regenerations for the key cycle in which the fault became active, a normal next step is to address the related codes and possible cause, then allow a new key cycle so the ECU can attempt purges and regenerations again. No manual reset procedure beyond that is described.
Frequently asked questions
What does SPN 4766 FMI 16 mean on a John Deere engine?
It means the engine ECU has detected that the DOC outlet temperature is moderately high while a regeneration is happening. It is logged as a Warning-level code, not an immediate shutdown.
Can I keep operating the machine with this code active?
The engine keeps running since this is a Warning, not a stop-engine code. However, the ECU will block further purges and regenerations for that key cycle, so the aftertreatment system will not fully clean itself until the underlying issue is resolved and a new key cycle occurs.
What is the listed cause of SPN 4766 FMI 16?
The only possible cause listed is a bad exhaust filter temperature module.
Does this code affect DPF regeneration?
Yes. Once this fault becomes active, the ECU inhibits purges and regenerations from occurring for the rest of that key cycle while it tries to maintain proper operating conditions.
What other codes should I check if I get SPN 4766 FMI 16?
John Deere lists a troubleshooting sequence that includes any DTC with SPN 27, 51, 102, 103, 105, 108, 412, 1172, 1176, 1209, 2659, 2629, 2630, and 2795, plus SPN 522494 FMI 9, SPN 4766 FMI 12, SPN 3936 (FMI 0, 15, 16), and SPN 5018 (FMI 0, 15, 16). These should be reviewed alongside SPN 4766 FMI 16.
When does the ECU actually run this diagnostic?
Only when the ignition is on, the engine is running, and a regeneration is occurring, specifically while the engine is operating in a transient condition during that regeneration.
Is there a manual reset procedure for this code?
No reset procedure is listed for this code. Addressing the possible cause and related codes, then completing a new key cycle, is the described path back to normal purge and regeneration operation.