Resolving a Freightliner code EEC 61 | JustAnswer Blog (2024)

If you’re driving a Freightliner, code EEC 61 is never a good thing to see

Resolving a Freightliner code EEC 61 | JustAnswer Blog (1)

Long distance trucking is hard work, with tight deadlines and even tighter profit margins. When something goes wrong on a run, like a Freightliner code EEC 61, you need answers and you need them fast. That’s why many truckers turn to the mechanical Experts on JustAnswer when they find themselves in a tough spot, and tens of thousands of people read the pages that are generated from those question sessions.

You can learn a lot about people by looking at their collective behavior. On JustAnswer, the visitors to the questions that are generated from the Expert sessions are an indication of the levels of interest in a given topic. Questions in the tax category, for example, see an unsurprisingly huge jump in visitors during tax season. Categories like this are very reactive to external changes.

Resolving a Freightliner code EEC 61 | JustAnswer Blog (2)
Visitors to the JustAnswer tax category for one year

Resolving a Freightliner code EEC 61 | JustAnswer Blog (3)

Visitors to the JustAnswer heavy equipment category for one year

That pattern is a working pattern. Visits spike on Monday, start to drift a bit as the work week draws to a close, and dip on Saturday and Sunday. The pattern of a person who works hard all week, and rests on the weekends. All week, every week, all year.

Trucking is the lifeblood of the US economy, and JustAnswer is tracking the pulse.


Resolving code EEC 61

So, what keeps people coming to JustAnswer with their heavy equipment questions? Let’s take a look at one of the sessions to figure it out.

The most visited question in the heavy equipment category starts with an error code on a Freightliner, code EEC 61. This is a long-distance trucker’s nightmare; hundreds of miles from the nearest service, over a thousand miles from home base, and a truck that may or may not make the drive.

The Expert in this session is bluextc89, a journeyman in industrial hydraulics repair with over 13 years of experience. He responds with the following information:

“EEC 61 is basically saying there is a problem in the After-treatment control module. This is the module the engine uses for the after-treatment system. Your Check Engine Light, and/or your Maintenance light will be on at the same time.

The maintenance light is the light that looks like a solid yellow engine.

Make sure your DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank is 1/2 to FULL, you have a indicator on your fuel gauge with 4 green squares, this is your DEF level.

If your DEF got low, it will throw an EEC61, but you need to fill the DEF tank 1/2 full or more. After you drive awhile, after 3 key cycles that light should go off. IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM.

If you do not fill it up, the Engine will Derate to 25%, then if you continue to drive, it will derate you to 5 miles per hour.

This is just a little bit of info, hopefully, it is just low of DEF.

If the truck was low on air pressure when you turned the truck off, the DEF system performs a purge routine to clear the lines, if it does not detect air pressure, it will set this also.

It's driveable unless you run into the DEF issue I listed above. If you continue to have a problem, I suggest taking it to the nearest dealer.”

The customer is quickly able to figure out which of the options is the most likely culprit:

“Def 3/4...but...I got the maint. Light after trying for several minutes to move my tandems...so the Low air psi note rang likely in my ears...If it is due to low air psi, will the light go away after the third key cycle? Either way, very good answer...Thank you”

And that’s why people keep come to JustAnswer; fast, reliable information that gets you back on the road quickly.

Resolving a Freightliner code EEC 61 | JustAnswer Blog (4)

Regular maintenance of your engine can help prevent problems later.

Freightliner truck maintenance

Of course, no on-the-spot solution can compare with not needing a repair in the first place. Keeping to a realisticmaintenance schedulewill help you to minimize breakdowns by catching problems before they happen. You should refer to yourowner’s manualto determine the best maintenance and troubleshooting practices for your make and model.

Before each long haul, be sure to check the following:

  • Check your oil level.
  • Check your radiator and overflow bottle. Watch for leaks!
  • Test the air pressure in your tires.
  • Check the fuel vent if the truck has been sitting for a few days.
  • Watch out for vibration or squealing noises from the brakes, and have them checked frequently.

As a vehicle ages, you’ll want to increase the frequency of maintenance checks. If you start to catch fines from the FMCSA for Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) violations, it’s a good sign that you should increase the frequency of your maintenance checks.

If you do find yourself out on a long run, and you encounter a problem like a Freightliner code EEC 61, the Experts on JustAnswer are available at any time to help you with yourheavy equipment questions. When you aren’t sure what your best option is, the knowledgeable advice they provide can help you determine if you can push ahead, or if it’s time to take immediate action.

What’s your worst on-the-road heavy equipment experience? Please share it with us in the comments below.

Resolving a Freightliner code EEC 61 | JustAnswer Blog (2024)

FAQs

How to clear eec 61 code freightliner? ›

This is an aftertreatment code. Make sure your DEF tank is at least half full. Make sure the truck doesn't get shut off with low air pressure or the lines can't purge. Try cycling the key on and off 3 times and see if the code remains.

What does EEC 61 mean on a Freightliner Cascadia? ›

Make sure your DEF tank is 1/2 to FULL, you have a indicator on your fuel guage with 4 green squares, this is your DEF level. If your DEF got low, it will throw a EEC61, but you need to fill the DEF tank 1/2 full or more. After you drive awhile, after 3 key cycles that light should go off. IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM.

What does EEC mean on a semi truck? ›

Electronic Engine Control (EEC)

How do I clear my ECU fault code? ›

Leaving the battery disconnected for a few minutes will ensure the vehicle systems will completely reset when you reconnect the battery. Secure the negative cable back to the terminal and cover it with the cap. Disconnecting the battery will clear the error codes and reset the check engine light.

How to reset check engine light without disconnecting battery? ›

Turn The Car Ignition On And Off Three Times

Another way to reset check engine light without tapping into effort-requiring techniques is restarting the car three times. Put the key in the ignition, turn it on and then off. The very next second, repeat the process. Repeat once more to complete three times in a row.

What is EEC 61 3364 fail 2 FMI? ›

SPN 3364 Fail 2 is telling you that your Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) has a quality issue, or at least that is what the ACM thinks. There are test strips available to test for DEF contamination. Also your DEF pressure sensors, lines DEF nozzle should be checked.

What is ESC on Freightliner? ›

The electronic stability control system monitors your steering wheel input and helps ensure the car goes where you want it to go. ESC activates when it detects a probable loss of steering control.

How do you clear a permanent engine code? ›

Most DTCs can be deleted using an OBD-II scanner, which is a tool used as part of the diagnostic and repair process (allowing mechanics to see if the code returns after a component is replaced, for example). It's also possible to reset a DTC by temporarily disconnecting the vehicle's 12-volt battery.

How do I reset my truck computer? ›

V. How to Reset Your ECM
  1. Turn off the vehicle and ensure all electrical components are switched off.
  2. Locate the battery and identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
  3. Disconnect the negative terminal first.
  4. Wait for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Reconnect the battery terminals, starting with the positive terminal first.
Sep 27, 2023

What is the code 61 on a freightliner? ›

Fault Code 61 indicates a failure with the circuit controlling the Rail Motor and the side-to-side movement of the X-Y Shift Finger. Read below to learn how to test, clear and fix fault code errors for your Freightliner, Mack, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, International, and heavy-duty truck and equipment.

What is the EEC on an engine? ›

The EEC keeps your engine running at peak efficiency for your operational environment by evaluating input from engine and environment sensors hundreds of times per second. Those same sensors can provide valuable input as to the health of your powerplant.

What does the EEC relay control? ›

The EEC relay sends power to the PCM, MAF, fuel pump relay, cooling fan relay, WOT relay, injectors, ignition system and oxygen sensors when the ignition is switched on.

How do I clear a DTC code? ›

Most DTCs can be deleted using an OBD-II scanner, which is a tool used as part of the diagnostic and repair process (allowing mechanics to see if the code returns after a component is replaced, for example). It's also possible to reset a DTC by temporarily disconnecting the vehicle's 12-volt battery.

How do I clear my Eaton code? ›

Clearing Fault Codes Manually
  1. Place shift lever in neutral.
  2. Set parking brake.
  3. Turn key on with engine off.
  4. Turn key off and on 6 times within 5 seconds ending with key on. ...
  5. Turn the key off and allow the system to power.
May 24, 2023

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