{"id":998,"date":"2026-04-12T15:20:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T19:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/?page_id=998"},"modified":"2026-04-12T15:20:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T19:20:23","slug":"detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/","title":{"rendered":"SPN 3720 FMI 16 \u2013 DPF Soot Load Percent High"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-fault-codes-dd13-dd15-dd16\/\">\u2190 Back to Detroit Diesel Fault Codes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 indicates that the calculated soot load percentage inside the Diesel Particulate Filter has exceeded the acceptable threshold. This code appears on DD13, DD15, and DD16 engines and represents the ECM&#8217;s percentage based calculation of DPF soot loading. When this percentage rises above acceptable limits regeneration is required to prevent derate conditions and potential DPF damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check engine light on <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DPF or regen warning light illuminated <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regeneration request active Reduced engine performance <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine derate possible if soot percentage continues to rise <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May appear alongside DPF differential pressure codes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This code triggers when the ECM calculates the DPF soot load percentage has risen above the acceptable threshold based on differential pressure readings and engine operating data. Common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frequent short trips preventing passive regeneration <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive idling not allowing exhaust temperatures to reach regen levels <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failed or incomplete active regeneration cycles <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faulty DPF differential pressure sensor affecting soot calculations <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine running rich causing accelerated soot production <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regen inhibit switch preventing regeneration cycles <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partially clogged DPF reducing regen effectiveness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Keep Driving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limited driving is possible but soot load percentage will continue to rise without a successful regeneration. A parked regeneration should be performed as soon as safely possible to prevent escalation to a more severe derate condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perform a parked regeneration as soon as possible ensuring the inhibit switch is off and fuel level is adequate. If the regen completes successfully and the code clears monitor for recurrence. If soot load percentage continues to rise after successful regens have the DPF differential pressure sensor, engine fueling system, and DPF condition inspected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776021351224\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What does Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 mean?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It means the ECM has calculated that the percentage of soot accumulated inside the DPF has exceeded the acceptable threshold and regeneration is required to prevent further escalation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776021352653\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What causes SPN 3720 FMI 16?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The most common causes are frequent short trips, excessive idling, failed regeneration cycles, a faulty differential pressure sensor, or engine conditions causing excessive soot production.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776021352397\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I keep driving with SPN 3720 FMI 16?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Short distances are possible but a parked regeneration should be performed as soon as safely possible to reduce soot load percentage before more severe codes and derate conditions develop.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776021352189\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will SPN 3720 FMI 16 cause a derate?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes if soot load percentage continues to rise without a successful regeneration the ECM will trigger progressive derate conditions to protect the DPF.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776021351972\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I clear SPN 3720 FMI 16?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Perform a successful parked regeneration to reduce soot load percentage. The code should clear once the ECM calculates soot has dropped below the threshold. If it returns frequently investigate the underlying cause of excessive soot accumulation.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3713-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-high\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3713-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-high\/\">SPN 3713 FMI 16<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3713-fmi-18-dpf-soot-load-critical\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3713-fmi-18-dpf-soot-load-critical\/\">SPN 3713 FMI 18 <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3719-fmi-0\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3719-fmi-0\/\">SPN 3719 FMI 0 <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3250-fmi-16-dpf-differential-pressure-high\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3250-fmi-16-dpf-differential-pressure-high\/\">SPN 3250 FMI 16 <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-4766-fmi-31-dpf-active-regeneration-inhibited\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-4766-fmi-31-dpf-active-regeneration-inhibited\/\">SPN 4766 FMI 31<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need Immediate Help With This Fault Code?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your engine is derating, losing power, or unable to complete regeneration, don\u2019t risk further damage or costly downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use 4RoadService to locate mobile truck repair, dealer diagnostics, or emergency roadside assistance near your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-off-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/truck-dealers\">Find Truck Repair Near Me<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/truck-repair\">Find Mobile Road Service<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Notice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and should not replace official OEM service procedures. Always consult the manufacturer\u2019s service manual or a qualified diesel technician before performing repairs. Operating a vehicle with active fault codes may result in further damage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2190 Back to Detroit Diesel Fault Codes Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 indicates that the calculated soot load percentage inside the Diesel Particulate Filter has exceeded the acceptable threshold. This code appears on DD13, DD15, and DD16 engines and represents the ECM&#8217;s percentage based calculation of DPF soot loading. When this percentage rises above &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">SPN 3720 FMI 16 \u2013 DPF Soot Load Percent High<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-998","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 \u2013 DPF Soot Load Percent High<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 means DPF soot load percent is too high. 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Learn symptoms, causes, derate risk and how to fix it.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"4RoadService Resources\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4roadservice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-12T19:20:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/logo-sidebar@2x.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"380\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"64\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@4RoadService\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.4roadservice.com\\\/resources\\\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.4roadservice.com\\\/resources\\\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\\\/\",\"name\":\"Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 \u2013 DPF Soot Load Percent High\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.4roadservice.com\\\/resources\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-12T19:20:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-12T19:20:23+00:00\",\"description\":\"Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 means DPF soot load percent is too high. 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Resources for Truck Drivers","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/#organization","name":"4RoadService.com","url":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/blog.4roadservice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/logo-sidebar@2x.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/blog.4roadservice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/logo-sidebar@2x.png","width":380,"height":64,"caption":"4RoadService.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4roadservice","https:\/\/x.com\/4RoadService"]},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021351224","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021351224","name":"What does Detroit Diesel SPN 3720 FMI 16 mean?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It means the ECM has calculated that the percentage of soot accumulated inside the DPF has exceeded the acceptable threshold and regeneration is required to prevent further escalation.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021352653","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021352653","name":"What causes SPN 3720 FMI 16?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The most common causes are frequent short trips, excessive idling, failed regeneration cycles, a faulty differential pressure sensor, or engine conditions causing excessive soot production.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021352397","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021352397","name":"Can I keep driving with SPN 3720 FMI 16?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Short distances are possible but a parked regeneration should be performed as soon as safely possible to reduce soot load percentage before more severe codes and derate conditions develop.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021352189","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021352189","name":"Will SPN 3720 FMI 16 cause a derate?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes if soot load percentage continues to rise without a successful regeneration the ECM will trigger progressive derate conditions to protect the DPF.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021351972","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/detroit-diesel-spn-3720-fmi-16-dpf-soot-load-percent-high\/#faq-question-1776021351972","name":"How do I clear SPN 3720 FMI 16?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Perform a successful parked regeneration to reduce soot load percentage. The code should clear once the ECM calculates soot has dropped below the threshold. If it returns frequently investigate the underlying cause of excessive soot accumulation.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P6wicq-g6","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=998"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/998\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1003,"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/998\/revisions\/1003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4roadservice.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}