DTC 113 — Electrical System B+ Voltage Out of Range – Low — International DT466E
DTC 113 on International DT466E (1996–2003) indicates the ECM is seeing battery voltage below its valid range. Low B+ can affect injector drive and starting…
What it means
On the DT466E, DTC 113 means battery voltage at the ECM is below its valid range. This is a Navistar three-digit flash code, not an OBD-II P-code. Typical on this platform: weak batteries, a failing alternator or poor battery/ground connections; low voltage also hurts injector drive and starting.1
Most likely causes
- Weak or discharged batteries — Aged or discharged batteries cannot hold voltage under load, causing ECM B+ to read low at idle or during cranking.1
- Failing alternator or voltage regulator — Reduced charging output lets system voltage sag, especially with electrical loads on.1
- Poor battery or chassis/engine ground connections — Corrosion, loose terminals or damaged cables raise resistance and drop voltage seen by the ECM.1
- High-resistance positive feed to the ECM — Oxidized or loose power distribution points, fusible links or battery cables can starve the ECM of B+.1
How to diagnose
- Verify the code is active and note freeze-frame conditions (engine off, idle, or under load).
- Measure battery open-circuit voltage and voltage during cranking; compare to spec.
- Check charging voltage at the battery with engine running at fast idle and loads on; look for low output.
- Inspect battery terminals, chassis and engine grounds, and ECM power feeds for corrosion, looseness or heat damage.
- Load-test batteries and test alternator output; repair/replace as needed, then clear codes and retest.
- If voltage is normal but DTC 113 returns, inspect wiring and connectors between battery and ECM for intermittent high resistance.
- Document results and confirm no related low-voltage symptoms remain.
Specs and test values
| Check | Normal reading | When to measure | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery and charging voltage | 12.6–12.7 V at rest when fully charged; about 13.5 V running | Engine off, then running with loads on | DieselHub |
Parts and tools you may need
- Digital multimeter
- Battery load tester
- Alternator tester
- Terminal cleaning brush
- Basic hand tools
Tools you’ll need
- digital multimeter — Measures battery open-circuit, cranking, and charging voltages to confirm ECM under-voltage conditions.
- battery load tester — Identifies weak or discharged batteries that can cause ECM voltage to drop below valid range.
- alternator tester — Checks alternator output and voltage regulator performance under load to rule out charging faults.
- wire brush — Cleans corrosion from battery terminals, chassis and engine grounds, and ECM power feeds to restore proper voltage.
Rough cost and difficulty
| Likely repair | Parts | Shop labor | Who usually does it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring or connector repair | $10–$100 | 1–4 hrs | DIY with tools and a manual |
| Battery or charging-system repair | $150–$500 | 0.5–2 hrs | Easy DIY |
Typical US independent-shop figures; labor runs about $140–$200 per hour (dealers charge more). Confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.
When to see a pro
If voltage tests are inconclusive, wiring faults are suspected, or the code returns after parts replacement, have a qualified diesel technician diagnose the charging and ECM power circuits. Do not attempt repairs on high-pressure oil or injector circuits for this code.
Check for recalls
Recalls are tied to your truck’s VIN, so check yours directly: enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. Open safety recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
Sources
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