Diagnostic tool

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by kwforage, Jan 2, 2013.

  1. kwforage

    kwforage Road Train Member

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    I have a OBDII reader that I plug into my laptop to check codes, parameters, temps, ect on my vehicles. Is there something similar I can get for trucks? Not looking to make changes to ECM, just check codes, temps and such. Would be using it in a couple older E model Cats in Petes.
     
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  3. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    yep, but not OBD-II (OBD-II is used on Euro Trucks but not at all). You need J1708/J1939 code reader. You can use small cheap Chenese readers.

    But.... on many trucks dashboards are simple code readers....)
     
  4. rebel127

    rebel127 Light Load Member

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    MNdriver Thanks this.
  5. dgc

    dgc Light Load Member

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    I use a cat pocket tec..not sure if they still make them, ive had mine for years.. the cat part # on the box is 240-9946 you would still need to buy a palm pilotto attach to it
     
  6. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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  7. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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  8. rebel127

    rebel127 Light Load Member

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    monroe ct
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    Looks like a good tool for codes. Have you used one?
     
  9. rebel127

    rebel127 Light Load Member

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    I spoke with someone today that uses the scan gauge D and for the money it sounds like every body should have one for basic code reading. It doesn't show stored faults from what I'm told but when your down and need answers it could be a big help.
     
  10. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    I have the ScanGaugeD in my truck. Really nice tool, and about the cheapest way to go. I got it for $159 and free shipping. Easy to plug up and situate it where you want. It will read and show codes, and you can clear out inactive codes. If a code crops up, the display will alert you that a new code has been detected, and you can select to view the code number with an option to clear the code. Many engines will kick out a code for little things that are not a problem, like maybe a one time low fuel pressure that is not a problem but more about what you were doing at the time. If you can't clear the code, it is an active one that needs immediate attention. If you get the same code frequently, even though you can clear it, then something is going on that needs looked at. Yes, it will show stored codes. If there are active and inactive codes in the ECM, it will show them.

    There are a lot of information parameters you can select to view. And it keeps track of multiple trips for fuel mileage, cost per mile, etc. There are a lot of things that little device will do. Definately worth taking a look at and see if it will do what you want. I would say it is almost a "must have" for those that do not have a large selection of gauges on the dash to tell them everything. It is simple in it's design, but it packs a lot of features. Even though I have more gauges on my dash than the space shuttle (well, maybe not that many), I still use the ScanGaugeD and would not choose to be without it now that I have used it for a while.

    I got sold on the scangauge a few years ago when I put one in my '06 Jeep Liberty Diesel. The one for the trucks has a lot more features.
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2013
    rickybobby, rebel127 and Scrapper Thank this.
  11. truckmechanic

    truckmechanic Medium Load Member

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    Hi Desert Ca
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    I got a scan tool from matco tools it was about 450 just shows and clears codes best bet is a lap top with tour engines manufacture program then you can do tour own troubleshooting
     
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