How are Engine Idle Hours logged in the ECM on the truck?

Well I know with my Western Star it records any time you are stopped but running as idle time.

I can't idle this thing because all it ever wants to do is regen even when it's working, so I always shut it off.

But when you look at my idle time as recorded by the ECM you would think i was an idiot because it looks like I idle 7 hours a day. Any PTO time, stop lights, etc all recorded as idling.

Good way to deny you emission system warranty.

 

You might be able to create a hot enough working conditions by running your engine on cruise RPM Set no less than 1250. That should generate the necessary temperatures to process the fluids and so on and keep your rig happy. Instead of all clogged up like a bad episode of Jefferson trying to clear a plumber.

 

Thanks. When I idle I have it at 1000 RPM. I would need to get it reset if I need higher than that because 1000 is as high as it will let me bump it up.

And with mine, even 1000 RPM records it as idling time. It's a DD15 Detroit.

 

Any ECM printouts I have seen do break out PTO time, but if you are referring to an on-board readout it may not show that detail.

 

Ya not sure how this Detroit prints out. I'm just going off the DataStar. My dealer must be too then because they have made comments to me about the idling. And I shut it off every time I park.
Only idling is when I start it in winter to get the DEF thawing otherwise I get check engine lights as soon as I hit the highway. And the PTO time, and idling as I am getting pushed by asphalt spreaders.

 

It could be the PTO parameters are not enabled in the ECM, so it isn't properly recording PTO time. This would be most likely if the PTO was installed by a third-party. I've had several trucks where I asked the dealer to enable/disable certain ECM parameters.

 

Yes, that is most likely as my PTO's are installed by the dump body installers.
I know my Paystar was like that because i had a PTO time display on my dash that never registered anything.