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Code readers

I'm breaking this off from my thread about the Detroit shutting down quickly.

Pierce has suggested that I get a code reader, so I asked about them while at O'Reilly's today. The store manager suggested this one: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BOST/OBD1300/N0664.oap?ck=Search_code+readers%21s%21scanners_-1_4329&keyword=code+readers%21s%21scanners and mentioned that I might be able to find one online for less. This one is $300 and has quite an assortment of connectors so that (I think) I can use it on more than just the Foretravel.

I checked Amazon and found this one: Amazon.com: Actron CP9690 Trilingual OBD I/OBD II Elite AUTOSCANNER Pro Kit...

There are some that are cheaper, but I suspect that they may not handle my older coach. Pierce has mentioned the Pro-Link 9000, but those seem to be difficult to find, so I'm looking at other options.

Your thoughts?

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Re: Code readers

Reply #1 –
I'm on the road with cell. Message or call Jerry M
P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Code readers

Reply #2 –
You're not going to find the prolink at an auto parts store it is now manufactured by nexiq you will want to look on eBay and you should be able to find one that will suit your purpose for under a couple hundred dollars if your coolant low switch is a 2-wire unplug it and try jumping the two pans in the harness and see if coach will start and run this would verify it's a low coolant issues
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Code readers

Reply #3 –
NONE of those listed will work.

Heavy duty stuff isn't not OBDII like autos.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Code readers

Reply #4 –
David,

I spent many days researching what would work on our coaches and what would not. I purchased two readers with several cartridges but no user manual for the Detroit cartridge. Snap-On is the parent company now but they have no interest in supporting a legacy product, only supplying a new tool at well over $1000. I played and played getting some use out of them but finally found someone with a complete manual. I copied it and made it into PDF format which I am glad to share.

Jerry Maddux of Gulfport, MS also bought a complete unit and made an outstanding copy of the user manual. His came with a printer which he was also able to document. Since that time, both of us have tried to support members who have purchased similar units in any way we can so no one has to reinvent the wheel.

So, while we don't have all the answers, we do know what will work that is inexpensive to purchase and operate. Yes, there are other options with current products but to date I have not been able to find any that will do what the Pro-Link will for a reasonable price. As all the Foretravels with the Detroit 2-cycle have the DDEC II ECU and are 1994 or earlier, I didn't think owners would be interested in a high ticket item. China is a low cost source that some shops have used but I don't know yet what will work and what won't. Don't want to make a mistake ordering from that far away.

For reading data, Silverleaf makes an excellent product with programmable alarms, etc. Nice display on a laptop. One of the Bluebird/Wanderlodge members also makes a bluetooth capable unit for Detroit 60 series as well as the 92 series utilizing an Apple iPad. While these units display a lot of information on the screen, they can't do the diagnostics the Pro-Link can.

If the unit purchased does not come with the OBD II to GM 12 pin adapter, you will need one of these to be able to connect to the Foretravel U300 under dash port: GM 12-PIN OBD1 to 16-PIN OBD2 ADAPTER CABLE. OBD OBDII convertor scan tool...

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Code readers

Reply #5 –
Bill Chaplin has both systems.  Maybe he can share some of his expertise.  He sent me a picture of a C-124 " Old Shaky flight engineer's work station.  No digital readout and all analog gauges!

Jerry
The selected media item is not currently available.
Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"

Re: Code readers

Reply #6 –
I have the prolink plus. MPSI originally made these. Then they were bought out by NEXIQ.
You can search Ebay or Craigslist MPSI or NEXIQ with the word prolink, or scanner etc. Theres one on Ebay with the DDEC II DDEC III cartridge for asking 175.00 but its missing the cable but the cartridge is worth that . You can source the cables elsewhere,you might make offer on it and be accepted.
MPSI prolink for detroit diesel | eBay
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit