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Topic: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.  (Read 333 times) previous topic - next topic

Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Does anyone know/remember about how to monitor engine and transmission through hooking up laptop with some software. There was a Way I heard about around 10 years ago but now I can't find it. 

Thanks

James
Now 1999 U320 36' with ISM/M11
600 amps hours of lithium ion batteries.
Jeep gladiator tow vehicle for exploring.

Re: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Reply #1 –
Not with your '96 non electronic.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Reply #2 –
James,

The Cummins 8.3L engine came in pure mechanical and semi-electronic versions.  Different model years - different versions of same basic engine.  Use the Forum search function (top right corner of each page) and search for terms like "OBD port" or "VMspc" or "Silverleaf" you will find many discussions on this subject.  You will need to determine exactly what version of the 8.3 you have, and what the diagnostic port under your dash looks like.  Both these factors will determine what, if any, info could be displayed by a monitoring system.  See thread linked below to get you started:

VMSpc
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Reply #3 –
Im guessing that the transmission may have a data port, but I dont know.

Re: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Reply #4 –
If you want to know what version of the 8.3 you have, look at the engine data plate for the "CPL" number and other good-to-know info.

See below for plate location (QuickServe example is the plate for my engine):


1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Reply #5 –
After you find the engine data plate, you can go to Cummins QuickServe Online and register your engine.  All you need is your ESN (located top line on the data  plate).
There is no charge and you will have access to a wealth of information about your specific engine - exactly the same info the Cummins techs can see on the computer in the repair shop.
Go to the page below and click on "Create An Account" over on left side of page.

Cummins QuickServe Online

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Laptop hook up to monitor 8.3 Cummins and Allison transmission.

Reply #6 –
You probably have a Cummins 6CTAC8.3 315hp which is all mechanical with no data port for the engine. The transmission will be controlled by a computer. As Chuck says, Quickserve knows all about your engine. I had to clean up and then shoot a photo of the engine data plate because it is very difficult to read.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.