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Topic: How do I check the trouble codes (Read 458 times) previous topic - next topic

How do I check the trouble codes

Hi all,

I kid you not, the first start after I got my steering box rebuild the check engine light come on. My dream is turning into a nightmare. I noticed that it didn't start right up like it normally does but it started and seemed to idle normally. I drove it up and down the street and when coming back up the hill on my street I noticed a sever lack of power. Anyway the Cummins manual say you can check the error codes using the stop engine and check engine lights but I don't see how to enable the error reporting mode. In the manual there is a switch but I don't see anything like that. Rudy suggested it's under the dash cover but wasn't sure how to do it. So this is my long winded way of asking you folk what's the secret handshake for the getting the error codes?

John
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #1 –

So the cover over your dash is removable. They are getting old and brittle. You don't have to force to remove but they can be difficult. They kinda just fit in place without any latches or locks. I always start at the outer base and kinda slip it up. Once you have the cover off on the inside structure on the left side you will see two black rocker switches. Before you do anything mark the current switch position. Neither switch is labeled. You will have to use the search function  in the forum to to get the directions on how to use your switches. I purchased a simple Code reader and plug into the data plug to see what is going on in regards to codes. I just prefer to see the code and have the capability to clear it. I've only tried to use the switch / pulse method once.  \ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QQJNLZT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sorry I'm not much more help

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Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #2 –
To remove the dash hump i use a putty knife and put it in the seam between the hump and the flat portion of the dash starting near the pullout tray.  You do have to be careful because its made of a softer vinyl covering over a harder plastic.  Definitely takes some fiddling.  Once you figure it out its pretty easy to pop off and back on as needed.  Also you won't go far with it unless you disconnect the air ducts from the registers.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #3 –
Steve just did a priority Wiki addition for this question:

Engine Codes

Note the horizontal switch off by itself in the photo is probably the momentary Javalina calibration "short to ground" switch.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #4 –
From your description I'd change the fuel filters first, that's easy and inexpensive. FYI both primary and secondary filters.
David Bethard
2003 U320 - 40ft. Build #6159
ISM 500hp
2006 Jeep Liberty CRD
2021 Honda Goldwing DCT

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #5 –
Thanks for the comments.

Yes I'm going to change the fuel filters first chance I get. Already bought the filters. I'd like to get one of those clear fuel water separators so you can actually inspect the fuel without having to disassemble anything.
 
Quote from: dsd –
...I purchased a simple Code reader and plug into the data plug to see what is going on in regards to codes. I just prefer to see the code and have the capability to clear it...

This seems like the best idea since I'm probably going to need to do this more than once. Perhaps the ScanGauge-D is a good option. I like it because it can easily be made a somewhat permanent run time monitor. Question though, where is the data port located?

John
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #6 –
Look up under the dash by the placard by the drivers knee. Should be in that location.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #7 –
Quote from: rbark –
Look up under the dash by the placard by the drivers knee. Should be in that location.
There will be three plugs. The two round ones have different plug connectors. That scan tool I mentioned has both plugs. I use the one with more pins. That same connector with the more pins is also located on the engine on my ISM on the passenger side towards the axle. Don't know about yours but guessing it has one also. I've never used the gray square plug under the dash connectors but I think it also enables even more information.

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #8 –
Fuel or air normally the issue. Check the air filter first is the easiest to do.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #9 –
The "check engine light" coming on after working on your "steering box rebuild" does not necessarily mean it can be resolved by a fuel filter change. It sounds like your ECM put your engine in protective mode, which makes it feel like it lost power, leading to thoughts of contaminated fuel.

If the fuel filters are around 12 months old, you may want to change them anyway. However, aftermarket code readers are not Cummins approved and are less than 95% accurate. Furthermore, I would not use any of them to clear codes, as this will also erase trace data. If you end up at Cummins (as I did this week), you want that trace data to be available for the Cummins technicians.

I am about to write extensively about my recent experience in another thread that I started about my issue and how it was resolved. The short version is, if your Cummins ECU puts the engine into limp mode, I highly recommend taking it to an authorized Cummins service center. They have the Cummins Inside tool to read the codes, clear the codes, fix the problem, and get your engine out of limp mode.

Good luck!
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #10 –
Quote from: propman –
The "check engine light" coming on after working on your "steering box rebuild" does not necessarily mean it can be resolved by a fuel filter change. It sounds like your ECM put your engine in protective mode, which makes it feel like it lost power, leading to thoughts of contaminated fuel.

I have a hard time understanding why a steering gear repair would be detected by the ECM. I think this was a coincidence. I suppose it is possible that the mobile tech abused it somehow which cause something to fail. The coach is new to me so I don't know how old the filters are so changing them seems like a good idea anyway. After that I'll check the codes (but not clear them). If I can't makes sense of the codes a Cummins shop visit is in my near future. Good to know that there is a limp mode. Is there a way to know for sure if it's in limp mode?

John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: How do I check the trouble codes

Reply #11 –
In a word, "yes" you'll be restricted to a reduced speed.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel