Check Engine Light Question

[Dave1956]

All:

On a recent trip, about two hours into hwy driving, I felt a slight engine shudder followed by a check engine light. A quick inspection of gauges showed only my exhaust temps gauge moving radically up and down (300 ISB with Banks). I pulled over and shutdown for about 15 minutes. I restarted no light, no engine problems, so I moved on to our home with two days of driving and no further issues. I keep all filters, fluids, etc serviced and up to date.

Before I take it to Freightliner in Bryan Tx., can I get some advise?

1. Any ideas about what might have happend?
2. Is it worth the 90 minute drive and $106.00 to tell me what the codes are?
3. Do I have any other options for checking the codes myself? I see these devices for sale for cars?

Thanks,

Dave

[SNAPPY]

Maybe try this.

VMSpc | SilverLeaf Electronics, Inc.

[Theberrys]

This will let you read the codes.
ScanGaugeD - Advanced J1939 & J1708 compatible Vehicle Monitor for Diesel Pusher Vehicles : Linear Logic

Dick

[KIX]

VMSpc x 2

[Mr_D]

VMSpc X 3

[Theberrys]

I can't find a price on the VMSpc web site. It's always a bit scary when the supplier is afraid to publish the price without giving a pitch. Any of you guys know how much it costs?
Dick

[Dave1956]

With both of these devices, do they have some sort of a "translation" for the codes that my FLXC and Cummins 300 are logging?

[Theberrys]

Originally Posted by Dave1956

With both of these devices, do they have some sort of a "translation" for the codes that my FLXC and Cummins 300 are logging?

This link may be of some help. Cummins Codes - Fault codes by engine model.

Dick

[Dave1956]

great thanks!

[Dave1956]

I installed the ScanGauge and discovered that there was no error or trouble code! So I am assuming that not all "check-engine" lights result with an error code?

[dennis45]

I have had the same "Check Engine" light and engine de-rate issue happen a few times. I took it into Cummins in Messa, AZ and $150 later they determined there were no fault codes logged and could not find any problems. When they looked at the ECM history, there were NO fault codes logged during the life of the engine.

It has happened a couple of times since.

So, now I pull off the road when it is safe and convenient, shut off the engine for a few minutes and re-start. The Check Engine light clears and everything is normal. On down the road we go.

I have tried cleaning all the electrical connections and still have had it occur. I believe it originates from the "Low Coolant Sensor" but have not been able to prove.
When the problem happens I have tested the sensor and it is OK. IMO, this is the only sensor that can fault and then clear itself and cause the "Check Engine" light to come on. When it causes the Check Engine fault, the engine goes into de-rate. Turning the switch off and on, clears the fault and we are back to square one.

I don't think the sensor is faulty. I believe the problem is due to the location of the low coolant sensor in the surge tank.
It is located directly in the flow from the engine into the tank and I think that under certain conditions, the change in flow will cause the sensor to "bounce" enough that it trips the alarm and causes the fault but re-sets itself. However, now that the Check Engine fault has occurred, the only way to clear is to shut down and re-start.

Each time this happens, all Pressures and Temperatures are normal and there is no fault code recorded in the ECM.

[geezerb]

Will discharged chassis batteries cause the CEL to light? And, can it be extinguished by removing the batteries charging and re-installing them? It is in storage for a bit more so over the road is not part of the problem.

Geezerb

[rdkng88]

I had the same problem engine light then lower power shut off reset and on my way. After three years of frustration and some terrible information I finally broke down right in-front of a RV and Diesel repair shop. Just so happened I had to exit due to the issue and drove into this shop. Ended up the timing sensor a $49.00 item can you believe ? I had been convinced by another repair shop that it was the fuel pump and the lift pump $2400.00 later and I still had the same problem and a very dirty motor home.

[KoolBell]

During our walk-thru with the dealer prior to driving off with my coach, I was warned that on occasion steep grades may cause the coolant fluid level warning light to show an erroneous check engine warning.

The advice I was given suggested that I pull over when I got to more level ground, let the engine run down to clear the oil from the turbines, and then shut her down for a few minutes. 5- 10 is what was recommended. Then start her back up, and away I could go.

I have not encountered any steep grades along the southern coast yet, although I am planning to take a trip this summer to the mountains in West Virginia.