Community Forums

DFR · 08-02-2008, 04:11 AM

Does anyone know which code reader I would need for my 07 Freightliner FRED chassis? I'm looking to purchase one but am unsure which one I need.

DFR · 08-02-2008, 04:11 AM

Does anyone know which code reader I would need for my 07 Freightliner FRED chassis? I'm looking to purchase one but am unsure which one I need.

vicsryd · 08-07-2008, 12:07 PM

Most folks use VMSpc from Silverleaf on a laptop plugged into the diagnostic port. FRED is a Cummins engine so you should be able to go about it the same as the diesel pushers. Need to purchase a pigtail cable but the software download is free.

chasfm11 · 08-07-2008, 05:33 PM

Let me expand a bit on what Jon wrote.

Most Freightliner chassis are build using the CAN (Contoller Area Network) J1939 protocol What this means is that the normal code readers like the OBDII won't work.

The reason that many of us have selected VMSpc is that it does a lot more than read codes. There is a function which captures all of the error codes that the chassis puts out and even gives you some English words to help explain them. In addition, VMSpc provides "gauges" for all of the pieces of information that the chassis collects. I was particularly interested in the health of my turbo so I enlarged that gauge so that I can see how much boost I'm getting. Every gauge that you have on your driver's console is also in VMSpc but much more accurate. The engine temperature gauge, for example never seems to move its needle. In VMSpc, I can see the temperature rise, the thermostat open and the temperature fall back again.

The cables to make it work are a bit pricey (I paid $400) but I've saved that back several times over because of the dynamically captured error codes and the quick diagnoses that they provided. I had an intermittent exhaust brake problem that would shut down my engine. After I got VMSpc, it took one more failure and I found and fixed the cause for $27. I'd have spent the $400 on the first visit to a Freightliner dealer and I'm certain they wouldn't have been able to find the problem.

DFR · 08-08-2008, 09:03 AM

chasfm11-to clarify things, are youtelling me all I need is to purchase those $400 cables, download the software, and hook up my PC? If so, where can I obtain those cables?

hondo122 · 08-08-2008, 02:12 PM

Try http://www.rvupgradestore.com/. They have good prices.

DFR · 08-08-2008, 04:23 PM

Thanks Hondo122. I'll try there.

chasfm11 · 08-08-2008, 06:35 PM

Hondo is correct. RVupgrades has the best price that I've seen on VMSpc. You only need to find your diagnostic plug, plug in the cables and hook up the PC. Be sure to order the recommended serial to USB adaptor. Not all of those work with VMSpc.

While you are at it, you might consider adding Street Atlas if your Gulfstream doesn't have a native GPS. I have the 15" screen sized about 2/3 for Street Atlas and 1/3 for VMSpc. It works great. Street Atlas overs both voice recognition and voice response and that is a great combination for me navigating with the DW sleeps. I don't have to look at a screen to follow the directions or ask for turn directions to be repeated. Best Buy just offered the whole package for $49. What a bargin!

DFR · 08-20-2008, 02:53 PM

Update- Took the rig to Elkhart to have it looked at(because of the original problem, check and stops engine lights), and wouldn't you know it, the lights went out after about 200 miles on the road never to come back on. They pulled the codes and it was for low coolant sensor. The coolant level was fine. I inquired about the warranty covering the apparently faulty sensor, and was told that since the lights reset the sensor is now working and that if they replaced it Freightliner would bench test the old one. If it tested ok, I would be billed for the exchange. Sounds like VMSpc will be cheaper in the long run.