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Grandpa19 · 01-10-2017, 08:07 PM

After a few shops worked on the engine I think a few tie wraps got removed and the result on a really twisty and bumpy section of road was the harness for the rear diagnostic (OBDII) connector along with the coolant reservoir sensor got sucked into the fan. (on my coach it is an engine driven pusher fan). Results included the coolant sensor being ripped out of the reservoir and the wires disappearing from the OBDII connector.
Both the Check Engine Light and Stop Engine light came on. I could not pull over for a mile or 2. When I did I saw the coolant was low, I added coolant only to discover it leaking. I fixed the leak with an industrial Sharpie driven into the hole. I found enough of the coolant sensor wiring to short the 2 leads and then continue on the trip with a CE light.
FIX. Later I replaced the reservoir, sensor, sensor connector (all freightliner parts) but was told the diagnostic harness was part of the $2500 engine harness. Freightliner <fcccservice@daimler.com> was able to get me the electrical diagram and I was able to buy new pins for the connector from Mouser and solder them on (instead of using a $250 crimper) to the wire and loom from a local auto parts store. It now is fixed.

You gotta do what you can do on the road... But so much better that a $0.05 tie wrap is in place as it should be.........

gatorcq · 01-11-2017, 06:07 AM

good job and thinking on the sharpie
There are manual crimpers which are much less. it just takes time to locate.

Grandpa19 · 01-12-2017, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorcq

good job and thinking on the sharpie
There are manual crimpers which are much less. it just takes time to locate.

The Sharpie was found by the process of finding what might work. After it survived the first hour the level was checked at each stop, but it was in there for 3 days and 500+ miles. I did stop at the first auto parts store and get a rubber cap and hose clamp, just in case. I never needed it.
I thought about using my wire crimpers but soldering was easy and positive. I have soldered 10s of thousands connections and know a good joint when I see one. (Solder that is &#128513

- I worked for a while at the phone company and the outside lines were connected to the switch by solder connections then. - And it was a lot easier than trying to locate someone with a pin insert crimper.

Skip426 · 01-13-2017, 02:13 PM

FYI. Although OBD II, connector is the correct name for cars , pick ups and gas powered motor homes, the diagnostic connector for diesel pusher motor homes is ; J-1939 or J-1708 , depending on the year and number of wires used.