I paid for it so, I should be able to fix it?

[fun time]

I am confused and hopefully someone here can help me understand the following:
I have been told by the Freightliner people that the reason I have to take my coach to a Freightliner dealer is he is the only one that has the computer software that can read all my information on my coach? The so called "proprietary software" as they called it is only available to dealers and no other service facilities. If that is true, then how can some owners on another forum say they can hook up to the output jack and read what is going on with various problems or how can truck stops service Freightliner trucks since they are not a dealer and don't have the "proprietary software". In the same context, if you or I had the available software or something that would read these codes, this would allow us to do some of the work ourselves or even take it to another none-Freightliner facility for one heck of a lot less money. What is so special about their software for reading codes? If hackers can break security codes or IPODS then why not Freightliners? I am not a slamming Freightliner as they have an excellent product but I paid for the chassis so I would think I should have the option to fix my own if I elect to but can't read codes. Any thoughts?

[fun time]

I am confused and hopefully someone here can help me understand the following:
I have been told by the Freightliner people that the reason I have to take my coach to a Freightliner dealer is he is the only one that has the computer software that can read all my information on my coach? The so called "proprietary software" as they called it is only available to dealers and no other service facilities. If that is true, then how can some owners on another forum say they can hook up to the output jack and read what is going on with various problems or how can truck stops service Freightliner trucks since they are not a dealer and don't have the "proprietary software". In the same context, if you or I had the available software or something that would read these codes, this would allow us to do some of the work ourselves or even take it to another none-Freightliner facility for one heck of a lot less money. What is so special about their software for reading codes? If hackers can break security codes or IPODS then why not Freightliners? I am not a slamming Freightliner as they have an excellent product but I paid for the chassis so I would think I should have the option to fix my own if I elect to but can't read codes. Any thoughts?

[wallynm]

Not sure what you are talking about. Silverleaf will read CAT, CUMMINS, AND ALLISION codes. Most serive items do not need service codes but rather are mileage and/or time regulated. Each component makes and uses their own software not FTL. You can maintain it but you wll need to document all purchase of materials,when installed and that you met recommended and/or required schedules. Not really sure you want to reflash an electrical component if it is under warrenty. You need to be more specific with you complaint

[fun time]

Wallynm- Here is example of what I am trying to understand. My ABS light comes on intermittingly. Freightliner says I have to take it to a FD as he can plug in and tell exactly what the problem is and fix it. When I ask them if I could go elsewhere, I was told no as they do not have the Freightliner Software to read the code. Hope that sheds some light on my post.

[Jestme13]

What they are telling you is not true .

[fun time]

Jestme13-So, if I understand this correctly, I should be able to take my coach to most any reputable diesel/chassis shop and they could hook into my computer port and diagnos the ABS problem on my Freightliner chassis...is this correct? Can you give me a few examples of the kind of places that can this kind of work even though they may not be my area? What I am looking for is a starting point.