Cummins engine code reader (Inline mini)

[WoodyS]

I just learned about this and bought one. I haven't had time to actually plug it in and test it yet. But I'm posting this for those like me who didn't even know it existed.

There was some discussion about engine fault code readers in another thread here recently. And I learned that Cummins "recently" came out with a code reader specifically for RV owners with Cummins engines. The problem in the past was that these things were super expensive and you had to buy an annual subscription and pay a license fee. But this new one is much much cheaper and specifically for RV owners -- not specialized diesel mechanics. And it doesn't require any annual subscription or license fee.

I believe the full name is "Cummins Guidanz Inline mini." It's a two-part system. Part one is the "Inline mini". This is a little plug-in "dongle" thingie with a built-in Bluetooth transmitter. The second part of the system is the free Cummins Guidanz APP for Android or iOS phones or tablets.

The Inline mini plugs into the data port under the dashboard, or in the engine compartment. Once paired and connected to your phone or tablet, the Cummins Guidanz APP reads error codes, translates them into English, and allows you to clear error codes.

The Cummins part is #5299909. I include the part number because apparently many Cummins parts personnel don't know about it. When I called my local Cummins Sales and Service center and explained what I wanted, he had no idea what I was talking about until I gave him the part number. He found it, said they had one, and that it was some kind of data thingie and cost $335.34. The price surprised me because the price on the Cummins online store is $368.67.

I drove into town and bought it. And with my Cummins Power Club membership, I got another 10% off. So the final cost was $301.81 plus tax. As good as this "discount" was, it's nothing like what you can buy these things for from Cummins representatives at RV Rallies. Apparently the pricing on these things is very "flexible."

Before a different parts guy finalized my sale, he said I needed an annual subscription. I told him no, not with this particular code reader. He had to confirm this with his boss. So apparently many Cummins employees don't know about this much simpler and cheaper code reader either.

I asked what the difference was between this "cheap" version and the much more expensive commercial version and he guessed it was the amount of detail in the reports. And I think the professional versions allow you to connect directly with Cummins online for more information.

I was amused to read on the "Genuine Cummins Parts" box it came in, that this device is made in the USA, because the label on the actual device says Made in China. And further more, that label says "Mfg. by NEXIQ Technologies."

And sure enough, if you to go Amazon.com, you'll see a device that looks exactly the same -- but with the NEXIQ logo instead of the Cummins logo. And of course the cost of those is much less than the one with the Cummins logo.

I'm not sure about this, but from reading several posts in this forum, the NEXIQ reader does indeed work just fine. But more than one poster mentioned that NEXIQ's free APP was difficult to use and understand. I'm interested to learn if the Cummins free APP is any different.

A couple of posters mentioned that this thing more than paid for itself the first time they got an error message on their dashboard. I bought it so that I can get more detailed information about my engine and transmission, as well as information about what might actually be going wrong with the engine or transmission, and whether or not it's something I can fix myself, or need professional help with.

Don't ask me any detailed questions about how this thing actually works until next month when I'll be on-the-road again.

[TJ]

What makes this unit better than the ScanGauge D that is available at half the cost? It would seem to cover both real-time monitoring of selected functions and the code read/clear function. Maybe I'm not understanding the Cummins unit correctly.

TJ

[vsheetz]

Would be interested in a comparison to Bluefire, which I have.

[426smartin]

[winniman]

I have the scangaugeD. Im happy with it, but it gives you codes which are not Cummins codes. Apparently, it is a copyright infringement to display Cummins code numbers, so they use their own. They say you can call Scangauge, and they will tell you what the code means. I had a fuel problem, and I looked up the code on this forum. I leave it plugged in all the time. It monitors up to four things at once, and records any fault codes if they arise.

[FLJOE]

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

What makes this unit better than the ScanGauge D that is available at half the cost? It would seem to cover both real-time monitoring of selected functions and the code read/clear function. Maybe I'm not understanding the Cummins unit correctly.

TJ

I think the difference is (or possibly will be, once he actually uses it) will be the Cummins reader will give you actual Cummins codes. The ScanGauge D gives you some type of code that you have to make calls to try to figure out what it is/was.

[JWN]

I heard about this as well from Cummins rep at rally this year. But found on Cummins website that some of the app functions do require additional subscription payment. Here is copy of the web info:


Many of the Guidanz features require a subscription. Contact your local distributor, under the Software Licensing section below, to register your service location to use Cummins Guidanz

[SeattlePirat]

SCANGAUGE D is useless when interpreting codes, they are meaningless and the information provided by the people that made are not satisfactory. I had a problem with my cummings and phoned them and got back information that a sparkplug was misfiring...duh....

The Scangauge does provide other functions worth while but codes, not so much.

[ASU777]

Does Bluefire report actual Cummins codes?

I have a Bluefire but have yet to see a code. Curious if I would actually need the Cummins reader from this thread to read meaningful codes.

[rlott2k]

Following

[RichKimball]

Originally Posted by WoodyS

I just learned about this and bought one. I haven't had time to actually plug it in and test it yet. But I'm posting this for those like me who didn't even know it existed.

There was some discussion about engine fault code readers in another thread here recently. And I learned that Cummins "recently" came out with a code reader specifically for RV owners with Cummins engines. The problem in the past was that these things were super expensive and you had to buy an annual subscription and pay a license fee. But this new one is much much cheaper and specifically for RV owners -- not specialized diesel mechanics. And it doesn't require any annual subscription or license fee.

I needed codes read and went to Cummins. They used the same. I bought one on the spot. Yep...great advice Woody. I had a ScanGauge D but sold it. Got the same deal as you with the PowerClub discount.

[Dutch Star Don]

"mevman".....How about a photo of the unit and was the part number the same as posted.

[RichKimball]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

"mevman".....How about a photo of the unit and was the part number the same as posted.

hmmm...well...okay...looks like Google isn't your friend today....so here is the product page. I purchased mine 2 years ago but heard the price is higher in the store. I too paid $300 with the Power Club discount at my Little Rock, Arkansas Cummins dealer.

https://www.cummins.com/parts-and-se...ervices/inline

[Dutch Star Don]

I'm sorry you went out of your way....Cummins has several readers and many require certificates. The part number didn't work in previous checks. There is a lot of confusion about what Cummins will allow with and without a subscription.

Sorry I bothered you!