Fault Code Reader for a Cummins ISL

[Ron_H]

Do any of you have your own fault code reader for a Cummins ISL engine and if so, what make and model is it? Also, can you provide a brief description of how it works or is used? Does it simply provide the code, which you manually look up somewhere or does it provide the actual fault information beyond just a simple code?

A yellow engine check light came on yesterday in our '05 MADP with a 400HP Cummins ISL. The light was illuminated and the buzzer would sound continually until I stopped and turned the engine off. When I restarted the engine the warning light would stay off for 10 to 15 minutes then come back on again with the buzzer sounding. We had to drive like this for about 150 miles.

We're at an RV park where we'll be for a week but it's the long Easter weekend so none of the shops are open to get a fault code from the system. This got me to thinking it would be good to have my own fault code reader.

[DAJO]

I have had multiple check engine and engine stop lights. I have found that Cummins quick serve https://quickserve.cummins.com/info/index.html will give me the codes and even the part number of the effected sensors or parts that triggered the light. This is only usable if you can read messages in your dash readout. I don't know if your year has the capability. Other wise all the internet searching I did was off not much value, many conflicting causes and issues.
Silverleaf VMSPC is not much help either since Cummins info is propriety so they can't give you much of the formation.

Be sure to check your coolant tank level it can trigger light.

[jacwjames]

The Siverleaf VMSpc does have the capability to provide some of the fault code information. Also has the ability to provide real time information in regards to faults with alarms.

[D Lindy]

In the case of a check engine light the first and most likely culprit is low water level in the reservoir.

[1doodadd]

the OTC HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER 3417 KIT is a easy compact system that will be easy to keep in the coach. It uses the 6 pin connector for the older diagnostic systems and the newer 9 pin J1939 CAN system. Several on ebay now for cheap Some extra provided info

For heavy-duty shops that need a second tool in the shop and for their mobile repair trucks or for general repair shops
Heavy Duty Standard coverage for those who do not own a Genisys or other family tool
HD J1587 / J1708 and J1939 CAN Engine Transmission/ABS coverage and more
Class 4 - Class 8 truck coverage featuring Automatic Protocol Search
Supports multiple Global OBD II trouble code requests

[Ron_H]

Originally Posted by D Lindy

In the case of a check engine light the first and most likely culprit is low water level in the reservoir.

Thanks for the reminder... It's so easy to overlook the obvious.

I really hate the poor sight glass on those reservoirs. The level looked ok through the sight glass but a check with a dipstick showed it was indeed low. I'll bring the level up to spec and see if the indicator stays off when we hit the road again this coming weekend. Our next stop is also near a large metro area so I can have the error code read their if the warning is still coming on.

I really have to get a code reader.

[DAJO]

If you really hate the sight glass call Spartan and order the new glass, it is great.
P/N 3277K34
https://www.rvchassisparts.com:8443/...is/runApp?id=5

[DAJO]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

The Siverleaf VMSpc does have the capability to provide some of the fault code information. Also has the ability to provide real time information in regards to faults with alarms.

Most of the time and maybe one times in twenty the VMSPC gives and actual number. Most of the time says unknown. The Spartan dash readout (lightbar) gives actual numbers every time.

[gatorcq]

scan guage "D". does it also. Why not call your chassis MFG. Ask them how to read codes. Normally there is a way with reading the flashes of the check engine light. I know this has been true with FL.

[EngineerMike]

best code reader IMO for a motor coach owner is a good cell phone w/Cummins code reading app coupled w/a Deutsch 9-pin to OBD2 DTC pigtail, coupled to a quality bluetooth OBD2 DTC adapter.

You can google "Deutsch 9-pin to OBD" and find a plethora of options.
You can google "OBDLink MX" and you'll find the bluetooth unit I bought which is top of the line at least 2 years ago when I researched it. Best supported device of the type IMO at time I researched. I also downloaded 2 other apps for code reading on my passenger car vehicles, and this is now my default device for that even tho I have radically higher priced scantools in my collection of trash.

Then go to google app store for android or (I'm guessing) apple app store, and search "cummins" and you'll find a code reader app by Cummins, was free when I downloaded it.
Works like a charm. Cost me less than $100 (got bluetooth gizmo on sale, pigtail was about $40 delivered from a made-in-USA source; you can go cheap on both and save over that price but some of the cheap blutooth gizzies don't work and a friend got a bad and very cheap pigtail made you know where which wasted a good bit of his time).

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

the OTC HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER 3417 KIT is a easy compact system that will be easy to keep in the coach. It uses the 6 pin connector for the older diagnostic systems and the newer 9 pin J1939 CAN system. Several on ebay now for cheap Some extra provided info

For heavy-duty shops that need a second tool in the shop and for their mobile repair trucks or for general repair shops
Heavy Duty Standard coverage for those who do not own a Genisys or other family tool
HD J1587 / J1708 and J1939 CAN Engine Transmission/ABS coverage and more
Class 4 - Class 8 truck coverage featuring Automatic Protocol Search
Supports multiple Global OBD II trouble code requests

What do you consider cheap? I did a search and they are running over $1,500 on e-bay

[gatorcq]

Under $20

LINK

Blue Tooth LINK

[vito.a]

Dennis, If you google OTC HEAVY DUTY 3418 SCANNER you will find several sources for under $400. National Tool Warehouse has it for $368 with free shipping.
Nifty Interior has it for $284, but they charge over two hundred dollars for shipping/handling.

I advise not purchasing one of the $110-$135 heavy duty diesel scanners on eBay! They are OBDII automotive scanners that are adapted to J1939 and do not work. I just returned one today.

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by gatorcq

Under $20

LINK

Blue Tooth LINK

Thanks, but the first one is an adapter, not a scanner. The second link is an OBDII which is an automotive scanner, not for heavy duty vehicles which use J1939 protocol.