DPF Forced Regen Tools - What works and What does not

[Rich W.]

Hi Rich, in a different older post on this site you mention this device but say it does not have the capability to clear codes, can you confirm that it now does with the updated software version??

There is an update to the app that I didn’t know about (or it didnt exist then). I found out about while it on this round of DPF related discussion. However I dont have any codes to clear, and I couldnt get it to initiate a forced regen, so Im not certain about the commands.

They are there in the new version of the app, but since the regen one didnt work for me, and I cant test the code clearing part (I suppose I could cause some codes but Im kind of superstious about all this), I cant say if it does or not.

I can say that their customer service/tech support is top notch and these folks are leaders in the industry, so my advice would be to wait until I can post an update early next week, hopefully Monday. They have tech support on Saturday so it might be sooner. I have become an ad-hoc beta tester on this (they want to know why it didnt regen as well) as of earlier today, so stay tuned.

 

[Scotttkd2]

Thanks for the reply, and thanks again for working on this and sharing your results. I found a diesel decoder on amazon from one of their resellers, and ordered it as a just In case it will work. If not, back it goes. My Nexas device is still in transit, but I cant check out either until i get the coach back. Hopefully one of them will clear codes and force regen as advertised on my specific rig. Looking forward to getting back on the road!

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Ronnie,

Assuming you mean the X15 (the ISX is a different model), have you considered the PDI Tuner? Many Newells are running the ISX and X15 with the tuner which includes a force REGEN function; along with so much more.

Of course, the PDI tuner is over $2k, so maybe this isn’t what you want…but you’d sure love it.

 

[Rich W.]

Diesel Decoder update
Diesel Decoder Mobile Diagnostic Tool with DPF Regens for Apple & Android
Did a forced (parked, manual) regen with this today. It does work, it just takes some time before it initiates. Also I bought mine almost a year ago when they didn’t perform commands, and all I had to do was update the app and be patient (I struggle with this) to now do regens with it.

With OTR it’s almost immediate so thats what I was expecting. But today I initiated the command, left it running, and walked away. I got involved in some other stuff in the garage and about 5 minites later heard the RPM go up and sure enough it was in regen.

So yes it works as claimed. Also generates comprehensive reports that you can email easily to anyone, reads and clears codes, and displays EVERYTHING in live data. OTR displays a handful of parameters considered necessary. This unit displays everything the ECM sees. TMI really but its interesting.

So there you have it - $350 for a device that does what it claims and displays everything on your smart device. I use my ipad because I like a bigger format.

The only thing OTR has that this doesn’t is the After Treatment Re-set, as I discussed earlier. OTR is a bit more advanced, but the Diesel Decoder is more than adequate for RV owners. OTR is more geared for truckers and fleet owners/managers.

So I can recommend the Diesel Decoder and if you watch the website (Handheld) you’ll occasionally find used items at a reduced cost. They had these used for $250 a couple days ago. I got one of these Diesel Laptops Handheld Heavy-Duty Scan Tool with Regen for $299 three days ago. Still hasn’t arrived so no review yet.

Cheers!

PS: Neal, I’m going to talk to tech suppoort at Diesel Laptops on Monday and I’ll try to get your phase/% question answered then.

 

[FLSteve]

Following too ...

 

[Rich W.]

I just spoke with Diesel Laptops tech support again, and Neal he said he didn’t know about a coorelation between DPF soot load phases and % - said he is more an IT support guy. So that one is still unanswered.

But he confirmed that both the Diesel Decoder and the Hand Held HD scan tool do essentially the same thing: read and clear codes, and perform regens. Since I don't have any codes to clear (and don’t feel like causing any) I wanted to confirm that.

He also said that neither have the after treatment re-set function as OTR does, but as I mentioned earlier, most of us will never need that, especially if we are diligent about performing preemptive regens.

Both have extensive code libraries, the Diesel Decoder being easier to read because it uses an app on your favorite smart device, and the Handheld scanner having the advantage of being plugged directly in to your j1939 port so not dependent on a smart device. I like having both.

Also Diesel Laptops tech support is open until 9pm Eastern time.

 

[Neal]

My main goal is to not get into a service situation and finding a mobile tech type thing. I want to stay ahead of this and keep my DPF clean and do regens proactively if possible. When I'm near or at Gaffney I'll be attempting one via the shorting plug with no light (regen) and see if I can get it to do a regen. Continuing to monitor this thread for tool suggestions for allowing us to do proactive preventative regens.

 

[J&JD]

If I have been following this thread correctly, Rich, you now have 3 devices that essentially do the same things - OTR and two Diesel Laptops devices. If ease of use, and available functions are best with the OTR unit, wouldn’t that be the unit of choice if you can stomach the $800 price tag? Are there any other reasons to pick one of the Diesel Laptops instead of OTR?

 

[stang37]

I the a 2016 Ventana and have looked under the dash for the shorting plug. I have yet to find it so not sure it has one. Also purchased the Nexas NL102 Plus Heavy Duty Truck Scanner which came today. It will not perform the DPF regen. Shows on the screen but will not work says function not supported... It does show codes, which I have none active and it works on my Gladiator

 

[Neal]

I the a 2016 Ventana and have looked under the dash for the shorting plug. I have yet to find it so not sure it has one. Also purchased the Nexas NL102 Plus Heavy Duty Truck Scanner which came today. It will not perform the DPF regen. Shows on the screen but will not work says function not supported... It does show codes, which I have none active and it works on my Gladiator

Is there a white plug/connector below the OBD port? White plug with red lock below is the shorting plug. Separate and then reconnect per the procedure outlined in my Broke down thread.

 

[Rich W.]

If I have been following this thread correctly, Rich, you now have 3 devices that essentially do the same things - OTR and two Diesel Laptops devices. If ease of use, and available functions are best with the OTR unit, wouldn’t that be the unit of choice if you can stomach the $800 price tag? Are there any other reasons to pick one of the Diesel Laptops instead of OTR?

OTR also comes with a $600/year subscription. For an RV owner thats generally an unnecessary expense. I bought it back when I started having emissions troubles and it kept me on the road, and when the thing was in the shop I knew what was wrong, what it needed (and what it didn't need) and could then determine if it fell under the the emissions warranty.

So it served me well. It doesnt just display the codes, it takes you to a page for each code that details the issue, trouble shooting, and the proper repair proceedure - same info as Insite. And as mentioned it performs the after treatment reset used when you either service or replace your DPF. I also like the way it performs regens better, but the DD does them, just takes longer to initiate.

So OTR is more advanced and the price is reasonable for what it does, but the question is whether or not that level of diagnostics is needed. For us I’d say its generally not, especially with these two devices from Diesel Laptops. They don’t do as much but I don’t need the additional stuff OTR does to keep my coach on the road. If I was relying on a truck for my livelihood or was a fleet manager, I’d be all for it.

At this this point though, if I re-up with OTR next January it will be more out of loyalty than need. They were there for me when I needed help and was new to this fragile diesel emissions system (and the Diesel Decoder didnt perform commands then) and they also invited me to beta test their 2.0 version. They are a great bunch to work with and are dedicated to keeping big rigs on the road instead of on the back of a tow truck or in the shop.

But I really can’t reccomend that the average DP owner go that route with these other devices avaibale and functional, albeit at a lower level. Its an acceptable level and the price is right, and it's a one-time cost. I still haven't received my handheld scanner so until I actually play with that I wont know how much I like it. But I like the idea of having something that attaches to the J1939 port by cable. So stay tuned for that. Should be here in a couple days.

 

[Rich W.]

Is there a white plug/connector below the OBD port? White plug with red lock below is the shorting plug. Separate and then reconnect per the procedure outlined in my Broke down thread.

View attachment 14476

Mine (2016) even has a “Regen” lable on it. It’s right below the J1939 port under the dash, left side.

Here are the instructuons again:

http://www.ourmotorhome.net/2017/docs/DPF_Regen_instructions.pdf

But note that according to this and Neal’s personal experience, it will not work unless the DPF lamp is on, and that doesn't illuminate until you have a considerable soot load (80%?) so it is not useful for maintenance regens.

 

[stang37]

Thanks Rich W. Sometime you can't see the woods for the trees. It was right there in plain site. I even hookup up the scanner to the OBD and didn't notice the connector.

 

[Rich W.]

Thanks Rich W. Sometime you can't see the woods for the trees. It was right there in plain site. I even hookup up the scanner to the OBD and didn't notice the connector.

Lets us know what happens.

 

[Rich W.]

More later but this is it! Done so many regens lately my DPF is squeaky clean. Differential pressure is 0psi. Soot load 0%. But this device doesnt care - it does forced regens with the after tx injector activated and dosing and has a line in the display to confirm it -Love it! If this device doesn't make you happy, you’ll have to buy Insite.