Code readers

[Jim]

On the way home from Nappanee my check engine light came on. Of course it did, with the way my life has gone with this coach, why not put me on edge while driving through the Smoky Mountains?

There is basically nobody in my little town to take it to, so I'm looking for a "reasonably good" code reader to purchase.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Some of the guys on this forum use Diesel Handheld units. If you query the Group you my find a discount somewhere Handheld

 

[Rich W.]

They’ve also got some used ones at half price right now. I bought mine used and couldn't tell it from new. It also gives you the ability to perform regens. They also have great customer service and tech help, and a good return policy.

Used Diesel Laptops Handheld Heavy-Duty Scan Tool with Regen

Please Note: This kit is used and is in good condition. The Diesel Handheld scanner is very simple to use. This handheld is specifically designed for the heavy-duty market. It allows reading and clearing of DTC's, Live data reading, and even DPF regens on most makes and models. This tool comes...

www.diesellaptops.com

For now though you should be able to get any codes from your LBCU. If yours is like other FL units of that year this should get you through it:

https://www.rvtechlibrary.com/electronics/lbcu_owners.pdf

 

[Jim]

They’ve also got some used ones at half price right now. I bought mine used and couldn't tell it from new. It also gives you the ability to perform regens. They also have great customer service and tech help, and a good return policy.

Thank you, Rich. It's on the way!

 

[Jim]

Some of the guys on this forum use Diesel Handheld units. If you query the Group you my find a discount somewhere Handheld

Thank you, Joe!

 

[DennisT]

I picked one up at harbor freight.

Works on a bunch of engines, does forced regen etc.

Picked it up during the Presidents’ Day sale 20% off.

Heavy Duty Truck Code Reader with DPF Regen

Amazing deals on this Truck Code Reader W/ Dpf Regen at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Neal]

Back up....why do you need a code reader? You should be able to get the codes from the diagnostics info on the LCD display.

 

[Jim]

Back up....why do you need a code reader? You should be able to get the codes from the diagnostics info on the LCD display.

I probably don't. But I'm hoping for more detailed info that what I'm getting from the Freightliner display.

Current codes are:

• TAXLE Fault 1 of 1 / SPN 2923 FMI 7 OC 1
• ENGINE Fault 1 or 1 / SPN 3363 FMI 16 OC 3

 

[Jim]

Research so far found: Cummins Fault Code Description Light SPN 3363 FMI 16 1713

Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Heater - Data Valid But Above Normal Operating Range - Moderately Severe Level

 

[Neal]

You can use the Freightliner 24/7 app to find the number to call them and they can help you with the codes and actions as needed.

 

[Neal]

24/7 Direct | Customer Support from FCCC RV

Freightliner Custom Chassis is the only chassis builder to offer around-the-clock toll-free support for the life of your coach – not just the warranty period.

www.fcccrv.com

 

[Rich W.]

The valve that controls the DEF tank heater is prone to failure and when it fails, it fails in the open position, over heating the DEF. This really matters because DEF starts to break down far below the operating temperature of engine coolant. Since DEF doesn’t freeze (turn to slush) above 12°F and you probably don’t drive the coach in those conditions, you really don’t need a tank heater - its designed for comercial trucks that have to run in those temps.

The quick cheap way to deal with it for an RV is to stop the flow of 190°+ coolant into the DEF tank heater by using a double male barbed fitting to connect the DEF tank heater hose lines to each other externally, by-passing the tank heater. This would only become an issue when driving around in sub 12° temps. If you want the heater to still function you could install an external valve on the input side instead of the double male and operate it manually as needed.

 

[Jim]

The quick cheap way to deal with it for an RV is to stop the flow of 190°+ coolant into the DEF tank heater by using a double male barbed fitting to connect the DEF tank heater hose lines to each other externally, by-passing the tank heater.

You wouldn't happen to know where this DEF tank heater is located would you?

 

[Jim]

24/7 Direct | Customer Support from FCCC RV

Freightliner Custom Chassis is the only chassis builder to offer around-the-clock toll-free support for the life of your coach – not just the warranty period.

www.fcccrv.com

That is almost impossible to believe! There must be millions of Freightliner trucks on the road! How can they offer free, 24/7 support to all those owners?

That's really incredible.

 

[Neal]

That is almost impossible to believe! There must be millions of Freightliner trucks on the road! How can they offer free, 24/7 support to all those owners?

That's really incredible.

This is Freightliner Custom Chassis => RV's

FCCC is Gaffney, SC

 

[Neal]

This is who I called on Labor day when I derated in Breckenridge, and they helped me even on the holiday.

 

[Jim]

This is Freightliner Custom Chassis => RV's

FCCC is Gaffney, SC

Ahh, got it!

 

[Rich W.]

You wouldn't happen to know where this DEF tank heater is located would you?

The valve in question is right on top of the DEF header on the top of the tank with a two wire plug going to it (red and blue IIRC). You can unplug it and test the ohms across the valve terminals - should be around 12 ohms and if its bad it will be a lot more (thousands) so its easy to check. The valve has a heater hose attached to it and the return line comes out of the DEF header adjacent to the valve. Its obvious once you know what you are looking for. I would guess 5/8 or 3/4” hose. The two protected small lines are DEF supply and return.

Caveat: I’m assuming since your coach is a 2016 that the chassis was built in 2015 and thus to pre-2016 emission specs. Everything changed for 2016 and later emission systems. This makes a difference in several key areas, the tank heater valve being one of them.

My chassis was built in May of 2015 and the coach was built between Dec 15 and Feb 2016 making it a 2016 with 2015 emissions.

 

[Rich W.]

This is who I called on Labor day when I derated in Breckenridge, and they helped me even on the holiday.

They helped me on Christmas Day 2021 when I had a DEF pump failure. The trip was ruined but it was nice talking to a qualified person when stranded in a church parking lot on Christmas day

 

[Chuggs]

Dang Rich…you got that DEF thing down. If I run into problems…hope I can call on you.

I have a 2016 built in 2015 as well…. Guess at some point I need to school myself better on the DEF System.