DEF Head Failures - Finally some promising activity

[Just George]

Based on this article in RV Travel there may be some help coming from Cummins if the EPA will play along.

 

[flyboy013]

Better than the potential Cummins calibrations is the group of owners ? that have developed an emulator to have in ones toolbox for when them inevitable happens. The development is done and it’s currently undergoing beta testing.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Better than the potential Cummins calibrations is the group of owners ? that have developed an emulator to have in ones toolbox for when them inevitable happens. The development is done and it’s currently undergoing beta testing.

I kinda thought your hand might be in this. Good on this group for thinking outside the box.

TJ

 

[flyboy013]

There’s a group of 8 Newmar, Entegra, and Tiffin owners who have all lent their various skills to make this happen. There is one owner with a current failure that will soon be back on the road.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Is this a simple unplug and insert solution? I have seen some suggestions that also involved a fair amount of work changing out exhaust system components. If so, it sure would be nice to have one of those boards aboard the coach in case the DEF head problem rears its ugly head.

Are there any circuit boards, component lists and schematics available? I have built complete amateur radio transceivers using surface-mount components in the past, so could probably handle assembling one.

TJ

 

[flyboy013]

This is not an emissions delete capability. It only emulates the DEF sensors so that the ECM continues to see good data so it won’t throw a fault code and then derate you. You would unplug the connector on the bad DEF head and plug this module in its place.

The module consists of an Arduino (currently testing various models), a CAN bus shield (daughter card), a Deutsch pigtail connector, a waterproof case and the software which must be loaded onto the Arduino. The assembly instructions are being developed, but there is concern that assembly may be beyond an average RVers capabilities. We’re looking for alternatives, but are sort of shying away from selling a products for various reasons to include the potential wrath of EPA, although our take is that this is totally legal.

 

[Neemer]

@flyboy013 , will this work with Freightliner as well as Spartan systems?

 

[flyboy013]

The short answer is yes, but I’m not sure that any of the current test vehicles are Freightliners. Based on the interfaces that Cummins has laid out, the physical connections should be the same. Worse case, the device would utilize a different style connector plug.

 

[Just George]

Here is an update reported to be to from the EPA that was posted by a forum member on another forum.


Statement Regarding Failed Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) Sensors

EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have been working with the manufacturers of diesel vehicles and engines to address an issue related to the ongoing shortage of computer chips and the impact that has had on the availability of certain replacement parts. One part in particular, a sensor that monitors the quality of diesel emissions fluid (DEF), has been of concern because the failure of the part can lead to the vehicle being unable to operate. The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) on behalf of its member companies has proposed an industry wide approach that would provide a software solution for vehicles with failed parts to enable them to operate temporarily while the industry works to produce more replacement parts and that, long term, would provide replacement parts through a recall program. EPA and CARB have reviewed the proposed approach and believe it is appropriate for the companies to implement the proposed solution going forward as quickly as possible.

The manufacturers must still develop new software code and test it to ensure the software can be installed on vehicles in the field. The companies expect that they will be able to begin fixing some vehicles with failed sensors as soon as this week. The companies will also make available a similar software update for vehicles whose sensors have not failed but are among a group of vehicles where such a failure could be expected to occur to prevent a sensor failure from disabling the vehicle. This updated software is likewise expected to be available to service centers in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact your dealer or service center.

 

[jagpot]

Here is an update reported to be to from the EPA that was posted by a forum member on another forum.


Statement Regarding Failed Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) Sensors

EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have been working with the manufacturers of diesel vehicles and engines to address an issue related to the ongoing shortage of computer chips and the impact that has had on the availability of certain replacement parts. One part in particular, a sensor that monitors the quality of diesel emissions fluid (DEF), has been of concern because the failure of the part can lead to the vehicle being unable to operate. The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) on behalf of its member companies has proposed an industry wide approach that would provide a software solution for vehicles with failed parts to enable them to operate temporarily while the industry works to produce more replacement parts and that, long term, would provide replacement parts through a recall program. EPA and CARB have reviewed the proposed approach and believe it is appropriate for the companies to implement the proposed solution going forward as quickly as possible.

The manufacturers must still develop new software code and test it to ensure the software can be installed on vehicles in the field. The companies expect that they will be able to begin fixing some vehicles with failed sensors as soon as this week. The companies will also make available a similar software update for vehicles whose sensors have not failed but are among a group of vehicles where such a failure could be expected to occur to prevent a sensor failure from disabling the vehicle. This updated software is likewise expected to be available to service centers in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact your dealer or service center.

This is really good to know. Got these 3 codes 3 times on our trip (5500 miles). Never derated. Matter of time I guess. I w3as always able to get it where it says "No faults". No check engine light,no codes. Newmar says this is a Spartan issue. Do I take it to a Spartan service center? Your thoughts? I live in Los Angeles.

w

 

[nielsblack]

We have a pair of Peterbilt trucks with Cummins ISL9 engines that are both out of commission due to the parts shortage. Can I help with development or beta testing? I have some mechatronics experiance and I've got a Seeedstudio CAN bus shield on order.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

They should be able to move with speed given the solution already exists for the Emergency Vehicle segment of the market.

 

[flyboy013]

The DEF sensor simulator is now available.

Here’s an updated article.

The webpage for details on building your own simulator is here.

 

[Neemer]

Kudos to all involved! @flyboy013 @redbaron. Even though I’m capable of breaking a bowling ball, I think I could put one of those together. This is truly an awesome thing you have done for owners.

I nominate you guys for the first annual DEFFY award.

 

[Rich-MLsRV]

I am curious if anyone is pre-emptively building the DEF head simulator?

 

[Neemer]

I have ordered the hardware. I’m also trying to come up with a suitable connector for a FL DEF header as well as figure out the wiring.