Freightliner posts article about DEF heads in Newsletter...

[Richpatty]

Here is the link to their newsletter.

https://www.fcocrv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FCCC1241-RV-Soul_Fall-2024.pdf

See page 5.

 

[Jim]

Good to know, Rich, thank you!

 

[SteveMA]

Seems the testing section is going to be a problem. they list a certified tester near us who is in a "auto center" parking lot that is almost too small for my F250 PU truck....

 

[Rich W.]

A few errors in that article, a couple rather glaring, but it is a club publication. The recall, if it ever happens, should be quite interesting.

 

[schachlemd]

Question: So you build a DSS have a failure, use the DSS and then go to Freightliner for the covered repair under warranty. Does the ECM show that the system was bypassed? Would it be a reason to have the warranty voided? Never seen a reliable answer to this question.

 

[DennisT]

The DSS does not bypass the system - the only thing it does is tell the computer everything is ok so you don’t get de-rated etc.

System still works, Def still used, etc.

The DSS is authorized by the government as a temporary solution to the failures. Does not void any warranty that I have ever read about.

 

[Rich W.]

Question: So you build a DSS have a failure, use the DSS and then go to Freightliner for the covered repair under warranty. Does the ECM show that the system was bypassed? Would it be a reason to have the warranty voided? Never seen a reliable answer to this question.

I can’t say this is 100% reliable re the warranty, but the ECM is not affected and doesn’t “know” what you did. It receives a signal from the DSS telling it the tank is 3/4 full and quality and temp are ok and goes on business as usual.

The issue with the emissions warranty I’ve seen is shops either not knowing or possibly intentionally not informing the customer that the emissions warranty is 5 years/100k miles. I’ve had to force the issue and have educated quite a few others on the subject.

In the countless discussions I’ve had on this both pre and post use of the DSS I have never heard this concern voiced. And since the alternative is being stranded or towed, I would use the DSS and get where I’m going and schedule an apointment at my convenience. You would also want to disconnect the DSS once at the shop so that their diagnostics would recognize the problem. So really there is no reason for the FL shop to even know about it.

 

[schachlemd]

I can’t say this is 100% reliable re the warranty, but the ECM is not affected and doesn’t “know” what you did. It receives a signal from the DSS telling it the tank is 3/4 full and quality and temp are ok and goes on business as usual.

In the countless discussions I’ve had on this both pre and post use of the DSS I have never heard this concern voiced. And since the alternative is being stranded or towed, I would use the DSS and get where I’m going and schedule an apointment at my convenience. You would also want to disconnect the DSS once at the shop so that their diagnostics would recognize the problem. So really there is no reason for the FL shop to even know about it.

Thanks so much for the quick response. That was the answer I was hoping for. Just bought this 40 foot monster and have been really paranoid about the DEF issue. Got the parts and built a DSS. As easy as it was I really don't know why anyone would travel without one. Take care

 

[schachlemd]

The DSS does not bypass the system - the only thing it does is tell the computer everything is ok so you don’t get de-rated etc.

System still works, Def still used, etc.

The DSS is authorized by the government as a temporary solution to the failures. Does not void any warranty that I have ever read about.

 

[Rich W.]

Thanks so much for the quick response. That was the answer I was hoping for. Just bought this 40 foot monster and have been really paranoid about the DEF issue. Got the parts and built a DSS. As easy as it was I really don't know why anyone would travel without one. Take care

Chances are you’ll never need it. FL finally got this straightened out over the last few years. Good to have for peace of mind though. Even Spartan seems to have come up to speed with a new DEF headed vendor. It seems that technology has finally caught up with the mandate and only a little over a decade late.

 

[schachlemd]

Chances are you’ll never need it. FL finally got this straightened out over the last few years. Good to have for peace of mind though. Even Spartan seems to have come up to speed with a new DEF headed vendor. It seems that technology has finally caught up with the mandate and only a little over a decade late.

Just got my MH out of storage and checked the def head and found that the connector isn't the one suggested for a freightliner DSS build. It is a four pin straight across. I have been all over the internet looking for a plug that will work with no luck. Motorhome a 2023 Dynamax with 2022 Freightliner M2. I'm at a standstill now. Looking for suggestions.

 

[Rich W.]

My understanding is that the four connections are CAN high, CAN low, POS and Neg. If you can figure out which is which you can make an adapter. Or identify the connector type and buy the correct (male or female) end and use it on your DSS. If I were faced with this I’d tap someone better versed in CAN Bus than I. You might be able to identify the plug using Google Lens and I’m sure you could find out at a FL shop.

 

[Richpatty]

It wasn’t this one?

 

[schachlemd]

It wasn’t this one?View attachment 27871

Nope. That's the one I purchased thinking it was the one. The connector has four pins in a row. From what I understand the connector is supposed to be approximately 12 inches from the def head. This connector was more like three inches.

 

[Richpatty]

Interesting…..

Most of the info for this can found here: DEF Sensor Simulator – CanBed RP2040 – DEF Sensor Simulator

But I didn’t see anything for a new connector so I emailed one of the folks who helped put this together. I will let you know what I hear back.

Rich

 

[schachlemd]

Appreciate your help.

 

[Richpatty]

What year is your RV? The reason I ask is that I was told that, generally the flat, 4-pin plugs were used on Freightliner chassis prior to 2016 and thus were analog sensors that measured tank level and temp but didn’t measure the Urea % (required by EPA on 2016 and later chassis). These versions of analog sensors can not use the DSS fix, as the DSS is strictly digital.

So you if you have a pre-2016 units you should not need a DSS…and probably have a low risk of failure.

Hope this helps.
Rich

 

[schachlemd]

What year is your RV? The reason I ask is that I was told that, generally the flat, 4-pin plugs were used on Freightliner chassis prior to 2016 and thus were analog sensors that measured tank level and temp but didn’t measure the Urea % (required by EPA on 2016 and later chassis). These versions of analog sensors can not use the DSS fix, as the DSS is strictly digital.

So you if you have a pre-2016 units you should not need a DSS…and probably have a low risk of failure.

Hope this helps.
Rich

The chassis is a 2022 Freightliner M2 Detroit. Yes it's strange. Unless I'm looking in the wrong place for the connector.

 

[Richpatty]

Doh! You did say that…. Maybe looking in the wrong place? Are you looking at the top of the DEF unit?

 

[schachlemd]

Doh! You did say that…. Maybe looking in the wrong place? Are you looking at the top of the DEF unit?

Yep. Right above where the def head is located and all the lines are situated.