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READER FOR DETROIT
Where can I buy a “Reader” for engine codes, and to see what’s going on as you are driving?
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9 Replies
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Jerry,
Keep your eyes peeled on Ebay. They pop up often and all you need to look for is one that has the software for your version of DDEC. I had one that I bought for about $250 for DDEC II and III for my 97 that I sold with the coach. Now I have one that has DDEC V plus software for my brakes that I paid $1000.
You not only can read codes, you can read real time data, clear codes, and make changes to your parameters.
Just keep seaching ebay. I used the searchword Nexiq. I can put my reader in my lap or take it to the engine compartment and not be afraid of hurting it because it is built for abuse.
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Jerry,
If you just want to monitor, check out Silverleaf. Silverleaf
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I used the Silverleaf PC on this coach and the last. It’s well worth the price and provides some valuable realtime monitoring and data collection.
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I had a Silverleaf in a Country Coach, but it was installed from the factory. I’m looking for something that will plug into the port under the dash and not have to be hard wired into the bus.
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Silverleaf also makes a little adapter ($300) that plugs into your Detroit data connector. It uses USB to connect to a Windows laptop or netbook. With it you can get lots of real time data including error codes displayed. You can also log engine parameters for later analysis.
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Jerry,
I was talking about Silverleaf’s laptop product, http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=node/6 This information, realtime and logged, is well worth the $300. You can download their software and customize what you’ll be able to see and collect before buying. What you are paying for is their translation box. BTW, it displays codes in english as well as the numeric code.
I also had their glass dash product installed at their facility. It’s a great product, but pricey.
There is also the iPad offering. I don’t know if it reads codes or stores them though.
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I have zero Silverleaf knowledge or experience, but for the cheap price of a Nexiq or equivalent you can get the versatility of clearing codes, plus with the addition of ebay software you can add ABS and transmission reading also.
A nexiq is not as nice as a laptop or ipad reader because it is “industrial” by comparison but a Nexiq has serious professional capabilities.
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Jerry,
That’s how the Silverleaf works, plugs into the data port.
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Tom, I’m all in on plug and play.
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