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Prevost DDEC III software
We bought our new to us 1998 Country Coach conversion and had to get to TX to get it licensed. Decided to stop by Prevost Houston due to a couple of minor issues and to have them do a good going over. There is some kind of an issue with the brakes not releasing the cruise control without more pressure than I feel necessary. They checked the hardware related to the brake pedal and all appears well. They “wanted” to check the Detroit side but they could not communicate with the DDEC system at all. Todd says their software is out of date and Prevost won’t pay the $7000/year to keep it up to date as they don’t work on many coaches this age. I am paying to have an outside vendor come take a look to see if they can identify if the issue is hardware or software.
I was excited to get away from my DDEC I as it provided so little information to Prevost or Detroit only to find that Prevost can’t access the info on my DDEC III.
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16 Replies
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Bill, a Detroit engine shop should be able to read whatever is necessary. Lack of support is a reality and there is nothing any of us can do about that. What you can do is provide yourself with some protection in the form of a DDEC reader.
Every coach I have owned was DDEC I, III, or V and as soon as I found one on ebay I bought the reader with the software. My purchase prices were $500, $500, and $1000. With the current DDEC V reader I also got software for the ABS and transmission so it was worth the price. I searched ebay for a Nexiq reader, but they have options that allow for the use of a laptop so depending on your comfort lever you have choices.
At the slightest hint of an issue on my coach I plug it in at the driver’s seat or back by the rear electric box and I can scan everything and usually know exactly what is going on. The two biggies were I was able to diagnose my failing CAC and recently my intermittent fuel injector issues.
Even if I am not prepared to make a repair, I at least know what is going on, and can look to see what options I have relative to parts and the work to do the repair.
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my bus is a 1998 and when I was at Jacksonville in February they read my defective anti lock brake module! Guess now they use Volvo power Detroit won’t give them access without a big price.
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That’s not true. Software to read not only DDEC, but all other engine and transmission ECMs is readily available from multiple sources.
For less than $100 for example anyone can buy a reader to plug into any car and read codes, reset codes, etc. It is not as cheap for buses, but the same ability to read the bus codes and operating conditions is available.
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That looks like just what the doctor ordered! Thanks. I see an early Christmas present coming.
What about those of you that do something with Silverleaf and similar devices? Is there something I could do with the older DDEC III?
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I just grabbed that as an example. With some searching or patience you might have one pop up with more cartridges or cards so you can do more than just read DDEC.
You also might prefer lap top software. For me the reader is easier to handle instead of trying to balance a laptop.
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We just got back to our RV park and now the CC leveling (HWH?) does not work. The dump side works and the manual level low works but something happened with the auto leverer. Anyone know if there’s a circuit breaker or similar I can track down? It had worked a few days ago.
We were pretty pleased with the service outcome. They looked things over, did a level 2, found a few air leaks, fixed an issue with the cruise control and a few minor issues but did not see anything serious that needed any kind of immediate attention.
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Sure wish or does anybody have a set up for a DDEC11?
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Bill, It’s probably an HWH system. You should be able to trace from the service door down from the switch or the leveler back. There is a solenoid in the system and for what it’s worth, my wire is marked HWH and is orange.
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Ditto what Jon said. A couple years ago we found a brand new DDEC II code reader on ebay (still wrapped in plastic) for about $400…not sure, but I believe the newer versions also include the older software.
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GOOD INFO. i looked at ebay. are their any that are better than others. what to stay away from ?
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Jon, in a earlier post you mentioned the CAC . I wanted to ask if you feel this should be changed out like we do with air springs . Also can you speak into what change did you notice that made you suspicious . Thank You
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Al, the EGR coaches got a different CAC and Prevost’s choice was a piece of shit and failed prematurely. I am not aware of issues with pre-EGR coaches. Easy to check.
With the engine at idle spray soapy water along where the tubes are joined to the ends. If you plow bubbles, replace.
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that is easy to check , thank you
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You have the good CAC Al, your good.
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