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Old 09-21-2024, 03:43 PM   #1
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M2 Code Reader - Yes/No?

M2 Owners – Do you carry a code reader? Why/Why not. If yes, which one and why?

My situation - 2025 Europa (ISB) - In one 300 mile section of a two week, 2,000 mile trip, the MIL light came on at start up (actually, it always comes on, didn’t go off that day). I stopped after 15 min, looked up the light in both Cummins and Freightliner manuals. Found it “indicates an engine fault that effects emissions”. Both manuals said to get it looked at, but ok to “finish the shift”.

I drove the rest of day with the light on, engine ran fine. Temps and pressures stayed normal; fuel and DEF not near empty.

The next morning, the light came on with the ignition and went off after a couple seconds – normal behavior. I drove another 800 miles over the next couple days, no MIL, no problems.

A little research indicates this is not unusual and to not worry about it. I’m OK with this, but would like to be able to know what the light means if it does come back on. Any of you carry some sort of M2/Cummins compatible reader?
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Old 09-21-2024, 10:26 PM   #2
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Code reader

I use a device that monitors the cpu. I use it to monitor mpg, boost pressure, throttle position in real time. Does other things like miles to empty. It can also read codes. Mine is mounted on the dash.

Big trucks use a different protocol than the obdII passenger cars and light trucks so make sure it can read freightliner
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Old 09-22-2024, 06:19 AM   #3
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I think the sequence upon "key on" is the ecm is checked then emissions is the last thing checked. That being said, one should wait for the dash gauges to completely cycle full sweep then drop back to "0" and start to move to current status of "things" ie fuel guage moving to current tank level

At this time hit start.

I have done this on mine for >50Kmiles and have only had odd mil light when I didn't wait for the "wake up" to finish.

No I do not have a code reader because you can get the error code on the dash and look it up.
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Old 09-22-2024, 07:53 AM   #4
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MILs (malfunction indicator lamps), commonly called CELs (check engine lights), are almost exclusively emissions related and rarely a time for panic. On one of my cars a loose fuel cap can trigger it, how dangerous is that?

A code reader can determine the code but what ya gonna do about it right then and any repair shop will need to read the code anyway. The information can be interesting though, especially if this happens frequently, and the some readers are inexpensive

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Old 09-22-2024, 09:05 AM   #5
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I carry an Ancel X7HD with me, figure better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Our wabco adaptive cruise flipped out on us on a trip to Utah, I was able to clear codes, reset the wabco and go on our way. It is likely overkill for most, but I'm a tech guy and just can't leave anything alone.


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Old 09-22-2024, 09:55 AM   #6
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A code reader is only as good as the person using it. You have to have a firm understanding of how the entire computer controlled system works. Often times the code you extract can be a result of another component's failure. Everything is electronically connected via "readings" by the computer. A lot of folks will get a code reader, get a fault code, and replace that component or sensor. Then they get the same code again and start firing a parts cannon at the problem.
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Old 09-22-2024, 10:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CyberShanks View Post
I carry an Ancel X7HD with me, figure better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Our wabco adaptive cruise flipped out on us on a trip to Utah, I was able to clear codes, reset the wabco and go on our way. It is likely overkill for most, but I'm a tech guy and just can't leave anything alone.


Jim
Thanks, but wow, pricey. I know a generic ODBII reader won't tell me anything about an M2, but was hoping for something less than $700-
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Old 09-22-2024, 11:23 AM   #8
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There are lighter versions on their site too, that do just simple code reading. Another possibility is a scangauge, They are supposed to display codes and you can view other data on the screen, mpg, boost, load, etc.


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Old 09-22-2024, 06:16 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cvd View Post
Thanks, but wow, pricey. I know a generic ODBII reader won't tell me anything about an M2, but was hoping for something less than $700-
There are cheaper ones out there, but not nearly as thorough in what they offer. For example, a ScanGauge is nice for real-time data, but it does not help with all code types. It can tell you nothing about the WabCo anti-lock system, and I have found it is unable to clear certain exhaust-related codes.

All you need is a scanner that is J1939/9-pin Type II compliant. There are Chinese-sourced handheld on Amazon for $100-200.

If you have a laptop onboard your rig, and want full coverage, you can go with a Nexiq Link 3, and the free software from DieselLaptops.com. A Nexiq ain't cheap, but it also works with WabCo's software to investigate anti-lock issues and clear the anti-lock light blinks.

This is definitely an area of "you get what you pay for". Nothing related to big diesel is cheap.

What I also did was install a 9-pin Y splitter, that way I can leave the ScanGauge connected while using the Link 3. If I disconnect and ScanGauge and plug it back in while the truck is running, all hell breaks loose. I lose speed pulses, which means I lose the speedometer and the MobilEye flips out.
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Old 10-08-2024, 05:31 AM   #10
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I can't remember on the Cummins, but on the Detroit the codes are accessible on the dash instrument display. Doesn't say what it is, but it is easy to look up by the code number. I believe the Bluefire also shows the codes, but its been so long since I've had any code, I can't remember.
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Old 10-08-2024, 11:57 AM   #11
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When I had my valvetrain failure last year the codes were on the dash display. 2023 chassis non plus M2 106.
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Old 10-08-2024, 09:17 PM   #12
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I just had a Turbo actuator go on my 2018 Force HD. It started off with a yellow engine light. No codes on dash but scan gauge picked up a code for a communication error. Then I got a second yellow check engine light on (now 2 yellow lights). Again no error codes when I checked the dash, but scan gauge picked up a new code that indicated turbo Actuator. When both lights where on the turbo was basically not working and it really struggled to get up hills. I could clear the code with the scan gauge and it might last for 10 minutes or maybe several hours. This all happened on a trip to Newfoundland last month. Managed to nurse it home and $3700.00 later and a new turbo actuator, all is good.
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