Diagnostic tools

[adic27]

So, what are you guys using to to diagnose your skoolies as far as equipment and software? I was looking to get some kind of scanner and was considering some tech stuff that will make things super easy, I guess? I was chatting with an agent who recommended Navistar Engine Diagnostics (NEDS) Software - 12 Month License but that seems to be just software and no tool, though it is specific to the engine I have (98 international 3800 dt466e) and similar. Then there is universal software that comes with a electronic service tool and the cabling needed to connect to my ecm.

So, I was just curious about what you guys have and would recommend. I'm thinking about financing since this stuff doesn't come cheap, unfortunately

Thanks

[ewo1]

Originally Posted by adic27

So, what are you guys using to to diagnose your skoolies as far as equipment and software? I was looking to get some kind of scanner and was considering some tech stuff that will make things super easy, I guess? I was chatting with an agent who recommended Navistar Engine Diagnostics (NEDS) Software - 12 Month License but that seems to be just software and no tool, though it is specific to the engine I have (98 international 3800 dt466e) and similar. Then there is universal software that comes with a electronic service tool and the cabling needed to connect to my ecm.

So, I was just curious about what you guys have and would recommend. I'm thinking about financing since this stuff doesn't come cheap, unfortunately

Thanks

Navistar diagnostic tools

https://www.turbotraining.com/ndt.htm

Also, Servicemaxx is free !

https://navistarservice.snapon.com/S...Number=SM-1708


This info will hopefully help you !

[cadillackid]

I use the "god mode" servicemaxx for my IH engine and I use allison DOC for my allison electronic transmission

[adic27]

Originally Posted by ewo1

Navistar diagnostic tools

https://www.turbotraining.com/ndt.htm

Also, Servicemaxx is free !

https://navistarservice.snapon.com/S...Number=SM-1708


This info will hopefully help you !

Forgot about this thread, thanks! Looking to get the nexiq usb link soon. Do you have it? If so which version? I wonder if bluetooth versions of any scanner makes it superior to wired versions 🤔

[adic27]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

I use the "god mode" servicemaxx for my IH engine and I use allison DOC for my allison electronic transmission

What's this "God mode" you speak of? Did you get it from that site you always vouch for?

[Samarath]

I am curious as to what breakout harnesses folks use to diagnos electrical issues for the vt365. Is there an aftermarket option that's a little cheaper than Navistar? Anyone have some used stuff for sell? Lol

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Samarath

I am curious as to what breakout harnesses folks use to diagnos electrical issues for the vt365. Is there an aftermarket option that's a little cheaper than Navistar? Anyone have some used stuff for sell? Lol

ive never used a breakout harness.. ive found the circuit test procedures and output tests on the ECM sufficient.



with your other thread related to the IDM.. I was thiunking the books have an IDM voltage test as well as an injector buzz test.. the buzz test will die if the IDM cant provide voltage and ground the injectors...

[Samarath]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

ive never used a breakout harness.. ive found the circuit test procedures and output tests on the ECM sufficient.



with your other thread related to the IDM.. I was thiunking the books have an IDM voltage test as well as an injector buzz test.. the buzz test will die if the IDM cant provide voltage and ground the injectors...

When I connect service Maxx and turn the key on, the software populates with data. On my voltage readings other than the battery, there is no reading. Is that normal?

I haven't performed the output tests. I will continue reading through the books. I hope I can get this bus back on the road eventually.... otherwise I have learned a lot about an engine that I'll never buy again....lol

[cadillackid]

if you suspect an IDM failure then running an injector buzz test will test the injector solenoids.. first they all will hit in a loud .. well Buzz sounds.. then it goes through each injector in order 1-8 click..pause.. click..pause etc about 1 per second.. giving you a chance to count if there are any long pauses you know that cylinder's injector or wiring or ECM output is defunct..



if the IDM is defunct id expect you to hear no buzzes or clicks at all as thered be no IDM voltage present for the injector regardless of whether the ECM grounds the other side..



of course under valve-cover harnesses are notorious for shorting out the IDM which often blows a fuse or puts it into a protection mode..



I wouldnt disown a VT365.. its not that bad.. although you do have to be more careful with it than you did its predecessor the T444E.. but still a similar injection system..

[aridgedell]

I use Diesel Laptops DieselLink Universal Commercial Truck Adapter, I bought one used. They have free software, but I bought cummins insight off ebay for pretty cheap. It was invaluable for diagnosing different engine and powertrain light Ive had throughout the years.

[Albatross]

Originally Posted by frxmoney

I've had good experiences using an OBD-II scanner. Last year, before our vacation I found out that something's wrong with my car. And I had neither the time nor the money to go to several mechanics to see what the problem was. So I got from my friend OBD-II scanner to find out what's wrong with the car.

It was a P066D trouble code, indicating a problem with the intake manifold tuning valve control circuit. So after that I found what does P066D trouble code mean, it helped me a lot to fix the problem without spending too much money.

The problem with your suggestion is that most buses are a little bit beyond a simple personal-vehicle OBD-II scanner. And some of them don't even have the port, which makes it a null argument.

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Albatross

The problem with your suggestion is that most buses are a little bit beyond a simple personal-vehicle OBD-II scanner. And some of them don't even have the port, which makes it a null argument.

*THIS*


the only busses that are OBD-II compliant are busses based on vans.. van chassis busses are allowed to be on OBD-II.. sometimes youll see some of the old gasser full chassis GMC from the late 90s / early 00's on OBD-II..



but otherwise they are all on J1708 and J1939.. if they have an ECM they are required to have a diagnostic port.. mechanical diesel engines or old carbed gasoline engines obviously dont ..