BD X-Monitor Concerns

[CTRice]

I am in the process of installing a BD X-Monitor and have some issues.



1. BD instructions require splicing into the truck wiring harness for several types of gauges or readouts. I am having anxiety over this. Has anyone else felt that it is wrong to cut into the wiring of a $40,000 plus truck based on the instructions of a company that reinforces their disclaimers repeatedly that they are not responsible for anything that goes wrong??? If splicing is not a problem, please let me know.



2. If you did hook up the trans temp function, how did you access the transmission temp sensor wire?? (It looks like you have to stand on your head)



3. If you were finally able to splice into the trans temp sensor wire, how did you make this splice weatherproof, as this wiring is in the splash zone for any inclement weather???



I am dissapointed that this gauge system requires splicing into one or more weatherproof factory wiring harnesses. It seems to me that considering the relatively high cost of this BD setup ($416), they could and should provide the necessary hardware to install this system without disturbing any of the

engine control wiring.



How do you guys feel about this???



Thanks, Chuck

_______________________________________________________________

2006 Laramie 3500 QC SB 4x4 48re (3,700miles so far)

2001 Cardinal 28ft Fiver

1969 Charger RT/SE 440 727

 

[JCleary]

I feel the same way. The Quad Commander is the same way, you have to tap the water temp sensor wire.



Personally, I would ditch the monitor and go with separate gauges. It's all reversible.



You would never know my truck had been modified by looking at it today. The only bummer was buying a new exhaust manifold, as I drilled and tapped the original. My SPA rail gauge required tapping a wire, but I tapped my pressure box harness instead of the factory harness. I did not want to compromise the original equipment.



You can get a full set of gauges for about the same money. Go with the DiPricol Optix, and you can then get the rail pressure gauge. It's designed right! Plug and play, no splicing. The rail gauge is spendy, though.



Diesel Manor has about the best set of instructions I have ever seen. I'm not sure if Diesel Manor is the vendor that sells it, but someone makes a trans cooler line that lets you see the temps as the oil comes out of the trans on the way to the cooler. Much better than using a stock sensor, a test port or putting a sensor in the pan.



Surely someone who knows more will chime in...

 

[BRayls]

the wire you are refering to is it the one that taps for keyed power? go to the fuse box and find a keyed source instead. which is what I did.

 

[RStamand]

I installed the trans temp guage on the wire coming out of the ecm ( as per the instructions) however I could not use their tap. I got one of those blue sandwich type. I removed the plug from the ecm removed some tape to give myself room, spliced in, taped the hell out of it. I've had it in for about six or seven months now, no problems. If you do install it and you turn the key to accessory, the transmission wire has no input so it reads - 400 degrees, don't panick.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I spliced my trans temp in using the parts in the BD kit. After that I covered the whole BD splice connector with clear silicone. Been through a lot of water and salt since then with no problems.

 

[RStamand]

I never thought about the clear silicone, sounds like a good idea.

 

[AMassaro]

Silicone might be ok, but they make a liquid electrical tape that I use all the time. Comes in a small bottle with a brush on applicator. Made specifically for things like this...

 

[CTRice]

What has been the experiences of those with aftermarket gauges when it comes to warranty work coverage??? Do the dealer service people have any issues or other comments regarding gauges??? I only mean stock trucks without power chips or other enhancements. Also, what about those of you who did in fact tap into factory wiring harnesses??? I am going in for a leaking PS hose and am not sure what to expect.



Thanks, Chuck

 

[BRayls]

What has been the experiences of those with aftermarket gauges when it comes to warranty work coverage??? Do the dealer service people have any issues or other comments regarding gauges??? I only mean stock trucks without power chips or other enhancements. Also, what about those of you who did in fact tap into factory wiring harnesses??? I am going in for a leaking PS hose and am not sure what to expect.



Thanks, Chuck

let me know what the leak was, mine had an o-ring missing from the factory. we did tap the power wire on a buddys with the tap they sent. no problems and he has 155,000 miles now on his 03.

 

[CTRice]

What about the dealers' comments on gauge equipped trucks going in for warranty work??? Any issues???



BTW, The power steering hose appears to be seeping from under the metal jacketed crimp, for those interested. I'll give details when the repair has been done.



Chuck

 

[BRayls]

our local dealer has never said anything about gauges. heck they install them.

 

[CTRice]

Just went to the dealer to investigate the power steering hose leak. The diesel techs. at the dealer said that the seepage would have to become a dripping leak before they could replace the hose under warranty.



They also indicated that any time a diesel ram comes in for warranty work, The DCX warranty police want to investigate each and every claim and reserve the right to deny payment to the dealer. They have had DCX debit the dealer's books for charge backs based on DCX investigation and subsequent payment denial.



The final discouraging news was that whenever a Ram diesel has had any modifications what-so-ever, the DCX warranty police look for anything and any reason to void our warranties. Gauges are a prime indication the police use for their in depth investigations.



I suppose there have been far too many CTD owners cheating DCX. These cheaters with their "BOMBS" have ruined it for those of ue who only want to avoid costly expenses by monitoring our vehicles, and improving things like fuel filtration and transmission temperature reduction. How do we resolve this inequity???



I wish I could say that DCX warranty policies were better than GMC, but they are not.

I have been disappointed by two out of three domestic trucks. I doubt that Ford is any better.



The saddest news of all is that I just saw the new Toyota full sized pickup at the NAIAS and it is going to make BIG trouble in the pickup truck market. How about 381HP & 400FtLbs from a gasser. How about a liftgate you can raise and lower with one finger that can't slam down? When they introduce their diesel heavy duty trucks, I'm afraid a lot of domestic truck buyers will jump ship.



It seems the domestics still "Dont Get It"



Sorry for the ramble,

Chuck

 

[ROCKJEEP]

Never had a dealer issue with the gauges. I love my x monitor and did the trans tep right at the ecm also.

 

[AWise]

They CANNOT void your warranty because of guages,fuel filter, intake, etc, end of story. Just because they assume you are "BOMBing" your truck because of those things doesnt mean you are, and it doesent mean the parts were not defective to begin with. Thats like the police saying i must have killed someone simply because I own a gun.

 

[CSwitzer]

I bought my x-monitor and had it installed at the dealer along with the FASS 95 and the AFE stg 2 and the ATS arc intake. All at the dealer. Tha same dealer I bought my last 2 diesels from.



04. 5 Ram3500/SRW/4. 10/FASS 95/AFE Stg2/ATS Arc Intake/Edge Juice w/EZ stack/4 inch straight no kitty/BD X-Monitor/18. 5 MPG

 

[CTRice]

Thanks for the input, guys. I guess I should look for a more open minded dealer. Who better understands my dilemma.



I am seriously considering having the factory Jake Brake installed at a dealer. However,

I will only give this work to a more "customer enlightened" dealer. I have also been delaying installation of my GDP big line kit and my Mag-Hytec transmission pan based on the negative attitude of the dealer where I bought my 2006 3500. I would like to have these items in place before my next camping trip.



Does anybody out there know of a dealer in the metro Detroit MI. area that is at all interested in satisfying the customer after the sale??? Northeastern metro area would be best, but I would be willing to drive up to 50 miles to find such a dealer.



Thanks again for your input.

Chuck

 

[CFollett]

I have a 2004 and I did not have to cut the Transmission temp wire to the emc. It is a clamp on splice that goes over the wire. The X- monitor is great. l won't drive without it.

 

[CTRice]

Ok guys, I finally got over the angst I was experiencing over the intimidating task of pulling the ECM engine disconnect block. I explored every remote sensor and sending unit site I could think of before finally realizing that the easiest way to have a trans. temp gauge was to use the connector provided with the X-Monitor kit.



I took a deep breath and found the correct sized allen wrench and found that the bolt actually pulls the connector off of the junction block. I separated the wires and found the proper lead and installed the X-Monitor splice (actually a tap). routed the wire to the control box and now I have all three functions operational. I used a combination of "Liquid Tape" and electrical tape to weatherproof the connection.



I only have one question. Is it normal for the trans and turbo readouts to rapidly fluctuate about 5 to 20 degrees??? Granted, they do tend to elevate until the engine is warmed up, but there are not stable temperatures. Is this normal for this system??



Thanks, Chuck

________________________________________________________________________

2006 Laramie 3500 QC SB 4x4 48re

2001 Cardinal 28ft Fiver

1969 Charger RT/SE 440 727



The only

 

[Dieselnerd]

Yes, the rapid variations are normal with the X-Monitor. If the swings are really wild, they can be settled somewhat by running your ground directly to the battery. That's what I did with mine and it helped quite a bit. It is a rapid response gauge.

 

[CTRice]

Ron,



Thanks for the information. Now I know what is normal for the X-Monitor. I am leaving on a 1,000 mile trip in the morning and now I am feeling a little more confident.



Thanks again,

________________________________________________________________________Chuck