Best diagnostic scanner for 4th gen Cummins 3500?

[bcbender]

I had a scan tool (not alphaobd) from the parts store (below) that did codes, live data, etc... once it set the "hard code" I was unable to clear it, unable to do anything and the truck would not take more than a small input from the throttle before cutting power... Not good on I90 with a 16k 44' 5er behind you... took a long time to crawl up the hills... But after I dumped the trailer, putting around town was not a problem empty. Not saying this is an issue for you, but I think Im going to spring for the Alpha OBD so that I have more capability. Not sure if it would've helped in that situation, but the off the shelf scan tool did not.

 

[Ozymandias]

These codes can only be cleared by the dealer. That's by law to force people into the workshop to have the emissions system fixed.
All for our environment it is.

 

[brillmtb1]

So I had my truck, 2017 3500, go into limp mode a couple times. I was running a smarty in tow mode. They went through multiple things trying to fix theissue. Thought they had only for it to happen again back home towing my 5th wheel again in tow mode. I used the smarty to return to stock, truck has been fine since but I dont know why the smarty may have caused something for it to go to limp mode, dealer never said anything about programmer as I had returned to stock and removed it so they may not have dug deeper thank god but why would adding 30hp have caused this or was it something else. Such a mystery. You would think these trucks would not be running on the edge

 

[brillmtb1]

So if I get the MX+ scan tool the I assume I need to download the software and I dont have an android so to I need to download to an iphone or laptop with bluetooth in order to make this work

 

[Ozymandias]

So if I get the MX+ scan tool the I assume I need to download the software and I dont have an android so to I need to download to an iphone or laptop with bluetooth in order to make this work

Get yourself a cheap Android Tablet for this, they go for low dollars and you have a decent Alfa.
Don't do the work around and end up with a half baked solution.

Also if you ask for help with it in the future, virtually everyone uses it on Android and therefore don't know about the little differences between the versions.

 

[Topzide]

So if I get the MX+ scan tool the I assume I need to download the software and I don't have an android so to I need to download to an IPhone or laptop with Bluetooth in order to make this work

Only works with Android or Windows. NO IPhone support! Like Ozzy said, Cheap Android tablet and you're good to go. There are a lot of us using the Alfa software and plenty of other support/info on other forums.

 

[DonRam240]

You may find that when in limp mode the TCM may substitute values for actual data. You won't know until you see the data. I would just get the bypass cable and Alfa OBD and be done with it. It is really no different than plugging in the connector for running boards as far as modifications.

Late reply: Routine service coming up, will ask them to pull codes and see if any have "saved" from last summer. If dead end there, will ask them about using a cable and Alfa OBD to try and get live data next summer when it happens, so it's all in the open.
Thanks to all who have replied. BrillMTB1 has opened a private conversation, plans to call me to see if our experiences are similar. Don't know yet if he has Aisin trans.
Don

 

[bcbender]

Cheap Android tablet and you're good to go

Topzide... I still need to do it! Are there any requirements for memory, OS / CPU speed or is it not very heavy on the program? I am not a computer guy and don't really know what exactly is a "cheap and capable" one vs. "cheap and not good enough". Last think I want to do is dump several hundred into this and have it not work when I need it.

Side note, I was on Tech Authority this afternoon and was still looking for a "pkg" deal on the service manual but they still list the service manual and the electrical manual separate. Do you know if the electrical manual is needed for everyday use? is it more coding related or diagrams? I would like to have the same level of documentations my 2004 FSM has which is everything but they didn't separate the electrical area in that PDF>

 

[Ozymandias]

Any cheap tablet will do it, just have an eye on the Android version that it is running on.
I recommend don't buy anything that is below 8, better would be a 10. Up to date is 11.

 

[Topzide]

@bcbender ,I got the package manuals and having the wiring has helped with what color wire goes where along with giving you and idea of where the connectors are located on truck. May not be for everyone but if a connector was destroyed, you'd know the pin-out for repair. I've found it very helpful in finding connectors or sensors. Ozzy brought up valid point about software on tablet. You should look around for Samsung tablet that is still up-gradable for under $150 (as long as not on ship off the coast). I'm still thinking of getting a tablet to have larger screen than phone! Alfa really allows a lot info to be processed and logged! Hope that new rig is treating you well other than CP4 worry.

 

[bcbender]

yeah.. ya know I'm kinda over worrying about the CP4... heck it was the EGR valve that failed and stranded me out in MT not the CP4. If it goes I have MaxCare... I just put good clean fuel in, never drop below 1/4 tank if I can help it, and keep up on the maintenance. The filters looked great when I changed them at 15k, and in eight years when the warranty is up I'll re-evaluate where I'm at, if I want another new RAM, or what and by then we will all know what to expect from the CP4-2 after 10y in the market. Its been a great truck so far; more than capable and lightyears better than my 2004 in every regard.

 

[brillmtb1]

Could I get a summary of what I need to use the AlfaOBD, I purchased a OBDLinkMX+ that has bluetooth that connects to iphone, android, etc but from I am gathering here I need an android tablet, preferably gen 10. Is the AlfaOBD software or did I get the wrong OBDLinkMX+ module. Also there is mention of the bypass module, do I need another module......you see my confusion....just getting old I guess. Thanks in advance

 

[lpennock]

OBDLink MX+ works well with Alfa OBD. You now need a android tablet.

 

[Topzide]

@brillmtb1 ,Only need by-pass/security cable for the 2018 and up trucks. If you're under that, then all you need is Alfa and the MX+ that you've already acquired. The great thing about the MX+, it comes with software to be a stand alone code reader for other vehicles. While I had time waiting for DW appointment to finish, I pulled in MX+ to play around with there software and got an update for the MX+! was surprised to see since have had unit a couple of years now. You'll enjoy capabilities that Alfa will provide!