Best diagnostic scanner for 4th gen Cummins 3500?

[DonRam240]

Stretching the topic, but it’s already stretched
I want the CTS3 so I can see the post turbo exhaust temp in real time, to guide when to downshift under load when towing large loads, and so I can set alarms for certain things like oil pressure or trans temp that can’t all be monitored at once. I’ve read the discussions about whether we have to worry about exhaust temp and dropping a gear to raise RPM under load, and landed on the side of worrying about it. I have the commercial instrument cluster, and like to keep the continuous tire pressure map as the active display going down the road rather than a list of temps, etc.
Also for the ability to add their Turbo Timer driven by a probe in the exhaust manifold, since I know I sometimes get busy and forget to think about that when stopping on a hot, heavy hauling day for unexpected reasons. Same answer: have heard both sides of “worry or not” with current Cummins, and choose to worry.
Now you know too much about me

 

[AH64ID]

I've been watching EGT1 since I got my truck and I can say that EGT's are not ever an issue that I have even remotely considered downshifting for. Watch them if you want, but don't change your driving style. Let the truck run, it won't hurt itself.

You will have to add a sensor for oil pressure, the dash gauge is fake. As is oil temperature.

Trans temp can be shown on the dash and doesn't really need monitored with the Aisin unless your towing below 25 mph.

Unlike EGT's while driving the turbo cool down is still a thing.

 

[DonRam240]

I've been watching EGT1 since I got my truck and I can say that EGT's are not ever an issue that I have even remotely considered downshifting for. Watch them if you want, but don't change your driving style. Let the truck run, it won't hurt itself.

You will have to add a sensor for oil pressure, the dash gauge is fake. As is oil temperature.

Trans temp can be shown on the dash and doesn't really need monitored with the Aisin unless your towing below 25 mph.

Unlike EGT's while driving the turbo cool down is still a thing.

Thanks for that information. Should have known oil pressure was a “switch not a gauge,” silly optimist here. But how can temp also be a “switch”? Guess all it takes is the right (wrong) components.....
Nonetheless, being able to see those and set an alarm is better than where I am now (personal preference)
Great to be around so many experts here, always learning.

 

[lpennock]

You should be able to collect the live data without the unlock cable. The Security Gate is only supposedto limit access to read only of all parameters. You wouldn't be able write any changes with out the unlock cable.

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks for that information. Should have known oil pressure was a “switch not a gauge,” silly optimist here. But how can temp also be a “switch”? Guess all it takes is the right (wrong) components.....
Nonetheless, being able to see those and set an alarm is better than where I am now (personal preference)
Great to be around so many experts here, always learning.

No temp switch or sensor. It’s an algorithm based number.

You will be able to set an alarm, for oil pressure and oil temp it only with additional sensors.

 

[DonRam240]

You should be able to collect the live data without the unlock cable. The Security Gate is only supposedto limit access to read only of all parameters. You wouldn't be able write any changes with out the unlock cable.

Some other posts on other sites suggest this may be true. Have any others used their AlfaOBD scan tool without needing the bypass and succeeded in getting all the data wanted, just not allowed to reset anything? It sounds more and more like preventing "data entry" and securing the vulnerable systems from hacking attacks is the purpose, not preventing diagnostic data acquisition.

 

[lpennock]

Some other posts on other sites suggest this may be true. Have any others used their AlfaOBD scan tool without needing the bypass and succeeded in getting all the data wanted, just not allowed to reset anything? It sounds more and more like preventing "data entry" and securing the vulnerable systems from hacking attacks is the purpose, not preventing diagnostic data acquisition.

When I initially got AlfaOBD before I got the bypass cable I looked at a lot of parameters, unfortunately, I didn't think to try an real time data acquisition.

 

[Timd32]

What would you like to try to record?

 

[Topzide]

Look here about the cable,https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2018-ram-security-module-bypass.125133/#post-1801395, this forum also has a lot of info on use.

 

[DonRam240]

What would you like to try to record?

While the transmission is in that Limp Home Mode, live temperatures, etc, plus catch "freeze frame" data from the episode.

 

[sag2]

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.

 

[sag2]

And the freeze frame data is already saved and available to your dealer each time it sets the code.

 

[DonRam240]

Look here about the cable,https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2018-ram-security-module-bypass.125133/#post-1801395, this forum also has a lot of info on use.

Thank you. Have registered there and posted the question, without the bypass, can live data and freeze frame data be obtained during operation?

 

[bcbender]

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.

Is this one for the 19' the same cable / OBD MX+ useable on the 20' Mine has a build date of 9/20 and after being stuck in MT for 3 days with a bad EGR, I would like to be able to see what is going on, maybe I couldve seen that the EGR / Boost flow was dropping prior to being stuck with Limp mode of almost zero throttle allowed. Makes for a long afternoon dragging 26k lbs up and dn Wyoming grades

 

[Ozymandias]

Even if you can read the data, you are not able to reset that code. Only the RAM Dealer with their Computer can do it, after repair.

 

[Timd32]

I can't do the code reading limp mode, Sag2 has it covered much more then I can offer, maybe I can try the Alpha with no Bypass cable and see what it does.

But as per above it just clicks in. And there is an adapter with it that connects the pins as needed.

The OBmx deal (saying that wrong) is not fully needed, but I think the adapter cable and the bypass cable are. You can find the wiring to make the adapter but it's truly stupid easy to plug it all up if your not doing the bypass cable no way your building a custom OBDII cable in my mind.

I just keep my set up handy in the glov box. Was like $25 I'm thinking from maybe Morris 4x4 I forget.

 

[toddc72]

New here. I have looked for help on this subject but not much feedback from other sites. I need a scanner my uncle can learn to use and leave in his truck. 2014 Longhorn Crewcab 4wd with drw. He is worried about limp home mode happening or anything else out in the middle of nowhere and figured keep clearing until he can get to a safe area or an area with help for him. Watching the gauge for DEF and all but just in case tank get something hit and leaks or no place to fill up when he gets fuel and continues hoping to make it. Plus I need to be able to work on this thing if needed and my Snap-on scanner I have is maxed out at 2001 so time to get a new one. We got the Allison DDEC tool for his 1991 bus/motorhome and made it nice have all the info available. Especially nice to have if a place could fix it but does not have a way to clear code or read sensors on it. Thanks guys for any help on this.

 

[Topzide]

@toddc72 , If your uncle has an Android phone, AlfaOBD would be a great choice. He can read and clear codes, monitor different PIDS and log gauges for diagnosis. If no Android phone, can get an Android tablet to use with it. You'll need a Bluetooth OBD module to connect with. MX+ is what I use and works great. AlfaOBD and MX+ would be around $125 - $150. Hope this helps. This site, https://www.ramforum.com/threads/alfaobd.123982/, shows some of the other things that can be done.

 

[bcbender]

He is worried about limp home mode happening or anything else out in the middle of nowhere and figured keep clearing until he can get to a safe area or an area with help for him.

Not that it matters but that doesn't always help... when my EGR valve went out, I cleared it twice per the dealer's advise and the third time it set a hard code and limited the throttle to about 10%... took me 1h to turn around and drive 20m back to Billings after they (and other dealers) told me to keep going until it stops . Good to have the ability to know what's going on tho.

 

[toddc72]

Thanks for the info so far on this. Whole new learning curve with the new truck. He did just pull with it on a trip and was blown away by it on the power to pull. Makes the power stroke we have look like a slug.

bcbender
No way to get around it without going to the dealer for your issue or if some other hard code arises?