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Info on Banks Ottomind

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Idleup and block heater

transmission problems?

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I just want to get it with the PDA to be able to monitor all of my trucks parameters. I never intend to use the added power and only have to have the ottomind in order to make the PDA functions. What do you guys think... . is there ANY way I could do any damage to the truck? When using level 0 is there any stock parameters changed that could affect the truck in a negative way? My Cummins is new... ... . so I am not taking any chances.
 
If you only want it to monitor your engine then save a grand and buy guages and put the grand that you saved in exhaust and an intake. It is not worth the $$ to buy it just to monitor things. There are way too many other options and also still be able to buy lunch when you are done installing it.
 
Most people are not aware that the PowerPDA is a command center and has several programing option that are NOT available with any other Unit. Latest version when I check it had over 100 more features than Edge,Quad,TST. When I turned off a Bank of injectors All three failed to even recognize they were not powered. Immediately the Banks PowerPDA threw a engine code. Most aftermarket companies can only sell on the Platform of Power or cost,Because that's all they have to offer. If you only purchase it for the safety features on a Truck left factory its spendy,if you run it on level 3 or less its worth it. the screen is a cool feature. Contact Us on any BANKS Product.
 
"When I turned off a Bank of injectors All three failed to even recognize they were not powered. Immediately the Banks PowerPDA threw a engine code. "



Is this a good thing or not? I have no need for more power, stock is plenty. I might go another route if I think that the above modification would void my warranty or hurt the truck in any way.
 
I would not want to risk any warrany questions just to have a few monitoring features. Just about all the fuel system parts on the 3rd gens are restricted. The Tech can not just order a part. he must contact Star and in some cases even send data recordings. In my opinion I wouldn't want to arouse any suspicions if I was concerned over being able to have full warranty coverage. Especially if I wasn't getting any power out of it.



Bob
 
ACF

it sounds like you are only wanting to monitor the engine. I would not spend the $$ if you are not going to use it for its intended purpose. If you install it, and then have to take your truck to the dealer for repairs, they will rake you over the coals wether you tell them you only use it to monitor or not. They will not believe you. Trust me, I have worked for both GM and DC and DC is by far the most strict when it comes to that. They can't say anything if you only have a few gauges to monitor ie, EGT, transmission Temp, Boost ect... .
 
For around three hundred dollars you can install gauges. I've had the truck to dealer. There was never a question about why I had gauges. But most Dealers may associate gauges with the use of a chip. That alone may cause you some problems. If you plan on keeping it stock you might be better off without the guages. Besides if you have gauges one tends to fixate on them. I wish I never installed mine. But I have finally learned to ignore them and just drive the truck. I'm thinking of making a self help tape/book. Good luck.
 
CBrahs said:
ACF

it sounds like you are only wanting to monitor the engine. I would not spend the $$ if you are not going to use it for its intended purpose. If you install it, and then have to take your truck to the dealer for repairs, they will rake you over the coals wether you tell them you only use it to monitor or not. They will not believe you. Trust me, I have worked for both GM and DC and DC is by far the most strict when it comes to that. They can't say anything if you only have a few gauges to monitor ie, EGT, transmission Temp, Boost ect... .



This is a true statement. ACF The PowerPDA has software for engine Parameters and known value ability,It will enter stealth mode when it detects a change that is not recognized. ACF if warranty is a issue install gages and cat Back Exhaust. also you can purchase the data-link from cuumins,it will only monitor the engine, NOT the Trans or any DC componets.
 
Ok so what are all my options for monitoring the truck? I have never heard of the Cummins data link. Also is there any way the Ottomind could hurt the truck if one NEVER uses the added power? I would also like to get it because of the new exhaust Banks Brake coming out and the speed limitation feature that will be incorporated into it that ties into the Ottomind system. One can set the limit at say 55 mph and if the brake cannot hold that speed the PDA will flash you a warning.
 
ACF, You have more info than I have ,Just make sure of the source. The Banks shift-shifter Turbo is over 18 month behind,Look at 03-05 owners on the DC brake. The data link is a palm device that reads engine parameters it's some what clumsy. No if the ottmind is set a level one it will only monitor engine and trans. The feature are handy.
 
If you go ahead and install the slough of Banks electronics on your truck then will WILL void your warranty in a heartbeat.



Why dont you just leave well enough alone and keep it 100% stock. These are very intelligence engines and will throw a code if somethings wrong and then you tke your 100% stock truck to DC and they fix it for free no questions asked.



Why would you want to jepordise your 100K warranty and install a bunch of complicated Banks electronics just to check on your engines vitals. The Cummins engine is a very strong and realiable engine and your not going to hurt it in any way if its left stock, it not a fragile little infant.



"So keep it simple stupid"
 
Thanks for the "quote" "Big Dan"... ... ... ... . that's the first time I have heard that one :-laf



Moving on... ... ... ... . I think that the Banks PDA gives one many features that one cannot get with a set of gauges. I agree I do not want to ruin the warranty hence me being here and asking the questions. I thought given the amount of traffic on this site someone would be running with the Ottomind and the PDA and could give me some first hand insight into their own experience with the product. I trust Cummins to know what they are doing, and do not want to monitor the engines vitals because I think that somehow I am going to or do anything that will damage my engine..... I drive like any old lady (just an expression). Its just neat to see what the engine/trans is doing under different load conditions.
 
ACF T&C is a master distributor of Banks Products, We have sold 100s of PowerPDA's to 1 ottmindPDA. I like mine,but my truck was out of warranty before I brought it home. My first Mod was a complete trans under 20 miles.
 
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