Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Laptop Scan Tool for 2001 CTD Engines?

[ntillm01]

I've searched on this topic, but never found a clear answer. Very possible I missed it. Is anyone successfully running any aftermarket laptop software that reads engine data (or body/chassis data) from the OBDII connector/link on 2001 Dodge Cummins trucks?



I own the AutoTap 123 tool, and it doesn't work. After talking with them, they thought it might only show the ten basic parameters anyway.

I asked EASE diagnostics if they could support this year and engine and they said no.



They all say "reads Engine Data from 1996-up OBDII vehicles" but they don't. I understand these trucks didn't have to talk OBDII in 1996 like the cars and light trucks did, but I would think the 2001 trucks could be readable by now.



I would really like to read the data from the ECM and anything else that can talk to a scan tool. I know I'm not the only one. A DRBIII would be nice, sure, but I can't justify $3K-6K for my shadetree curiosity



Just looking for anyone who's had luck with any laptop scan tool software before I throw good money after bad and order another one that doesn't work.



Thanks

 

[FourBarR]

i have alex pepper obd-2 scan tool connected to my laptop. works well. go to search and type in obd2or alex pepper.

 

[JHerrlich]

I use the Alex Peper software too. It works fine on my truck, but the only thing is that our trucks don't have all the sensors and crap the gas vehicles do, so it has limited sensor reading capabilities. The web site is www.obd-2.com.

 

[JR2]

I have the Alex Peper software too, works ok. I have a problem with it reading the MAP sensor incorrectly. Its a known problem and I have seen it on more than one truck, its just annoying. It has to do with the way the ECM calculates boost. On the older trucks it was an absolute measurement (which is the way its supposed to work) on the 01 and above trucks the ecm assumes a pressure for atmospheric pressure and adds to to that. So on my 01 it always reads my boost plus atmospheric pressure. The other annoying thing is that it only reports it in in/hg (inches of mercury) which is a pain to me. Its easy to convert on paper but who goes around sayng they where running 81 inches of mercury. I would still buy it, its not that expensive and will clear emissions trouble codes. He also has the diesel specific OBD codes for the tool.

 

[jcarey]

All manufacturers have what they call enhanced data. If what you have doesn't support Chrysler enhanced data, then you won't see anything not required for emmissions.



I've been waiting for AutoEnginuity to add the Chrylser enhanced, but their site always says 'coming soon'.



Look at this thread:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111673&highlight=autoenginuity



And this one:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112768&highlight=autoenginuity



Hope this helps,

Jim

 

[ntillm01]

I've been waiting for AutoEnginuity to add the Chrylser enhanced, but their site always says 'coming soon'.

Forgot to mention them too. I'm also waiting for them to support Chrysler stuff. Once they do, we're all set. I think they are more interested in taking care of their Import/Mustang/Camaro tuner guys. Ah well.



Thanks for the replies, folks

I'll check out the Peper stuff and probably order some.

 

[Rman]

I've got peper's software as well. Over all I'm satisfied. It worked great with my wife's ford van, but the Ram is limited. It's a great trouble shooting tool. I've normal runs mapped so I can compare when there is a problem.

 

[SKneeland]

can you clear/reset engine codes with this alex pepper deal?

 

[JHerrlich]

Yeah, you can clear and reset engine codes with the Alex Peper software.

 

[WestTN]

The MAP sensor is a Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor. so that would be 14. 69psi at standard temperaure and pressure (sea level). 51. 715 mm/Hg = 1 psi. 760 mm/Hg should be the starting point and 18psi boost would be 1690 mm/Hg.

 

[JR2]

1 psi = 51. 71493 mm/Hg

= 2. 036021 in/Hg.





The MAP sensor is Manifold Absolute Pressure, but on the 01 trucks and later the Dodge ECM adds 15 psi to the measurement. Its not right, but that is the way it works. Cummins knows about it because they had to reprogram some of the fancy engine monitors they sell for our trucks to read the value correctly.

 

[cyborg]

I have alex peppers as well.

Never could get it to work right.

I ordered the Trican, They didn't send me a different cable.



The flip side is IF you do get it to work for you, it looks like a good program.

A lot of people like it.

 

[ntillm01]

1 psi = 51. 71493 mm/Hg

= 2. 036021 in/Hg.





The MAP sensor is Manifold Absolute Pressure, but on the 01 trucks and later the Dodge ECM adds 15 psi to the measurement. Its not right, but that is the way it works. Cummins knows about it because they had to reprogram some of the fancy engine monitors they sell for our trucks to read the value correctly.

Actually, it is right. MAP sensor values work that way for gasser engine controls too. Absolute pressure is, well, absolute. Absolute zero pressure is no pressure at all, or the absence of air pressure. If it were zero, you and I couldn't breathe. Sea level absolute pressure is about 15 psi. That's why MAP sensors show that when the engine is off. On a gasser engine, with manifold vacuum, MAP is less than 15psi at idle. So it makes sense that with boost on a diesel engine, it should be showing 15 psi and up.



Engine computers use Absolute pressure to calculate fuel, advance etc. If they used gauge pressure, the "less than zero" pressure in a vacuum situation turns into a negative number and the calculations crash. Absolute pressure is always a positive number so that's what's used. It also compensates for high altitude (lower atmospheric pressure, about 12 psi in Colorado if I remember right) automatically.



What you want is Gauge Pressure, not Absolute, to measure how much pressure over atmospheric the turbo is making. Gauge manufacturers (mechanical and electronic style) compensate for atmospheric pressure all the time, even if they don't call it that. Used to be called "zero calibrating" or ""zeroing the guage" or something like that.



Sorry to get off-topic, but I had an explanation for the MAP sensor "error".



I have the Peper TRICAN model (does everything) on order so I hope it comes through ok.



Maybe we could post a FAQ (Moderator?) in this forum and submit known "anomalies" with the Peper software and our trucks. From the number of views, this is a popular topic!

 

[JHerrlich]

I have the TRICAN too, works just fine.

 

[ntillm01]

Is anyone running Alex Peper OBD2 successfully on Windows 2000 Professional?



I downloaded the software, as instructed by the e-mail I got after ordering. It self-extracted fine, and said all files were successful. But when I try to run it, Windows gives me a "16-bit, not suitable for MS-DOS or Windows" error and won't run the program. It doesn't like C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC. NT that the program is trying to run it seems.



I have e-mailed their support line and will post back with the fix (I hope).

 

[BudPhoto]

Is it possible to program your truck with this device for more power?

 

[TractorNut]

Bud, these are for diagnostic info only. . Codes, sensor information... Some can change basic info. . like for tire speed... You will have to go to a reprogramer for HP increase. . or to a MAD ECM...

Bryan

 

[JR2]

The problem with Dodges ECM is that it reports 15 psi all the time and the Alex pepper software adds 15 psi to it. So if I remove the map from the truck I get a reading of 15 psi, when I plug the map sensor back in I get a reading of 30 psi at idle. Its all in in/hg but those are the readings. I just know to subtract 15 psi from the value I get and all is well. The only thing that does not work on the pepper software is to graph the boost, it reads too high for the software.

I emailed Alex Pepper about it and he told the the standard way (according to the American society of automotive engineers) to report the map reading is to add 15psi to the value the truck is sending... that does not work with a dodge.



I would get the software anyway, it works well on my computer and I have reset many codes. It works good enough that I am sending my cable back to get one of the combo cables so I can check my Ford Diesel too.

 

[RWhites]

Back to the top.

I am interested in purchasing a scan tool or reprogrammer for my truck. What does the forum think would be best? What would your choice be? Why?

My truck is setting "Companion codes" ect. Help. Rich

 

[Herman8r]

I use Harrison r&d scanner & it reads & clears error codes