PowerMaxCR trouble shoot

[Simms]

I installed a PowerMaxCR with R47 remote yesterday on my 03 Cummins. When I turned the key, the remote started to show an EGT reading but quickly went out when I started the truck. The truck runs fine with no codes, but the remote shows nothing. No power levels, EGT's etc. As stated in the directions, I rechecked the remote and 12V connections. Using a test light, I verified that both the red and orange wires to the fuse box had power and I also checked the ground from the injector harness. At this point is there any other way for me to trouble shoot this? Is it correct for me to assume the Powermax computer is good since I am not throwing any codes?



I emailed TST and I am waiting for their response, but I figured I would ask you guys too.

 

[TimG]

I'm not an electrical genius, but I would like to hear what the problem was when you get it ironed out.

 

[Ross]

Ditto

Simms:



I installed a PM CR on a 03 (standard output, auto) a few months back. Same result, except the remote never even lit up. I double-checked the connections, checked voltage, and re-connected everything, still nothing. I assumed I had a bad harness, or bad remote. I called my supplier, and he sent me another unit. I first replaced just the remote, and nothing, still wouldn't light up the display. Next I replaced the harness. Nothing... . no lights. Next I replaced the CR computer unit. NOTHING!!!



Like your experience, the truck runs ok with the unit connected, more power is obvious, but I have no idea what the EGT temps are, and idea what power setting the unit is at.



I believe that it may be a problem with the truck, not the PM-CR. I have talked to Mark Chappel and he had never heard of such a thing. He did suggest that I try taking the 12-volt power source from somewhere besides the fuse block. Perhaps a fused link directly from the battery? I have not had a chance to try this. I do know that the PM-CR can be pretty darn finnicky when it comes to power supply and ground location. There are some wierd A/C problems that some attribute to the 03s and ground locations. Do a search on the TDR and you'll learn about some of the goofy electronic gremlins that the 03s have shown.



I still have the two units, and haven't had the truck back in my shop to continue to work the problem. It's not a priority for the owner (he uses the truck in his business operation, and can't stand to have it out of service), and I haven't had another 03 available to try them on.



I suppose I'll get to the bottom of this in a few weeks... . I will post any developments.

 

[BILLUA]

Try moving the ground wire to the battery if you don't have it there already...



Bill

 

[Simms]

Simms:



I installed a PM CR on a 03 (standard output, auto) a few months back. Same result, except the remote never even lit up. I double-checked the connections, checked voltage, and re-connected everything, still nothing. I assumed I had a bad harness, or bad remote. I called my supplier, and he sent me another unit. I first replaced just the remote, and nothing, still wouldn't light up the display. Next I replaced the harness. Nothing... . no lights. Next I replaced the CR computer unit. NOTHING!!!



Like your experience, the truck runs ok with the unit connected, more power is obvious, but I have no idea what the EGT temps are, and idea what power setting the unit is at.



I believe that it may be a problem with the truck, not the PM-CR. I have talked to Mark Chappel and he had never heard of such a thing. He did suggest that I try taking the 12-volt power source from somewhere besides the fuse block. Perhaps a fused link directly from the battery? I have not had a chance to try this. I do know that the PM-CR can be pretty darn finnicky when it comes to power supply and ground location. There are some wierd A/C problems that some attribute to the 03s and ground locations. Do a search on the TDR and you'll learn about some of the goofy electronic gremlins that the 03s have shown.



I still have the two units, and haven't had the truck back in my shop to continue to work the problem. It's not a priority for the owner (he uses the truck in his business operation, and can't stand to have it out of service), and I haven't had another 03 available to try them on.



I suppose I'll get to the bottom of this in a few weeks... . I will post any developments.

Thanks for the info Ross! I'll try moving the power sources to the battery and see if that makes a difference.



Billua, I currently have the ground from the injector harness grounded to the negative battery terminal.

 

[Simms]

Update,



Last night I ran both 12volt sources directly to the battery and still nothing happened. I even tried various combinations with no success. I then decided to trace where exactly I am loosing the 12V source. With the truck running I unplugged the harness to the remote/display and tested the harness from the PowerMax. I could not get my test light to light up at all. Since both the constant 12V wire and ignition switch 12V source are located in the timing harness, I decided to look there. Both the red (12V constant source) wire and the orange (12V switch) wire showed power from the fuse box. However, the two wires meet together at some kind of a capacitor or resistor in the timing harness. After this capacitor or resistor, the red wire comes out and still has power. The orange wire, leaves as a black wire and has no power. I don't know if the voltage on this wire was reduced to the point where it could not light up my test light anymore, or the capacitor/resistor has actually blown. I'm thinking it could have blown since my remote actually lighted up for a brief moment when I originally started my truck. It then went out and never turned back on.



On the way to work this moring it also threw a code. Not sure which code yet.

 

[Ross]

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Any word on this Simms?

 

[Simms]

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Any word on this Simms?

Problem solved! For my situation, I had to replace the PMCR computer. TST sent me another one and I swaped it out. Everything works perfect now.



I must add that TST's customer service is excellent! They even sent me prepaid postage to send the warranted PMCR back.