Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) STAR Tech Line

[JCyrbok]

This probably is the wrong forum but I figure its probably the most read. I have read several posts and have heard the Stealer talk about "calling STAR" for clearification or tech answers. What is STAR? Can anyone call them with questions? Whats the number or where could I find it? Think it would probably be a good resourse to have.



Thanks in adavance,

J-

 

[redeye]

StallTactic for All Requests:-laf

 

[lmills]

Originally posted by redeye

StallTactic for All Requests:-laf

you mean Stall Tactic for All Repairs

 

[sag2]

STAR is the technical line dealer technicians call for assistance. In addition many parts that are replaced and then found to be not defective are put on restriction by STAR so they can walk the tech through the proper diagnostics. Pumps and turbos as well as many other high dollar parts are controlled by STAR. And as you all know, they are the gate keeper for tampered parts. I heard one of the diesel guys is actually a Cummins employee on loan to DC. If any of you have tried to diagnose something over the phone, it is not an easy job. The STAR guys have to sometimes work with technicians that give garbage in, and STAR gives them garbage out. We customers give DC hell, and the real problem is the tech working on it.

 

[A Johnson]

Cummins also has a similar deal, it's called Rapidserve. Most of these people are allright, the technician has to be one step ahead of them before they call, and if they ask for a measurement , spec , reading, etc, the tech better be able to tell them what it is or they ask the tech to call back after they have done the proper T/S procedures. Some times they cop an attitude with the tech and rightly so if there is any reason to believe they are being BS'd. No technician likes to be second guessed by some engineer who only knows what the book says and has never been dirty, or stood in the rain for ten hours while the technical hot line tells them to check fuel quality on a unit that is running beside 200 identical units with no problem. On the other had if they ask what lift pump restriction is and the tech hesitates with an answer, they get real short real fast.



As far as I can figure these hotlines were put in place due to too many returns of non failed components. I find it funny that some one would replace a lift pump that didn't have a problem but it does happen. (They are hard to T/S ya know. ) Not only at DC but Cummins too. On the other had I really don't think they allways test the returned components as well as they could.



No these hotlines are not available to the general public. Could you imagine 14000 TDR members calling for advice. There aren't enough people in Columbus or Detroit to handle it.



This board is probably one of your best resources. Eventually some one usually comes up with the answer you are looking for. It has amazed me the things I have learned, and the things I don't understandand or never realized were a problem.



A Johnson

 

[ACoyle]

Just an interresting question. How far away are we from a DRB tool or something like it that connects to the dealers Internet connection and the tech diagnoses from however far away?



With the kind, quantity and quality of information that the on board computers can gather, which can be easily augmented, I don't think we are far at all.



AC

 

[TowPro]

GM has had this for over 10 years! My buddy used to tell me about the big Buicks, they would hook it up to the computer, the computer would dial GM and they would call back with answers.

Originally posted by ACoyle

Just an interresting question. How far away are we from a DRB tool or something like it that connects to the dealers Internet connection and the tech diagnoses from however far away?



With the kind, quantity and quality of information that the on board computers can gather, which can be easily augmented, I don't think we are far at all.



AC

 

[redeye]

Originally posted by lmills

you mean Stall Tactic for All Repairs

When I think of Dodge service “Repair” isn’t the first word that comes to mind.

 

[kaffine krazed]

There is the Co-Piolit wich hooks up to the OBD-II connector and is set to record diffrent parameters depending on what the fault is activated by a button so it records the data shortly before and after an intermitent problem happens we then hook it up to our computer to read the data. We are supposed to be getting a new electronic tool that hooks into the dealers network and to the car but what all it is used for I don't know. I've only seen a short article on it saying that it is coming soon. Of course we were suppoused to have new computers in the shop before the end of the year I'm just not sure what year.



Another fun thing about STAR they like to send the tech on wild goose chases.

 

[JCyrbok]

STAR INFO

Thanks guys, good info on what STAR is, but can I call them?



Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but ALL of the Stealers that I have dealt with, even the ONE that I consider half ass compitant, can never give a straight ansewer on anything.



The one thing that I am tring to track down is the CURRENT FUEL PSI NUMBERS for a 2001. 5 2500 CTD. Each of three dealers has given me different numbers, explinations as to where they have come from and are un willing to let me see there info.



ONe Stealer even told me that a PSI reading of 4 (post filter) at extended WOT is "OK" according to CUmmins. I asked him for the location he got this from and he basically responded with a look on his face of "How dare you question me. " He said that the Cummins Techs told him this after the dealer got burnt on a lift pump "that was not dead. " Started to go into my "why kill the injection pump" routine but at that point I was so fed up with him, I paid for my new oil plug and left.



If anyone can provide a location, number, etc to get the ever changing CURRENT spec's for stuff on our truck, that will hold up if needed, in court or customer arbitration then please let me know. Seems like STAR could provided this CURRENT INFO. I'm not interested in info that starts " My cousins, uncles, brothers neighbor said... . " Sorry for the sarcasim but I really love my expensive truck with the really expensive parts I try to keep from breaking.



Thanks

J-

 

[JCyrbok]

INFO

BTW my CUmmins ISB trouble shoot and repair manuel, My CUmmins ISB fuel system manuel and my 2 volume DC repair manuel all list different info in them too.



J-