Category: Education

Not All Nexiq USB-Link 2 Devices Are Created Equal
A customer was having trouble getting their new Nexiq to connect to trucks and their diagnostic software. While troubleshooting the problem with our customer they explained they had purchased a second Nexiq USB-Link 2 online so they could work on more trucks but this new Nexiq wasn’t working properly.
Unable to troubleshoot the issue remotely we asked if they could send in both Nexiq devices for further testing. Upon receipt of the two Nexiq devices we saw the new Nexiq was a bad copy of the original that didn’t measure up to the real thing, in fact it didn’t do anything more than show a power light.
We wanted to see what was going on inside, on the left is the real Nexiq USB-Link 2 and on the right is an imitation Nexiq USB-Link 2 purchased online.

There are a number of visible differences between the real Nexiq on the left and the copy including:

• Decal place 180 degrees to real Nexiq
• Decal icons smaller
• Status lights in different order
• Cables (not shown) weren’t of the same quality as originals
• Circuit board considerably different

Unfortunately if you can’t see a photo of the product to see the subtle differences you’ll only be able to tell once you have received the device and try to use it. The imitation Nexiq wouldn’t connect to trucks or the diagnostic software being used, all it ever did was indicate power was connected to the device.
If you’re looking for diagnostic adapters and software please call 1-855-326-8863 and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions.

TEXA makes diagnostic tools for owner/operators, fleet/business owners and repair shops. Providing a range of top-tier diagnostic tests, cost-effective maintenance tools and innovative 24/7 remote diagnostic/monitoring solutions, which tool is right for you?

IDC5 Diagnostic Software Scanner & Tool Kits

Multi-brand diagnostic software rivalling dealer and OEM software, IDC5 is loaded with advanced diagnostic features needed by repair shops and mobile mechanics. The user-friendly interface helps users learn the tool to quickly complete their tasks.
From reading and clearing fault codes through to advanced tests and configuration including PTO Configuration, Cylinder Cutout, Transmission Configuration, Aftertreatment Resets, etc.
IDC5 diagnostic software is also available for Off-Highway Equipment, Marine and Powersports.
 

Quick Service Maintenance Software Scanner & Tool Kits

Looking for a tool to perform maintenance routines but don’t need advanced diagnostics capabilities? Quick Service can read and clear fault codes, adjust speed limiter settings and perform aftertreatment diagnostics and resets including forced DPF regeneration.
 

eTRUCK Remote Diagnostics

Install the eTRUCK module for 24/7 access to the truck anywhere with cellular service. Monitor driver behavior and vehicle status, perform remote diagnostics including forced DPF regeneration.
eTRUCK provides information for the Driver, Truck/Fleet Owner and the Repair Shop.

• eTRUCK Driver App – available for Apple and Android devices, the Driver App displays live data from the truck and has information to show the driver their behavior for actions like hard braking, sudden acceleration and distance covered. The Driver App sends information to the TEXA portal where Fleet and Repair Shop can see real-time status of the truck and perform remote diagnostics.
• Fleet Owner Portal – a web based tool so truck/fleet owners can see the location of their trucks, maintenance status, daily checklists, driver behavior and upcoming service appointments.
• Repair Shop Portal – a webs based tool where repair shops can monitor trucks, see maintenance status and perform diagnostic tests and resets. The repair shop must own a TEXA IDC5 diagnostic tool to use eTRUCK but all remote diagnostics are performed through the Repair Shop Portal leaving your IDC5 diagnostic tool free to be used within the shop.

 

Need More Information?

We’re here to help, call toll-free 1-855-326-8863 from 6:00am to 4:30pm Pacific (9:00am to 7:30pm Eastern) Monday to Friday.

Much attention has focused on autonomous trucks, truck platooning and electrification of trucking but what about the trailer?
WABCO’s eTrailer uses an electric motor to provide propulsion and regenerative braking to recharge batteries on the trailer to improve fuel efficiency 20% on short hauls, 10% on long hauls. Previous fuel efficiency efforts for transport trailers have utilized aerodynamic devices such as trailer fairings and trailer tails to reduce drag and fuel consumption. eTrailer takes a different approach, swapping out the trailer brakes for an electric motor to utilize the braking force of the trailer to generate power for later deployment.

Electric assist may also help transport trucks navigate snow covered roads more safely and without having to chain up as often. The management of trailer power and braking would be through the truck’s electronics stability program to ensure safe operation across all possible road conditions.
A great idea that makes use of the tires, axles and unused space under the trailer. eTrailer promises to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the trucking industry.
Find out more about WABCO eTrailer on their website.

A shop or mobile mechanic is only as good as their diagnostic scan tool on today’s ECM controlled trucks and equipment. Shopping for a diesel diagnostic scan tool can be a time-consuming process because of the large range of tools on the market, each with their own hardware and cable options and license types. Annual subscription costs are often overlooked when shopping for a diesel laptop.
Updates allow your tool to connect to new model year trucks and equipment as diagnostic tests are developed. Some diagnostic tools include an update subscription for the first year with the purchase of the diagnostic scan tool.
Here are three important questions to ask before purchasing your diesel diagnostic software and tools:

What is the annual subscription fee?
Some tools will have a lower cost of entry but place a higher cost on the annual subscription to make them more cost competitive at purchase time. Always ask what the annual subscription fee is and do the math to see if the ongoing cost of one tool is going to make it cost more than another tool.

Does the tool work without a subscription?
The more insidious type of subscription is one that requires an active subscription to use your tool. There are a number of tools on the market that stop working when you don’t have an active subscription, turning your diagnostic scan tool into one of the most expensive paperweights you’ve ever owned.

TEXA diagnostic tools don’t require an active subscription to work. TEXA’s subscription services provide technical support and updates for new trucks and equipment as they are developed.

Are there skip fees if your subscription lapses?
So you’ve let your subscription lapse and now your tool isn’t working but you want to get it going again. Some diagnostic tools will charge for all updates missed since your last subscription, plus their annual subscription fee.

TEXA diagnostic scan tools don’t have any subscription skip fees. Paying the annual subscription fee brings your tool up to date, no matter how long your subscription has been inactive.

If your business or fleet hasn’t added any new model year equipment you will have access to all the diagnostic tests you need for your trucks/equipment so why pay for a subscription?

For more information about TEXA diagnostic tools, including a free online tour of the software or to request one of our demo kits, call 1-855-326-8863 today.

TEXA Off-Highway diagnostic software connects to construction, agricultural, crane and container equipment and industrial engines for almost every equipment manufacturer around the globe to perform diagnostic tests, adjusting settings and performing activations of diesel exhaust components.
The Off-Highway Cable Case includes the most commonly used cables in one convenient and easy to carry case, including:

• OBDII
• 9 Pin Deutsch
• 9 Pin Deutsch for Cat and Perkins
• Bobcat
• Deutz
• CNH Bridge Connector
• Mercedes Benz
• Hitachi
• Kubota
• Volvo

There are also a number of power supply cables included in the Off-Highway Cable Case. A power supply cable is required for performing diagnostic tests because off-highway diagnostic ports don’t provide enough power to run the Navigator TXT like an automotive OBDII port does.
When you’re ready to connect to your equipment find the cable that fits the diagnostic port then we need a couple other cables to connect to the Navigator TXT

1. 3902990 – The base cable for all other off-highway diagnostic cables. One end of this cable connects to the Navigator TXT and the other end is a 28 pin that mates to the equipment specific diagnostic cable for AGCO, Bobcat, Case, Cat, Claas, Fendt, John Deere, Hitachi, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Volvo, etc.
2. 3902235 – The TXT power interface inserts into the back of the TXT then connects to one of the cables listed below.

Power adapter options
One of the following cables connects to the 3902235 TXT Power Interface cable to provide power from the chosen source:

• 3902216 – Cigarette Lighter power adapter
• 3900324 – 3 Pole Style plug
• 7200054 – Battery clamps for direct connection to the vehicle battery
• 7200056 – 30’ Extension cord

While performing diagnostic tests TEXA may ask the ignition be turned off, if using a keyed power source on the same vehicle you will lose power to the Navigator TXT and the diagnostic test will end. We recommend using an external (always on) power source like a separate battery or if the equipment has a power port that is always on regardless if the ignition is turned on or not.

Click image to enlarge

Detroit Diesel DD ECMs can’t be programmed online so your MCM, ACM and CPC must be sent to J-Ball Electronics. To ensure the fastest turnaround we’ve created this article to help you locate and identify the three components you need to courier to us:

1. MCM (Motor Control Module) – will be bolted onto the side of the engine (size: 11.5″ wide x 8″ deep by 2″ tall).
2. ACM (Aftertreatment Control Module) – the ACM looks just like the MCM and will be located near the emission control equipment on the frame rail or a mounting bracket. The ACM can be difficult to find and may even be located inside the frame rail in a hard to access location (size: 11.5″ wide x 8″ deep by 2″ tall)
3. CPC (Common Powertrain Controller) – a VHS tape size black plastic box (size: 7″ wide x 4.5″ deep by 1.5″ tall) will be somewhere inside the cab and is often located under the dash or under the passenger seat (but this can vary from truck to truck).

Once you’ve located and removed the MCM, ACM and CPC call J-Ball Electronics toll-free at 1-855-326-8863 for important shipping instructions.