May's Cummins of the Month is now open for VOTING!

CEL - why on earth do we need a code reader?

3311 Views 19 Replies 12 Participants Last post by 02 Cummins Guy, Nov 28, 2013

frobozz

Discussion Starter · Nov 25, 2013

I just joined the CEL club at 9500 miles yesterday. I haven't posted in that endless thread yet since I don't know what the code is, because I don't have a reader and haven't gone by a parts store yet. But it occurs to me: with all the screens and buttons on this truck why on earth do I need a code reader? Why can't it just tell me what the damn problem is? You mean there is no double-secret sequence of buttons that will just display the code on the EVIC or radio displays??

Silly me, when I spotted the CEL I switched the EVIC to the "Stored Messages" display, hoping it would tell me something. Nope, just the same old "No Stored Messages" message there.

Google found me some secret sequences for displaying codes on the odometer of older trucks, but nothing for the 2013+. Come on, there must be something.

Duncan

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

Jim W

· #2 · Nov 25, 2013

The reason for the CEL is to inform you that you need to take the truck to the dealer so THEY can read the code and service the truck. Most end users of automotive products today do not even know which end of a screwdriver to use to fix anything with. They would rather pay someone else money to fix the problem and continue to play their video games.

I know this is mostly true when I was working before retiring; I would interview engineers for a new design position. I would ask what they did in their spare time. Most not all would answered play video games I would than ask have you ever taken anything apart to service the item; most would answer no. I would hire the ones who did not play video games. I needed engineers who understand tools.

Jim W.

Snofarmer

· #3 · Nov 25, 2013

Don't be cheep,Just go and get a good $100 code reader for your $30-50k truck that takes &75-100 to fill it with fuel. :stirpot:

:stirpot:

2012 RAM 3500

· #4 · Nov 25, 2013

If you have an android phone, you can download an app for it and use a bluetooth port plug in. simple and inexpensive....

Reactions: 1

frobozz

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 25, 2013

Snofarmer said:
Don't be cheep,Just go and get a good $100 code reader for your $30-50k truck that takes &75-100 to fill it with fuel.

Oh clearly I will, it's just the first vehicle I've owned where I needed one, so I'm not fully stocked on all the new tools yet. It just seems ludicrous to need a code reader in a $50K truck with thousands of dollars in screens and computers, so I can plug in to a crude little data port and get an obscure numeric code that I have to go look up somewhere. That all made sense when the only other way the vehicle computer had to communicate was with the CEL itself, but now...??

Duncan

2012 RAM 3500

· #6 · Nov 25, 2013

Vgate ELM327 Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID : Amazon.com : Automotive

Reactions: 1

camperman

· #7 · Nov 25, 2013

This is a good one also. Amazon.com has them.

Autel (MaxiScan MS309) OBD-II Code Reader / Scan Tool

frobozz

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 25, 2013

2012 RAM 3500 said:
Vgate ELM327 Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID : Amazon.com : Automotive

There's a WiFi version (for iPhone/iPad) on the way to me from Amazon now!

But it's still ridiculous that the truck can't just tell me itself.

Duncan

racquet9

· #9 · Nov 25, 2013

frobozz said:
There's a WiFi version (for iPhone/iPad) on the way to me from Amazon now!

But it's still ridiculous that the truck can't just tell me itself.

Duncan

Second that! :agree2:

:agree2:

2012 RAM 3500

· #10 · Nov 25, 2013

frobozz said:
There's a WiFi version (for iPhone/iPad) on the way to me from Amazon now!

But it's still ridiculous that the truck can't just tell me itself.

Duncan

Yeah, it is kinda crazy that its "hidden" and not user friendly. Really, it could just display the actual wording of the error code and not the code only......

Glad to help on that. Lot's of good stuff out there and its not so crazy expensive......

HoustonRider

· #11 · Nov 25, 2013

For me it's not finding what code is lit, but it MAY be the code can be cleared so you do not go into limp mode before you can get to the dealer.

$17 for a code reader (that's shipped) isn't a big deal. If you use it, great, if you don't, you still have it.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

2012 RAM 3500

· #12 · Nov 25, 2013

HoustonRider said:
For me it's not finding what code is lit, but it MAY be the code can be cleared so you do not go into limp mode before you can get to the dealer.

$17 for a code reader (that's shipped) isn't a big deal. If you use it, great, if you don't, you still have it.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Yeah, the torque app is free and the upgraded app is under $10.00 (depending on whose tablet and app store you are using). Not really a need to go spend 80 to 150 bucks for a handheld unit anymore......

berniesidney

· #13 · Nov 25, 2013

frobozz said:
There's a WiFi version (for iPhone/iPad) on the way to me from Amazon now!

But it's still ridiculous that the truck can't just tell me itself.

Duncan

Which scanner did you order and what IOS app will you use?

67guzzler

· #14 · Nov 25, 2013

frobozz said:
There's a WiFi version (for iPhone/iPad) on the way to me from Amazon now!

But it's still ridiculous that the truck can't just tell me itself.

Duncan

They don't want you knowing the code. They want you to take it to the dealer. What you call "ridiculous" is "by design."

The Autel 309 is $21 bucks at Amazon.

Amazon.com: Autel (MaxiScan MS309) OBD-II Code Reader / Scan Tool: Automotive

-Guzzler

Reactions: 1

frobozz

Discussion Starter · #15 · Nov 25, 2013

berniesidney said:
Which scanner did you order and what IOS app will you use?

I ordered the Simvalley ELM327 wifi model for under $24:

Amazon.com: Simvalley ELM327 WIFI OBD II Automotive Diagnostics Scanner for iPhone iPad iPod Touch: Automotive

I downloaded the OBDFusion app for $9.99 but obviously I can't do much with it until the scanner arrives on Wednesday!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/obd-fusion/id650684932

That seemed to be well-liked by people buying WiFi scanners. Will report back once I have it working.

Duncan

See less See more

Reactions: 1

67guzzler

· #16 · Nov 25, 2013

frobozz said:
I ordered the Simvalley ELM327 wifi model for under $24:

Amazon.com: Simvalley ELM327 WIFI OBD II Automotive Diagnostics Scanner for iPhone iPad iPod Touch: Automotive

I downloaded the OBDFusion app for $9.99 but obviously I can't do much with it until the scanner arrives on Wednesday!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/obd-fusion/id650684932

That seemed to be well-liked by people buying WiFi scanners. Will report back once I have it working.

Duncan

Yep -- Friend of mine here in the office has this one. Uses it with his Android phone. Works great!

-Guzzler

Turbo Crazy

· #17 · Nov 25, 2013

Snofarmer said:
Don't be cheep,Just go and get a good $100 code reader for your $30-50k truck that takes &75-100 to fill it with fuel.

$20.00 shipped Amazon

frobozz

Discussion Starter · #18 · Nov 27, 2013

That combination of device and app seems to work just fine. Just have to follow the instructions for setting a static IP for that WiFi device. The result was:

P24A5 Dodge Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Bypass Control Stuck (Bank 1)

and I cleared it. Guess we'll see if it reappears!

Duncan

hognuts

· #19 · Nov 28, 2013

frobozz said:
I just joined the CEL club at 9500 miles yesterday. I haven't posted in that endless thread yet since I don't know what the code is, because I don't have a reader and haven't gone by a parts store yet. But it occurs to me: with all the screens and buttons on this truck why on earth do I need a code reader? Why can't it just tell me what the damn problem is? You mean there is no double-secret sequence of buttons that will just display the code on the EVIC or radio displays??

Silly me, when I spotted the CEL I switched the EVIC to the "Stored Messages" display, hoping it would tell me something. Nope, just the same old "No Stored Messages" message there.

Google found me some secret sequences for displaying codes on the odometer of older trucks, but nothing for the 2013+. Come on, there must be something.

Duncan

easy answer you shouldn't but they want you to come in to there crappy service departement for work.

My 04.5 would flash the codes in the odometer and my 13 won't how stupid is that. I really though that was nice feature then they took it away. Just go buy the $18 code reader on amazon.

02 Cummins Guy

· #20 · Nov 28, 2013

If they would build the trucks so they don't have an issue with CEL's, we wouldn't need a reader

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Cummins Diesel Forum

A forum community dedicated to all things Cummins Diesel! Originally founded for owners and enthusiasts of Cummins powered Dodge pickups, the Cummins Forum has expanded to include ALL Cummins Engine applications! Come join the discussion about reviews, drivetrain swaps, turbos, modifications, classifieds, builds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!

Full Forum Listing

Explore Our Forums

03-07 Performance Parts Discussion 03-07 Powertrain 2013-2018 General Discussion 98.5-02 Powertrain 98.5-02 Performance Parts Discussion

Emissions Delete Discussions are Now Prohibited! Read Why