Cummins DEF Header Stop Gap Fix

[Rustynuts]

Thanks for the follow up.

[repeach]

DONE !!! Built the DSS. Built my plug, soldering the wires to the pins, siliconed the back of the plug. Screwed the clear plastic board holder to the box, screwed the board to the clear plastic holder. It went together pretty easy. (ordered 10 plug pins expecting to make mistakes. Made none, only used the original four)
Programing was very simple following the instructions on the website
No Flux Capacitor sticker ;- (

Testing:
Plugged it in for 5 minutes with no faults. Drove for 41 miles with no faults. Unpluged it and put it in my electronics box and hope to never need it.

Question:
I know the DEF tank was full but it showed 3/4. I know from my bluefire that DEF quality was 31.8 when I parked it, but now it shows 32.5.
However, the DEF temperature seemed to still work. It started out at 61* and by the time I was done with the 41 mile drive it was showing 85*. Is this normal? I thought the DEF temp was part of the DSS.
TIA

[repeach]

Got an answer from Archer2 over on the DSS website defsim.myervin.com .
The DSS reads the ECM ambient temp and repeats it back to the ECM as the DEF temp.
Simple enough.

[lawingnutz]

Where is the plug physically located to plug in the DEF Simulator??

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by lawingnutz

Where is the plug physically located to plug in the DEF Simulator??

If you open the drivers door, there is a removable panel held on by 3 Torx screws. Remove this panel and it will be on top of the DEF tank on the right side of the opening. The yellow tab is lifted out of the side of the plug and it separates the plug as the yellow tab is lifted…..it’s kinda tricky to get apart.

[jeffro01]

I LOVE this place... So my DEF system went nuts when I was almost home from my trip so I'm trying to figure out what to do. First the check engine light came on, the usual one, then the yellow def light came on, then the check check engine light came on, then the def started flashing red but I was able to make it home. Tested my DEF and it's exactly 32.5% so I'm trying to figure out what to do next. Based on this thread I should first call FCC and go from there? Thanks!!!

Jeff

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by jeffro01

I LOVE this place... So my DEF system went nuts when I was almost home from my trip so I'm trying to figure out what to do. First the check engine light came on, the usual one, then the yellow def light came on, then the check check engine light came on, then the def started flashing red but I was able to make it home. Tested my DEF and it's exactly 32.5% so I'm trying to figure out what to do next. Based on this thread I should first call FCC and go from there? Thanks!!!

Jeff

Yep, the first call should be to FCCC and they should help you get repairs done. Right now there are no DEF Headers so you will most likely get the software patch until parts are available. Even with the software patch, you still have to keep DEF in the tank.

[jeffro01]

Originally Posted by Rustynuts

Yep, the first call should be to FCCC and they should help you get repairs done. Right now there are no DEF Headers so you will most likely get the software patch until parts are available. Even with the software patch, you still have to keep DEF in the tank.

As always, thank you!!!

Regarding the software patch, is this something that I can do in my driveway or does it still have to make it to a Freightliner shop? Sorry if I just missed that in my reading.

Thanks,
Jeff

EDIT: Okay so it has to go to a dealer... What happens if I am forced into limp mode on the way? The nearest to me is almost 40 miles... I still need to call but I'm just not wanting to get stuck on the side of the highway over this.

[Barxy]

Thanks for the link Rusty, I ordered my parts today.

I have the S2RV chasis, but even if the part is available, the cost is worth the benefit of not being derated somewhere remote.

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by Barxy

Thanks for the link Rusty, I ordered my parts today.

I have the S2RV chasis, but even if the part is available, the cost is worth the benefit of not being derated somewhere remote.

Exactly why I built mine, better to have and not need than to need and not have.

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by jeffro01

As always, thank you!!!

Regarding the software patch, is this something that I can do in my driveway or does it still have to make it to a Freightliner shop? Sorry if I just missed that in my reading.

Thanks,
Jeff

EDIT: Okay so it has to go to a dealer... What happens if I am forced into limp mode on the way? The nearest to me is almost 40 miles... I still need to call but I'm just not wanting to get stuck on the side of the highway over this.

It’s a crap shoot but you should be fine. I would have both FCCC and the repair facility phone numbers handy and if it does derate on you, they can arrange a tow truck.

[jeffro01]

Originally Posted by Rustynuts

It’s a crap shoot but you should be fine. I would have both FCCC and the repair facility phone numbers handy and if it does derate on you, they can arrange a tow truck.

Yeah that's what they told me. I think I'll build the box first and have it in case I do get put into limp mode so I can get out of it and to the dealer... Waiting on a tow is a lot of time that I usually don't have... FWIW...

Thanks,
Jeff

[01 mixson]

Originally Posted by jeffro01

As always, thank you!!!

Regarding the software patch, is this something that I can do in my driveway or does it still have to make it to a Freightliner shop? Sorry if I just missed that in my reading.

Thanks,
Jeff

EDIT: Okay so it has to go to a dealer... What happens if I am forced into limp mode on the way? The nearest to me is almost 40 miles... I still need to call but I'm just not wanting to get stuck on the side of the highway over this.

what is the mileage on your rig

[jeffro01]

Originally Posted by 01 mixson

what is the mileage on your rig

11K and change I think. I'm building the box now so if I do get stuck, I can get unstuck on the way to the shop rather quickly.

Jeff

[RESQRIQ]

I had the same thing happen to my RV two weeks ago, I was able to get the DEF header fix programmed into my RV. Yesterday I went to the local FL shop and ordered a new DEF header, $1200 later and 40 day back order wait time. Fortunately it is covered under warranty and I will be reimbursed when I take my RV in to get header installed. I'm waiting for one more item to arrive for my simulator and wont have to experience the headache I had two weeks ago.

[01 mixson]

Originally Posted by jeffro01

11K and change I think. I'm building the box now so if I do get stuck, I can get unstuck on the way to the shop rather quickly.

Jeff

Did you check to see if the lines were crossed , a while ago it was in a earlier post , checked mine they were ok, i have 8000 miles keeping fingers crossed.

[RESQRIQ]

The first shop I went to found the DEF heater hoses crossed and corrected them they also told me the heater pump was bad along with the header. I didn't want to spend two more days in Kingman so I drove along Rte 66 to Flagstaff to avoid some hills and that's where I got the header fix. One thing I did notice during the check engine light when I added DEF the DEF tank had a slight burp when I removed the cap, I believe it was a little hot in there.

[01 mixson]

Originally Posted by RESQRIQ

The first shop I went to found the DEF heater hoses crossed and corrected them they also told me the heater pump was bad along with the header. I didn't want to spend two more days in Kingman so I drove along Rte 66 to Flagstaff to avoid some hills and that's where I got the header fix. One thing I did notice during the check engine light when I added DEF the DEF tank had a slight burp when I removed the cap, I believe it was a little hot in there.

Just curious what rear make & model is your rig and what is the mileage you had issues, just asking thanks

[RESQRIQ]

2018.5 Seneca 37K with 16,000 miles, I bought it with 15,000 miles a few months ago.