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If you like trucks that run on diesel, you’ve probably come across the name ofCummins engines. Cummins engines are used in a wide array of vehicles and machinery, including commercial vehicles, boats, and mining equipment, but they are perhaps best known for powering Dodge and Ram pickup trucks. These engines are celebrated for their impressive power and exceptional dependability, and some ofOptimal production periods for Cummins diesel engines. span almost entire decades.
Despite their strong reputation for reliability, Cummins engines aren’t indestructible. Even with meticulous adherence to all manufacturer recommendations, your diesel engine may still experience normal aging and deterioration. When this happens, a check engine light, or CEL, might illuminate. This light is connected to your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) system, which keeps tabs on different components to spot unusual activity and problems. If the system finds something wrong, it typically generates a diagnostic trouble code (DTC), which then activates the check engine light on your dashboard. We use specialized equipment to read, understand, and erase these codes.OBDII diagnostic tools.
If you lack a diagnostic scanner or feel uncertain.using a code readerDon’t stress about clearing your codes. I’m here to help, drawing on my experience as a former professional mechanic, a lifelong car enthusiast, and a dedicated Cummins diesel fan. I’ll walk you through using an OBDII code reader to erase Cummins fault codes, and I’ll also cover how to do it even if you don’t have a scan tool.
Read more: Here’s a countdown of the 15 most dependable pickup trucks ever made.
Using a scanner to erase Cummins diagnostic trouble codes.
If you are able to access anOBDII scan tool, Erasing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) on your Cummins engine is a straightforward process. Simply get your scan tool and go to your truck. Make sure your truck is parked securely and switched off before opening the driver’s side door.Locate the OBDII portbeneath the dashboard, close to the brake pedal, you’ll find a trapezoid-shaped connector.
After finding the OBDII port, you’re ready to hook up your scan tool. The OBDII connection could be a wireless adapter or a cable that links to your scanner, depending on the tool you have. No matter the tool, the OBDII plug should attach to the port in a standard manner. After connecting, switch the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. What you do next will vary based on your specific tool. Typically, you’ll see a main menu that lets you choose from options like reading current or past DTCs. You can also erase codes using the appropriate selection. When you’re done clearing codes, disconnect the OBDII plug and turn off the ignition.
Keep in mind that just because you clear your Cummins fault codes does not mean that the problem is going to disappear. It also doesn’t mean that the codes won’t come right back. If you want the check engine light to go off and stay off, you’ll need to address the issues that triggered the DTCs. Then, you can clear the codes permanently.
How to clear Cummins fault codes without a scan tool
If you don’t have access to an OBDII scanner, clearing your Cummins DTCs will be more difficult. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t clear or identify your check engine light codes without a scan tool — it’s just going to be significantly more challenging.
If you only want to clear the fault codes so that the check engine light turns off, you don’t need to read the DTCs. That means you can try a simple and basic method to turn off the warning light. To do so, pop the hood of your truck and disconnect the 12-volt battery(s). Then, turn on some of the accessories, like the headlights, and let the truck sit for between 15 minutes and several hours. This will cause any stored power to drain out of the system and reset the car’s computer, turning off any warning lights and returning the system to its default settings.
If you don’t feel like messing with your battery, you can visit your local auto parts store. It’s common for these stores to offer free OBDII scan services. Not only can you visit these places to clear your DTCs, but most of them will also provide you with a printout detailing the active codes. That way, you can understand the root cause of the light and decide whether to address the issue.
Finally, remember that turning off your check engine light doesn’t make the problem disappear. You may visit the local auto parts store, have an employee clear your codes, and then watch the light turn right back on as you drive home. It’s important that you address the actual cause of the light before you clear the fault codes — otherwise, the CEL will continuously turn back on, and you may experience worsening mechanical issues.
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Read the original article on Alpine Times.
