1. I HAVE THE NEW GREEN PLUG, HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT WORKS?
If the UltraLink is V5.9XL and higher, yes. For V5.8XL and lower, requires an upgrade. Contact us for more information
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2. CAN I GET LONGER HARNESSES FOR THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL?
We offer 4' extension cables Part# EX4004.
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3. CAN I USE THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL ON A ROAD TEST?
Absolutely. The Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool was designed for road tests or shop work. The ‘Track’ mode allows 4 PID’s to be monitored simultaneously. With the download unit up to 18 records can be stored. It is highly advised that a road test not be performed by the driver.
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4. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF BOTH PROTOCOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
The vehicle will generally have six-pin Deutsch connector for J1708 and/or a nine-pin Deutsch connector, can have both J1708 and J1939. The Deutsch connector in the most prevalent connector.
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5. HOW MANY DIFFERENT PLUG-IN CONNECTORS ARE THERE?
The Deutsch six-pin connector for J1708 and the nine-pin connector for J1939 are the most dominate connectors and are included, as standard connectors in your Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool purchase. Other connectors are available upon request. Old International/AMP, Early DDEC-ALDL, GM Topkick, OBD2 and 3 pin 1939. The complete selection of plugs can be viewed by visiting our Additional Harnesses Page.
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6. HOW MUCH INFORMATION WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL READ?
The Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool will read only the information coming through the electronic control module (ECM), mounted on the diesel engine.
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7. WHAT ENGINE(S) WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WORK ON?
Any diesel engine that is electronically controlled utilizing SAE J1708 and J1939 protocol - Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, International/Navistar, Volvo, Perkins, Mack, just to name a few. The Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool will only read the information generated by the electronic control module (ECM), specified by the diesel engine manufacturer. In the near future all diesels will be electronically controlled mandated by the Federal Government.
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8. WHAT IF THE LCD DISPLAY SHOWS “TIMEOUT” MESSAGE??
Reboot the Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool and try again. If the message continues, make sure the Deutsch connections are correct and you are displaying the correct protocol - J1708 or J1939. Remember J1708 is the six-pin Deutsch connector and nine-pin Deutsch connector can have J1708 and 1939.
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9. WHAT IF THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL GIVES NO RESPONSE OR AN INCORRECT RESPONSE?
It is necessary for the vehicle key to be on for proper operation of the Ultra-link Diagnostic Tool. It may be necessary to reboot the system. This is easily accomplished by un-plugging and re-plugging the unit. Make sure that there is power to the unit, this requires in some vehicles that the key switch of the vehicle be activated in order to supply a power source to the Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool. Note: If no message has been received, the values for the engine functions are replaced by asterisks. This indicates that the bus is not connected properly, bus wires are reversed, or the data bus is inactive. You may need to reboot.
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10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTIVE AND INACTIVE TROUBLE CODES?
Active codes are current engine faults and inactive codes are engine faults that have occurred in the past. Inactive codes will show you how many times the fault has occurred. Pressing the clear key will clear inactive trouble codes.
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11. WHERE IS THE DIAGNOSTIC POST LOCATED ON MOST TRUCKS?
Usually under the dash on the driver’s side or directly on the ECM.
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12. WHY DOESN’T THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL SHOW ALL THE FUNCTIONS?
An older vehicle may not have all the functions available. The Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool will display only those functions that are available on the electronic control module (ECM). SAE J1708 is the most common protocol, however, as the requirement for more information is demanded SAE J1939 is now starting to be used by more and more US manufacturers. In the not too distant future J1939 will become the more prevalent protocol as vehicle manufacturers expand the electronic information available on their diesel engines.
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13. WILL I BE ABLE TO READ MY FORD, GM OR DODGE PICKUP TRUCK?
No, these operate under a proprietary protocol.
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14. WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL BREAK IF I ACCIDENTALLY DROP IT ON THE SHOP FLOOR?
The case of the Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool is made from polycarbonate (same as a telephone) for rugged use, however, high shock loads can damage the LED.
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15. WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL ALLOW YOU TO CHANGE ENGINE PARAMETERS?
No, the Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool is a read only tool. This allows more people, who are not factory certified and/or approved to change engine parameters, easy access to diagnosing engine trouble. It is truly a portable tool and replaces costly laptops, software and/or expensive units that require special cartridges for all the various engines.
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16. WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL CLEAR ACTIVE TROUBLE CODES?
No, by definition the codes are active and are cleared by repairing the fault, however, the active fault is stored as “inactive” when the key is turned off.
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17. WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL DO CYLINDER CUT-OUTS?
No, the Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool, being essentially a read only tool, will display the location of the faulty injector (ie. Injector Cylinder 3) as a fault code is sent. Thus, eliminating the need for cylinder cut-outs.
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18. WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL MOUNT ‘IN DASH’?
The Ultra-Link Diagnostic Tool is equipped with 4 screw holes on the back panel for use with a bracket to mount ‘in dash’ for easy access and constant supervision.
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19. WILL THE ULTRA-LINK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL READ BOTH SAE J1708 AND J1939 PROTOCOL?
Yes, the six-pin connector reads the J1708 protocol and the nine-pin connector reads the J1939 protocol. Most vehicles have the SAE J1708 protocol. SAE J1939 will be found on later model vehicles and will have the nine-pin Deutsch plug. The return key allows you to select which protocol you want to read.
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20. WHY WON'T MY ULTRA-LINK POWER UP WHEN I PLUG IT INTO THE COMPUTER?
In order to conserve the battery life in our customers' laptops, our newest version of the USB Transfer Cable will only supply power to the Ultra-Link after the "download" button is pressed in the Ultra-Link Download Program. This applies to software version 2.2XL and highter (you can find your version number printed on the software CD).
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