Cat diagnostic for Silverleaf

[darell ottoson]

1995 Beaver Monterey
30' Model 3004
3126 Cat 300 HP
Allison 6 speed transmission

I am debating installing a PC Silverleaf engine monitoring system. I understand there is supposed to be a 6 pin round plug under the dash somewhere to plug the JIB VMSPC cable into. I have found  the 6 pin diagnostic cable in the rear service bay by the fuel filters, However I cannot locate one under the dash amongst the mass of wires there. There is a flat 12 pin connector marked diagnostic cable but I am thinking this is for the Allison. Does anyone have any suggestions. Do I need to pull the dash instruments. I am hesitant to do that because after 20 years the wiring has taken a "set" of sorts. Could a cable be made to run from the back connector to the front of the coach?  Thanks for any help     Darell

[David T. Richelderfer]

In our coach when we had the Allison transmission reprogrammed to not downshift when the Jake brake was activated, we found a round plug-in receptacle under the removable dash plate found on top of the dashboard just in front of the steering wheel.  We use a butter knife, or some similar NON-sharp blade like a wide-bit standard screwdriver, to lift one corner of the removable dash plate.  It is stuck down into place at its circumference with velcro.

[Dave Atherton]

Darell, answer question on data connector for your 1995 motorhome Allison transmission.
Think what your looking at is a rectangle square female plug with 12 pins, this a is what is
called a Packard data link that is linked to your Allison transmission. Later years Packard
Data connector was replaced with a 6 pin J-1708 data connector for Allison transmission.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[darell ottoson]

Thanks David and Dave,  I have found the rectangular 12 pin marked diagnostics. Is this where I would tie in the Silverleaf to get engine and other data displayed on a laptop? I thought it should be a round six pin for that like the one at the rear engine compartment? David I will look in that hole on the dash. I have had it off before as it is where my brake fluid reservoir is.

[Dave Atherton]

Darell, what I mentioned in above post ( the 12 pin Packard Data connector ) that is
For the Allison transmission. On top of your dash under that Velcro fasten cover there
should be a 6 pin J-1708 data connector that is the diagnostic connection for your engine
and one 6 pin J-1708 in the rear by engine for diagnostic connection. I have ran into a loom
of wires under dash that were clipped into silverleaf that were pigtailed off engine gauges.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[William Ervin]

Darrel,  I use the 12 pin connector to feed info to my Silverleaf in my 96 Patriot (essentially the same chassis) and it works just fine.  Call Silverleaf and let them know what connector you have and they will send you the correct plug.

Bill

[William Ervin]

Hey Dave,

Most the Mid 90 Beavers don't have the top access on the dash cover, at least none I've seen.  I looked high and low behind the dash for the six pin and never did find it.  Silverleaf told me the 12 pin to the trans works as well.... and it does     It only uses three wires.

Bill

[darell ottoson]

Thanks again William and everyone else. I looked under the Velcro dash  hole and could only see my brake reservoir. Sounds like the 12 pin works for you. I will call Silverleaf tomorrow and post the results here.  Thanks again for all of your support!   Darell

[Dave Atherton]

William, thanks for the info. I have had with the mid 90's motorhomes and brands
other than beaver location of the data connector and what kind of connector a real
task. Than they used one connector that would connect both the transmission along
with engine data. What I have found on the earlier units is what called a Packard data
connection that rectangle with row of 6 pins on top and row of 6 pins on the bottom.
Packard connector mainly used to read out Allison transmissions than they added engine
data also. Location data connection earlier mid 1990's back by engine inside frame rail
wire pig tail, Cat 3176 engine passenger side, pig tail along side air intake. What ever
you find mark it down location and what connector looks like. Dave Atherton Retired cat Mechanic

[john brunson]

It would be awesome if someone could post a picture of this "Packard" connector

[Dave Atherton]

John, I can provide you with a picture of the Packard data connector for the mid 90's
Motorhome. If I can get a email address will get picture out right away, I have tried several
times to post a picture on the forum without any luck. One thing I failed to mention about
The Packard data connector is something that cannot find anymore. I do Diesel Diagnostic work
on many older motorhomes where several service shops diagnostic equipment cannot connect
to the older engines and transmissions. Most all early Cat engines mid 90's had the 6 pin
J-1708 data connector on off road equipment but truck and motorhome a mix of connectors.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[darell ottoson]

I think the connector upper left marked DDEC 12 pin molex is what I have under the steering column, Is it the Packard type? I hope the picture attached to this email. Thank again Darell

[Dave Atherton]

Darell, the picture on the top left DDEC and info on right side. Not sure how to connect
Computer interface. If someone gives me a email to sent pictures will send picture of
Packard connector connected to cummins interface which also connects to my Cat ET.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[William Ervin]

Morning Dave

There is a six pin on the engine service bay panel my coach but it would be impractical to use it for the silverleaf system considering you'd have to run a cable up to the front to plug into the monitoring computer with Silverleaf software on it.

For those asking about wiring data, here is link to Silverleafs wiring PDF http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/files/J1708-J1939%20Diagnostic%20Connectors_0.pdf

Bill

[Dave Atherton]

William, this is what I'm talking about, on most motorhomes up front there is a data connector
that silverleaf 6 pin connects into. Location understeering column left side, top of dash little area
with cover that also filler point for brake fluid. Left front side compartment. I have found a pig tail
of wires taped diagnostic's, than the Packard data connector for Allison transmission that some
motorhomes use for engine data also. On the engine in rear itself which I mention location can be
inside frame rail, along side of motor, in back etc. Silverleaf connection on early motorhomes
is off Packard connection they must have a plug end wired for it. I can provide you with wiring
from Packard connector that I have if you have to connect the 3 or 4 wires to connect to silverleaf.
I would check with the company for how they connect there product first.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic