Product Review on the:
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Contact Information: (780) 963-8930 or... 1-800-270-TACH (8224) (Toll-Free only in Western Canada) e-mail: cai@c-a-i.net |
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In our search for new
products, especially diagnostic tools, we were contacted by Tim Stevenson,
of Canadian Automotive Instrument Ltd., about their Ultra-Link scanner for heavy trucks. This scanner interested me greatly, as a heavy truck and equipment mechanic. After some discussion, they allowed us to test and review their scanner. I have attempted to show this scanner in action and to give a clear view of its capabilities. |
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Not active trouble codes is pretty self-explanatory. This is what you like to see. |
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Again, this is self-explanatory. Usually, there will be some minor inactive code. |
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This feature is good for when you have to order parts. There is also a screen for the engine model and engine information, which really saves having to hunt for the serial number, especially on some Cummins M-11 engines. |
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Engine hours is another good information screen. It allows you to see the total hours on the engine, opposed to what the meter reading is. |
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I liked this, as it allowed me to push the motor and see how it is reacting, opposed to how it should be reacting. |
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The tach screen was nice for adjustments, setting up PTO rpms or other different things. |
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The oil temp screen is one I like, to check on the temp when running under a heavy load. It can be an early sign of a problem. Although, usually other signs are apparent. |
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The Battery Volts screen was one that helped me pinpoint an ECU problem I ran into. No active codes, no start. While scanner would communicate, there was 3.8 volts showing. A check to the start/charging system showed 13.2 volts. A bad power connection for the ECU was the problem. |
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The Orange Engine Warn light is ON, indicating a problem. Hooking the scanner to the truck and checking for active codes, it showed an engine oil pressure voltage problem. |
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This one had me confused for a little while, as the sensor kept checking out fine. The voltage readings for the sensor were with in the manufacturer's specifications, so I had to try and hunt some for the problem. |
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Specifications: |
My rating for this product; Where to buy: Last Note: I liked this unit. From the stand point of a fleet diesel mechanic, any time you can get your hands on a tool that will do alot of things for a reasonable price, it is a good thing. It would take several manufacturer specific scanners at several thousand dollars each, to be able to even pull any fault codes. This scanner is worth the investment. |
Thanks for reading my product review. Any comments or suggestions would be welcome, and can be emailed to:
batauto.com©November 2001