CAT 3208 monitoring

[Arcticdude]

So how will you know if its actually a problem arising , or a sensor malfunction or wiring issue? With a mechanical engine, there's very little to go wrong. While I understand the frustration of a light and what is it exactly trying to tell you, but it's ONLY capable of telling you a couple of things so why over think it? Aren't those things easy to check? A quick look at your jacks, coolant level, oil pressure, maybe a fuel sample (if its capable of water in fuel detection). All good? Then keep going. Why, if you're running down the road and the engine light comes on, what's the coolant temp?, what's the oil pressure?, engine running smooth with good power?, any unusual vibrations/noises? If no, then why fuss over it? I've got all the sensors and my cel will light on occassion. Yep, some stupid sensor is failing. All other gauges are normal. Eventually, I'll spend the $3 large and buy the diagnostic computer to trace the issue down. I'll end up replacing a $10 sensor or repairing some chaffed wiring. What have I gained that a non-ecm engine didn't have? If I could take all my ecm stuff off, I'd gladly do so on EVERY vehicle I've got. My last non-ecm vehicle had a 351 2 bbl in it, weighed 3500#, had the aerodynamics of a brick, yet got 22mpg on the highway, could run a high 13sec quarter and lift the front wheels when it was feeling good. Lets see, I can't even buy a big 2 door anymore, especially one that can handle 4 people. I'm lucky to even find a mid sized V8 and it sure won't break the 20mpg mark. Ok the Vette can, has a true V8, but it won't seat 4.

Yes, we've gained vehicles that can tune in 300 radio stations, warm or cool our butts and now even heat our hands. But we can't fix them anymore, because you need a $10k computer to talk to the $3500 computer to see if it can tell the bigger computer what's wrong.

Sensors, schmensors!! You can keep them!!







Ok, it still would be nice to see what the cel is trying to tell you!