Connecting to your vehicle for the first time
🔧 Connecting to Your Vehicle for the First Time
If you’ve just received your diesel diagnostic laptop, this is your quick-start guide to help you connect and run your first diagnostic session.
✅ Step 1: Connect Your Laptop and Truck
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Plug the USB adapter cable into your laptop and your vehicle’s diagnostic port.
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Turn your truck’s key to the ON position (ignition on, engine off with all the dash lights lit up).
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Open the laptop and locate the correct diagnostic program (see below for engine-specific guidance).
✅ Step 2: Choose the Right Program for Your Engine
You will see various diagnostic software icons on your desktop. Here's how to choose the right one:
🛠 Universal Use
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Diesel Tech or Universal Diag – These are universal programs that work with most heavy-duty engines, transmissions, and brake systems.
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For most users, this is the easiest and fastest way to connect.
⚙️ Engine-Specific Programs
Use these programs for more direct OEM-level functions. If multiple options are listed, either can be used unless noted:
| Engine | Recommended Program(s) |
|---|---|
| Cummins | Diesel Tech or Universal Diag |
| Detroit Diesel | Diesel Tech or Universal DiagFor 2026 kits: Use Detroit Diagnostic Link• Blue icon = newer trucks• Red/white icon = older models |
| CAT On-Highway | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or CAT ET |
| CAT Off-Highway | CAT ET (requires CAT Comm III adapter for off-road use) Also works with Diesel Tech or Universal Diag |
| Paccar | ESA, Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| Isuzu | Diesel Tech or Universal Diag
IDSS: To connect with IDSS click the question mark, then click select device, click the refresh button on the usb link 3 and make sure its selected, and it will connect fine. |
| Mack | Diesel Tech or Universal Diag |
| Hino | Hino DX, Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| Volvo | Diesel Tech or Universal DiagFor Volvo Tech Tool: Requires Volvo VOCOM adapter |
| MaxxForce / International | NED (Navistar Engine Diagnostics), ServiceMax, Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| Ford | Diesel Tech or Ford IDS (requires VCM II adapter) |
| Toyota | Techstream |
| Mercedes-Benz |
Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link |
⚙️ Transmission Diagnostics
| Transmission | Recommended Program(s) |
|---|---|
| Eaton | Service Ranger, Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| Allison | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Allison DOC |
Using Allison DOC (2026 Kit Only):
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Click Connect
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Deselect Smart Connect
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Click Connect again
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Choose Advanced Setup
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Select the last vendor:
NULN3R32 -
Choose J1939 (newer), CAN, or J1850 based on your model
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Click OK — ensure the ignition is ON and dash lights are active
| Additional Brands | Programs |
|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel | Detroit Diagnostic Link (2026 kits), Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| GM | Diesel Tech |
| Sprinter | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link |
| ZF | Diesel Tech or Universal Diag |
🛑 Braking System Diagnostics
| Brake System | Recommended Program(s) |
|---|---|
| Bendix | Bendix Toolbox, Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| Wabco | Wabco Toolbox, Diesel Tech, or Universal Diag |
| Haldex | Diesel Tech |
| Ford / GM | Diesel Tech |
| Sprinter | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link (2026 kits) |
| Wabash | Diesel Tech or Universal Diag |
| Toyota | Techstream |
💬 Need Help?
If you have trouble connecting or are unsure which software to use:
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Text Tech Support 8am-6pm pst — we’re here to help