1998 to 2007 Communications Issue Resolution

[Power Hungry]

Good day, all. Just a quick update on Orion Programming for the 2004-2007 2-Box (ECM and IDM) as well as 1998 to 2003 1-Box (CEC / Diamond Logic) systems.

So we've figured out that there is a bit of a communications issue on these vehicles when running an Allison Transmission and/or ABS. Both of these modules will continue to chatter on the Data Bus when we are trying to communicate with the ECM or IDM. This ends up causing the ECM or IDM not to program correctly, and also causes an issue with modifying the Parameters.

We have a short term solution which eliminates the communications problems on these applications.

1. If you have an Allison Trans with Electronic Shifting, you'll need to temporarily remove the "XMSN IGN FEED" fuse to disable the Transmission Control Module communications. On Rear Engine Bus applications, this will usually be located in the rear electrical panel. On normal Front Engine applications, this will be located in the main fuse/relay box. Check your Owner's Manual for the appropriate location.
   
   On this application (2007 RE300), the TCM fuse is located in position "C1", which is the first fuse in the third column. (Columns D and E are empty.) Remove this fuse and set aside.
   
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2. If you have ABS (almost all applications do), you'll need to temporarily remove the "IGN FEED ABS" or "IGN FEED AIR ABS" fuse to disable the ABS Module communications. On school bus applications, this will usually be located in the electrical panel on the driver's side of the bus below the driver's window. On truck applications, this is usually below the dash on the driver's side.
   
   On this application (2007 RE300), it's the block located in the lower left corner of the electrical panel with a sticker that says "5035" on it. The ABS fuse is located in position "F27" which is in the upper left corner of the fuse block. Remove this fuse and set aside.
   
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With these removed, you can use the Orion Reflash System normally to Identify, Read, Reflash, and Modify the ECM and IDM (where applicable).

We appreciate everyone's understanding in regards to this procedure. We had originally hoped that there would be a way to handle this without resorting to disabling the systems for programming, but even the Navistar equipment requires that these systems be disabled for programming so I don't think there is going to be any type of software-based solution. Of course, if we are able to get this figured out, this will be rolled into a later software release.

We hope this is helpful to folks that have been waiting for support for the 2004-2007 vehicle applications. This will also help on the rare occasion that the earlier systems should happen to run into a communications issue. We're excited to be able to get this going and look forward to working with you on improving the performance and economy of your vehicles.