Fuel for Thought

OTR Performance Diagnostics Tool

If you own a newer truck and like to do some or most of your own maintenance, you should consider the OTR Performance Diagnostics Tool an essential part of your toolbox.

If you think you have a bad knock sensor, this tool may not be for you. If you think deleting emissions is a good idea, then this tool may not be for you either. If you like being towed to a shop, you do not need this tool. If you like leaving your truck at a shop for days or weeks at a time, this tool may not be for you. If you like the high labor rates at the truck shops and dealerships, you should probably avoid this tool purchase. 

For those who know it is a NOx sensor (not knock sensor), those of you who like to work on your own equipment, those who like to learn how your emissions systems work, those who value your time, those who can understand directions, those who think $200 per hour shop rates are a wee bit high or any of you who can understand that a small investment in a tool with enormous time and money savings is a great idea, then this tool may need to be in your truck at all times.

When you hear the word tool, you may think of a wrench, socket or screwdriver, but the OTR tool is not that kind of tool. It is a small kit that includes 3 adapters to fit the diagnostic port of most trucks (check the website or call to confirm it will work for your truck make and model). It does require an annual subscription to use the adapters. They have an app to read and control the adapters. The app is free, but you do need to create an account when ordering and use your account info to log into the app. The app is available for Android and iOS.

The hardware kit will cost you $200 (but right now they are giving you the hardware plus free overnight shipping). The annual subscription to use the hardware will cost you $600 per YEAR. I know many of you think that $600 is a lot to pay, but consider your last shop visit @ $200 per hour. Just a few shop hours will pay for this tool, and really, when was the last time you were in and out of the shop for an emissions problem in less than 3 hours?

Not only will it save you valuable time and shop invoices, but you can use this as many times as you need for that $600 per year. 

It can possibly save you a tow bill for derates on the road. You can read and clear codes, even start a forced regen to allow you to drive for repairs if needed, saving you that expensive tow bill.

This tool will not fix hardware issues, like a bad Inlet or Outlet NOx sensor, but it can reset the codes to allow you to drive to buy the part and replace it yourself. And when you do replace that faulty sensor, you can run a forced regen to calibrate the new sensor with your emission system.

If you only need or use this tool one time, it will pay for itself.

Try it for yourself, they have a 60 day money back guarantee for the adapter kit (the one they are currently giving you for free) and the subscription has a 14 day window for refunds.

OTR Performance Diagnostics Tool

Note: This is not a paid endorsement. I am an actual user and like the product and the value of it. I just want to let other owner operators know about this tool. 

See you down the road (not on a tow hook),

Greg