Detroit Diesel, for many years provided their diagnostic software in the form of memory cards that were most commonly used in the Pro-Link 9000 in the 1980’s & 1990’s. Detroit provided great capabilities on the Pro-Link. Pro-Link (now Nexiq) eventually replaced the Pro-Link 9000 due to the fact that the screen only had a 4-line capability. It was replaced with the Graphiq, which provided the user with an 8-line capability.
Due to industry changes, Detroit changed to a laptop-based software in the early 2000’s. For a number of years, the software was available in CD-ROM form that didn’t require annual software renewal. The DDDL (Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link or just Diagnostic Link) software is now an electronic download & requires an annual subscription renewal. The big advantage with that annual subscription is that Detroit Diesel does include technical support.
Detroit DDDL software comes in 2 versions, Standard & Professional, which will be further explained later in this article. Most shops use the Standard version is because it is much less costly than the Professional version. Unless your shop is installing/coding new injectors or needing to access the body control modules on the Freightliner trucks, the Professional version is not cost effective.
Detroit DDDL coverage:
- ECU information
- Diagnostic fault codes
- Instrumentation
- Run system tests
- Edit ECU parameters
- Reprogram ECU # (dealer only)
- Insert injector codes (Professional version only)
- Change engine RPMs (Professional version only)
Supported ECUs for these products:
- EPA07 –
- DD13
- DD15
- DD16
- Series 60
- MBE900
- MBE4000
- EPA10 –
- DD13
- DD15
- DD16
- GHG14 –
- DD13
- DD15
- DD16
- DT12 Transmission
- Freightliner Cascadia
- Western Star 5700XE
- DDDL 6.50 is included to support Detroit legacy engines
*ECU access is based on Organization type
Detroit DDDL Standard Version:
This is the most commonly used version, as it has the capability to handle most shops requirements. A major reason to use the Standard version is because it is much less costly than the Professional version.
- ECU information
- Diagnostic fault codes
- Instrumentation
- Run system tests
- Edit ECU parameters
Detroit DDDL Professional Version:
It has the same capabilities of the DDDL Standard version but also has the ability to enter new injector codes. Reprogramming an ECU can only be performed at a dealer. Due to the higher annual subscription cost most shops don’t purchase the DDDL Professional version
- ECU information
- Diagnostic fault codes
- Instrumentation
- Run system tests
- Edit ECU parameters
- Reprogram ECU (dealer only)
- Insert injector codes
- Change engine RPMs
- BCM access to Freightliners when using USBLink2
Installation Files Notation
Once all the DDDL software is properly installed, 2 icons will appear on the computer desktop. They are:
- 2007 & newer Detroit DDDL software
- Pre-2007 Detroit Diagnostic Link software
It should be noted that if working on a 2006 or 2007 Detroit powered vehicle & no ECU, etc. communication can be obtained, try the other software icon. There may have been a situation where a 2006 engine was installed into a 2007 vehicle. Another important note is that Detroit only provides technical support for DDDL 8.x. Detroit technical support for the older 6.50 / 7.11 software is no longer available.
Body Module Coverage (Freightliner & Western Star):
The Detroit DDDL software allows the technician, when using the Nexiq USB Link 2 interface to perform diagnostics on the body control modules for both the Freightliner Cascadia & the Western Star 5700X.
Service Manual Information
The earlier versions of Detroit DDDL included all of the service manual information. Beginning with version 8.3 (December 2014) that information was removed as a free format & only available at an added cost. Shops & technicians immediately complained, not only at the cost but that the service software was difficult to install and/or make it integrate (links were not working properly) with the DDDL software. The service information is available in both print form & electronic form. The sources are:
- Print Format:
- com
- Dealer
- Electronic format
System Requirements:
- IT Security Firewall Access for TCP Port 48481 and server name ‘dtna-DlrInfo.prd.freightliner.com’
- Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7, or Windows 8 32/64-bit, Win 10 32/64 bit
- SSO (Single Sign On) ID and password required for order system access, tool registration, and tool server connection (calibration downloads, service pack updates e.g.) (Note: once the software is installed the password is seldom needed)
- 0 GHz Dual-Core processor or greater
- 2 GB RAM or more
- 40 GB hard drive (with 20 GB free space)
- Monitor and graphics card supporting 1024 x 768 resolution
- 1 free USB port
- High Speed Internet – Broadband Internet
- Nexiq USB-Link with USB cable (required for Cascadia diagnostics)
- Administrative Rights (for installation only)
What does all the systems requirement mean? It means, use a quality computer (don’t cut corners). We recommend either a Dell Latitude or Panasonic Toughbook. Both have proven themselves to be rugged, durable computers over the years. Just remember the specs mentioned are minimum specs. We recommend going a bit higher, to cover the need for future faster software requirements.
