First Time Connecting Your Diesel Diagnostic Laptop
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Just received your diesel diagnostic laptop? Here's your step-by-step guide to get connected and start diagnosing your truck like a pro.
Step 1: Connect Your Laptop to Your Truck
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Plug your diagnostic USB cable into both the laptop and your truck's diagnostic port.
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Turn your ignition key to the ON position (all dash lights should be on).
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Your system is now powered and ready to communicate.
Step 2: Choose the Right Program for Your Engine
Your laptop includes multiple diagnostic programs. Here's how to know which one to use:
Universal Options (Works on All Trucks)
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Diesel Tech or Universal Diag
These are user-friendly and universal — recommended for most first-time users and support all heavy-duty engines, transmissions, and brake systems.
Manufacturer-Specific Programs (Advanced Use)
If you want more direct access to specific modules (e.g., parameter changes, injector coding), use the OEM-specific programs listed below.
If more than one program is listed, you can use either.
Engine Connections & Software Guide
| Engine | Recommended Programs |
|---|---|
| Cummins | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Detroit Diesel | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link (Blue = newer vehicles, Red = older - 2026 setup only) |
| CAT | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or CAT ET |
| CAT Off-Highway | CAT ET (requires CAT Comm III adapter), Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Paccar | ESA, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Isuzu | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Mack | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Hino | Hino DX, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Volvo | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag (Volvo TechTool requires Volvo VOCOM adapter) |
| Maxxforce | NED Navistar, ServiceMax, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Ford | Diesel Tech or Ford IDS (requires VCM II adapter for IDS) |
| International | NED, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Toyota | TechStream |
| Mercedes-Benz | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link |
Transmission Software Guide
| Transmission | Recommended Programs |
|---|---|
| Eaton | ServiceRanger, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Allison | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Allison DOC (for 2026 setup only) |
How to Use Allison DOC (2026 Kit Only):
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Open the program and click Connect
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Deselect "Smart Connect"
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Click Connect again
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Go to Advanced Setup
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Select vendor NULN3R32
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Choose protocol:
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J1939 for newer trucks
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J1850 or CAN for older models
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Click OK and wait for connection (ensure key is in the ON position)
| Other Brands | Recommended Programs |
|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel | Detroit Diagnostic Link (2026 setup only), Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| GM | Diesel Tech |
| Mack | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Sprinter | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link |
| Volvo | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| ZF | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Toyota | TechStream |
Brake System Diagnostics
| Brake System | Recommended Programs |
|---|---|
| Bendix | Wabco Toolbox, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Ford | Diesel Tech |
| GM | Diesel Tech |
| Haldex | Diesel Tech |
| Sprinter | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag, or Detroit Diagnostic Link (2026 setup only) |
| Wabco | Wabco Toolbox, Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Wabash | Diesel Tech, Universal Diag |
| Toyota | TechStream |
How to Use Diesel Tech or Universal Diag:
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Connect your USB cable and adapter to the truck and laptop
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Open Diesel Tech or Universal Diag
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Click “Connect” at the top of the screen
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You’re ready to start scanning, testing, or performing regens
Need Help?
We’re here for you.
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Use our Live Chat (bottom right of your screen)
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Or Text our Tech Support anytime