DRB III?

[Talyn]

I have a friend that came in to possession of a new DRB III. I know some of what it can do on my 2000 XJ going off what is in the FSM. However I would like to know what it can do that isn't listed in the FSM (of course without a Chrysler link) on my 2000 XJ as well on his 97 Dodge Dakota.

From what I gather I don't need a card for my 2000 XJ, but he needs a super card for hit 97 Dak.

He seems to think that you can go into the PCM and manually edit the fuel trim map, but I told him that it wasn't possible thought that device. I am basing this on what I heard of the way it operates on PCM software update, ebing that you need to have a link to Chrysler to install a new firmware.

 

[gradon]

I wanna check the sync of the cam w/ a drb one day. Why do earlier models need a super card? Isn't it an "obd2" tool of sorts?

 

[Talyn]

Its sort of OBD II, but can do many more functions and actually activate components for testing procedures. Such as activating the ABS valve block to bleed the system, activate injectors individually, set different body module functions(in mode advanced vehicles), etc.

Besides that the DRB has a lot of accessories for it and can replace many stand alone tools. The one he has has a oscilloscope module, a temp probe, a break out box, a current meter, and a host of other options. Checking the sync is one thing I will be using it for.

I don't know why earlier vehicles need the cards. If you look on ebay they have cards fro various different models. But from what I read most 98-03s are contained in the unit, but some earlier ones require the cards.

 

[gradon]

If only you lived on the NoVA border. . .(6hr roundtrip wouldn't be a cost effective solution to the dealer). I have the diagnostics manual in addition to the fsm and there are a bunch of drb procedures in it. IAC can also be tested to see if solenoid moves in and out.

 

[Talyn]

Whats the difference between the FSM and the Diagnostic Manual? How far are you from 81?

 

[gradon]

The Diagnostic Manual is just as thick as the fsm. It addresses all of the Chrysler engines(even the v-10) and gives step-by-step on troubleshooting issues(no crank section, cranks, but doesn't start section, how to fix a p301, etc). I bought a used 96fsm, a new 96fsm supplement(for all those mid-year 96 changes), and the diagnostic manual all for $30. I'm 10mi east of DC(~3 o'clock on the beltway).

 

[Bryan C.]

The DRBIII cannot alter the fuel trim settings, or anything else really. The only way any changes can be made are to perform an engine controller software update. Even then the changes are minimal.

The supercards are for older models. The DRB can only store so much information and 98 to 07 is about all it can handle. I can't remember exactly what years and such, but there are several different supercards. The 94 - 97 supercardII has the generic OBDII reader installed and might be a good accessory to buy. Using the generic OBDII you can access any emission related data on any OBDII certified vehicle.

How much did he pay? Where did he buy it? I work at a dealership, they cost somewhere close to $5000 with the lab scope module installed if you buy them from Miller SPX.

 

[gradon]

Do they use the drb to reflash updates to the pcm, or is that a separate tool?

 

[Bryan C.]

Do they use the drb to reflash updates to the pcm, or is that a separate tool?

Same tool, but a GPIB interface and a connection to chrysler's Dealerconnect is needed.

 

[Talyn]

He hasn't purchased it yet. He is actually borrowing it from a guy he knows. This guy's son bought it for his Dodge truck, but then sold the Dodge. I don't know where the guy got it from, but it is brand new.

I so want it.