DRB III Error Messages and Blank Screen
DRB III ERROR MESSAGES AND BLANK SCREENUnder normal operation, the DRB III will display one of only two error messages:
User-Requested WARM Boot (Press MORE and NO at the same time)
User-Requested COLD Boot (Press MORE and YES at the same time)
If the DRB III should display any other error message, record the entire display and call the S.T.A.R. Center for information and assistance.
DRB III DOES NOT POWER UP
If the LED's do not light or no sound is emitted at start up, check for loose cable connections or a bad cable. Check the vehicle battery voltage (data link connector cavity 16). A minimum of 11 volts is required to adequately power the DRB III.
If all connections are proper between the DRB III and the vehicle or other devices, and the vehicle battery is fully charged, and inoperative DRB III may be the result of faulty cable or vehicle wiring. For a blank screen, refer to the appropriate body diagnostics.
DISPLAY IS NOT VISIBLE
Low temperatures will affect the visibility of the display. Adjust the contrast to compensate for this condition
SOME DISPLAY ITEMS READ "---"
This is caused by scrolling the DRB III display a single line up or down. The line which was scrolled onto the screen might read "---". Use the Page Down or Page Up function to display the information.
EATX DTC EVENT DATA
EATX DTC EVENT DATA can be used as a diagnostic aid when experiencing Electronic Transmissions with intermittent problems. When a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set, the vehicles EAIX inputs are stored in the controller memory and are retrievable with the DRBIII. This information can be helpful when a DTC can not be duplicated.
The EATX DTC EVENT DATA is located in the DRBIII, under the Transmission system menu, in the sub-screen Miscellaneous. It is a good practice to document the EATX DTC EVENT DATA before beginning any diagnostic or service procedure.
A thorough understanding of how the transmission works is beneficial in order to interpret the data correctly. These skills are necessary in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis.
A MASTERTECH video and reference book was produced in January 2002 that explains many of the features of the EATX DTC EVENT DATA with several examples on how to interpret the information and suggested training material to help understand all the specifics.
EATX DTC EVENT DATA can only be erased by:
1. Disconnecting the battery.
2. Performing a DRBIII QUICK LEARN procedure.
3. Reprogramming the EATX/NGC controller.
Erasing Transmission DTCs does not clear the EATX DTC EVENT DATA
TRANSMISSION SIMULATOR (MILLER TOOL # 8333) AND ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION ADAPTER KIT (MILLER TOOL # 8333-1A)
NOTE: Remove the starter relay when using the transmission simulator.
* Failure to remove the Starter Relay can cause a PCM - No Response condition.
* The removal of the Starter Relay will also prevent the engine from starting in gear.
* The Transmission Simulator will not accurately diagnose intermittent faults
The transmission simulator, simply put, is an electronic device that simulates the electronic functions of any EATX or NGC controlled transmission. The Simulators basic function is to aid the technician in determining if an internal transmission problem exists or if the problem resides in the vehicle wiring or control module. It is only useful for electrical problems. It will not aid in the diagnosis of a failed mechanical component, but it can tell you that the control module and wiring are working properly and that the problem is internal to the transmission.
The ignition switch should be in the lock position before attempting to install the simulator. Follow all instructions included with the simulator. If the feedback from the simulator is in doubt, you can verify it's operation by installing it on a known good vehicle. A "known good vehicle" would be defined as a vehicle that does not set any DTC's and drives and shifts as expected. One important point to remember is that the Simulator receives it's power from the Trans Relay Output circuit. If the transmission system is in Limp-in (Relay open), the simulator will not operate. This is not really an indication of a problem, but an additional symptom. If the simulator does not power up ("P" led lit), this is an indication that the problem is still present with the simulator hooked up. This indicates that the problem is in the wiring or control module and not the transmission.
Miller Tool # 8333-IA consists of the adapter cables and overlay necessary to adapt the simulator to TE/AE/LE/RLE transmissions.