JenDodge

Let me further explain. I want to be self-sufficient and have the most trustworthy diesel truck. I realize that the obd2 system (and higher) are supposed to have more sensors (compared to the obd1) that can sense more and tell you more when something goes wrong. That's nice and all, but that's not as important to me as being able to "limp" out of the middle of a forest with my 1/2 broken down vehicle if I were alone with nobody around to help...my understanding is that obd2 systems are more computerized than obd1 and so it has a higher probability of making it more difficult to get out of a jam. I don't have any good examples because I am just learning about all this BUT 2 or 3 guys who work on vehicles told me that I should go with an obd1 if "limping" along is important to me. Do you think it would matter whether I get an obd1 or obd2 considering the reasons I described above? I assume all discussions on this site are diesel related. I am specifically interested in the 1994 or 95 dodge diesel (newer body style). I understand they started obd2 either after 1995 or in the MIDDLE of 1995 (I keep getting different stories on that). I want to stick with the 12 valve which means I can't go newer than 1998 1/2. SO, is a 96 or 97 or 98 ANY MORE computerized than the 94/95????? and are there situations i could NOT limp out of with a 1/2 broken down dodge diesel that i COULD HAVE otherwise with a "trusty" obd1? or does it really matter???


Thanks!!!

patdaly

Dunno, the only time I ever had my 97 on the scanner was to activate the OD/TCC solenoids manually.......

Get yourself a 94-98 12 valve with a 5 speed, no need to worry, duct tape and baling wire will get you home........

Purplezr2

Do diesels even follow the Obd 1 and obd2 convention?

JenDodge

They do come in obd1 and obd2 (the switch year for that is 95). I realize the cummins engine is not really computerized but my understanding is that some of the other components are. P.S. I am getting a 12 valve and a manual so we can ignore the electronics there. But WHAT OTHER components are electronic on a 98 that are not electronic on a 94/95? I like the 98 because I can more easily put stuff in the back with the suicide doors. THANKS!

patdaly

Cruise, Alt charging ( easily converted to ext. regulator ) speedo, etc, nothing that won't get you home, unless home is quite far away. The only change on the 98 that I am aware of is the dash, but your dash wouldn't work on the older ones either.

JenDodge

Thanks PadDaly. I do live far, FAR away. So, this alt. charger can be converted to somethin more reliable via an "external regulator"? If that's the worst of it, then I think I will get the 98 with the convenient suicide doors.

The alt. charger just charge the battery, right? What does speedo mean?

patdaly

Speedometer, for the Alt. conversion, user Infidel has a good diagram in his picture gallery. I probably wouldn't convert it until I had to, because the stock PCM system takes into account temperature, etc....... So it is actually a pretty good setup. PCM's are electrically protected starting with the 95 or 96 MY, so they don't fry nearly as often as a wiring issue causes them to act funny, usually when you correct the issue, the PCM is fine.