Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Anybody else running these components with their LS swap? The HDX gauges with the bim module (pulling all data from the OBDII)......

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

No, but they sound interesting if they're CAN based, as then they might work with things like the Holley injection as well, since it supplies a CAN bus signal.

They just snoop on the CAN wire pair and report standard PIDs like oil pressure and O2 and so on?

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I have and they work great. The only problem that I have run into is that if you need to plug in your scanner, you have to unplug the gauges. :waah:

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Yepp, can't use up tuners and gauges... took a while to figure out that one. But simply using a plug for the gauges instead of hard wiring solved the issue.
Clint

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

OK Rob, here's my question for this setup.

I got my first HDX gauge set and it had a bad button - wouldn't go into setup mode. Sent it back to DD. They either fixed it or sent me another one. The note said "no problem found" but it works now so whatever.

During initial setup of this second one, through my ipad on bluetooth, it does not recognize the pcm. The BIM module diagnostics (lights and those codes it can flash) says that IT is communicating with the PCM fine and dandy but the cluster says it doesn't see it. Everything is hooked up the way it is supposed to be.

I am hoping (REALLY hoping) that the cluster did not see the PCM because the engine wasn't running. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I'm running on hope right now.

I can't start the engine to confirm this until I get a few more things plumbed up.

PCM is good- its got hours of testing and runs the engine fine. I just hope I don't have another cluster issue. I had to pay over $40 in shipping/insurance to send the first one back to DD which pissed me right off since it was bad from the start. If I have to send it back again I will not be a happy camper.

Any thoughts?

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Are you saying the BIM doesn't recognize the PCM? Did you update each gauge (oil, temp, speed, etc..) to get it's input from the BIM? Also, the cluster should see the PCM as long as the key is turned on.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

no, based on the troubleshooting you can do directly on the BIM module through the basic codes and LEDS, the BIM sees and is communicating with the PCM. Its the cluster that says it does not see a PCM when I try to set it up through the ipad app.

I can get gauge readings for voltage and fuel level, but of course, both of those are independent of the PCM. I don't see anything else, but with the engine not running, they would be all at zero anyway.

If I have to take this dash apart a third time.......

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I would just use the gauge setup menu (not the IPAD, I think it's still Beta...:rolleyes:). Try this, go to tachometer settings. Change the input source to BIM. See if that works.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Good idea. I'll try that this week and let you know what happens. I hadn't considered the app was the problem.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

It may not be the problem, but I had an issue with it when it first came out. Not that it will help you now but maybe it will someone else, I actually plugged the gauges up prior to installing them, just so I could test them.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

You're obviously a smarter man than I am!

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Not really, I learned the hard way....:(.....:D

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Im running VHX with the module and for this reason above I thought about atleast running the VSS and tach direct to the engine harness so as not to lose them while tuning or troubleshooting.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

And that is not an issue exclusively with Dakota Digital stuff. All my fleet trucks at work (from pickups to class 8 trucks) have GPS units for tracking and remote diagnostics. The GPS is hooked up to the diagnostic port (OBDII or 9 pin). On some of the trucks I have to disconnect the GPS before I can hook up a scanner.

I guess its a network issue with the CANBUS communications. I had a similar issue here installing some new software to allow in-house programming of our commercial/pro motorola 2-way radios. The computer was getting confused as it recognized the radio as an additional network that was causing conflict with the LAN network (interwebs). Nothing worked until we unplugged the LAN. Took a while to figure that one out! I need to get my kids involved in this. I'm starting to feel like my Dad around this ever-changing tech.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I got into the gauge cluster today, this time directly. I was able to see all inputs were set to BIM but when I went into the BIM section it didn't find it. "BIM not seen" might have been the message. I'll still wait and see what the gauges do when I am able to let the engine run for more than 20 seconds at a time (waiting on my radiator).

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Have you connected a scanner to your OBD2 port to verify that i works OK? Also, you need to make sure the BIM is set to read the "J" protocol. It should work regardless if the engine is running or not as long as you turn the key on.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

My reader caught the pcm through the OBDII and read it without issue.

I may have something not completely plugged in. I'll have to poke around some under the dash and see if I can reach stuff without diassembly.

I'll pull out the BIM manual and see what else I can learn about it and make sure its set up properly.

Thanks

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

My reader caught the pcm through the OBDII and read it without issue.

I may have something not completely plugged in. I'll have to poke around some under the dash and see if I can readh stuff without diassembly.

I'll pull out the BIM manual and see what else I can learn about it and make sure its set up properly.

Thanks

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Have you ever tried one of these Dual OBD2 adapters? I have the HDX gauges for my truck and I was going to give this a try when I get to that point.

https://www.amazon.com/iKKEGOL-Split...obd2+connector

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Have tried this and it is very intermittent....

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Did you figure it out?

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I suspect everything is fine - i should be able to run the engine for an extended period this weekend so I can see what my gauges do. I got a water temp reading in the 80's last time I messed with it which would have been the correct ambient temp.

I also think the message spooking me is not "no pcm found" but instead "no bim found." I'm probably good and will let you know when I confirm.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Yeah, I'm good. Ran the engine for a few minutes and the gauges are all working properly. I think it's looking for additional bim modules that aren't there.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Hey all,

Just trying to confirm with those that are running this setup, are there issues with running a obd2 splitter?

My setup has been ordered and I was looking into getting a splitter to be able to keep gauges plugged in and scan, if needed.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Same boat. About to be wiring the dash. Would love to hear some feedback.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I made my own and it doesn’t work. I had to unplug one to use the other. I just installed my hdx set up and just unplug when I have to tune the truck.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Thank you for the feedback.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Question about the BIM.

Have you connected a scanner to your OBD2 port to verify that it works OK? Also, you need to make sure the BIM is set to read the "J" protocol. It should work regardless if the engine is running or not as long as you turn the key on.


Weare having problems with the BIM connected to the OBD the engine will start and run for a minute or two and then stalls.
Unplug the BIM and all is good.
Do you think the "J" code is the problem?

Sorry for the hijack
__________________

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

i just had the same issue on a ls swap. dakota digital has a fix. when i called they were like " oh yes, send it back" so they updated the calibration in it to fix it. said the revision 1.8 needed updated to 1.9 in the bim.

disclaimer, i expect it back tomorrow or wednsday to verify the fix.

problem was
truck ran perfect, plugging in the bim caused it to stumble randomly at idle and try to die flashing the check eng lite. un plug bim runs perfect.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Following, as I will most likely be buying the hdx or vhx kit soon once I see who has a better deal on them

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Not quite the HDX, but I installed a VHX gauge system for my '86 with the Bim module late last summer. I have a PSI harness and PSI supplied E38 ECU/T42 TCU(4L80). I used an OBD splitter from Amazon. The gauge panel works great so far, knock on wood...

Hooking a scanner to it was interesting but worked. The code readers I have did not completely connect when I turned the key on initially. When I turned the key off it finally displayed codes and let me clear them. I think the scanner worked after turning the ignition back on at that point too. I've forgotten some details.

I had a misunderstanding with PSI when I talked to them about using the BIM module. I have an L96 6.0 with VVT. The PSI harness has the stock oil pressure sensor plug and the Bim module uses it. A PSI staff member had originally told me I needed to add the dakota digital oil pressure sensor to the engine also, which I did at first, but it wasn't needed after talking to a different PSI staff member during a different phone call.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I just found out i have the same problem with my suburban stalling.
Nice expensive fix for me. Just send it bavk to us...great if only I was in the US wouldn't be a problem.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Anybody know what is included with a 2003 ECM? Does it provide all of the following that the BIM can use?

VSS
TACH
OIL Pressure
Water Temp
Trans Temp
Gear indicator
Cruise Control light on dash
Check Engine Light

.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Why not just add an additional OBD 2 port ?? If you don’t want to hardwire it

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

Huh? Not a question of obdII ports. It's a question I need to figure out for customizing a new AA harness. Removing wires in bulkhead I don't need.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I have the rtx theyre pretty sweet

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

It was in regards to post 19 wasn’t paying attention didn’t realize there was page two

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I have the DD RTX too. Not installed yet, but hopefully it goes OK. I'm somewhat intimidated by all the wiring of the PCM harness, AA body harness and RTX.

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

They touted as easy.... yea right took my installer 6 hours to do it

Re: Dakota Digital HDX with the OBDII BIM module
 

I'm doing it now. I did my own engine harness, integrating it with a new AA harness as well. I will have more detail on my build thread soon. It's time consuming but not hard. I'm relying heavily on LT1swap.com for all the diagrams and a few members here for help. It's been awesome. Hope to fire it up this weekend if all goes well.

If you have the time, I highly recommend it. All the information is here you just have to organize it.

I'm doing the RTX gauges with the bim module so it's really gonna be that much easier.