dmk

Still trying to track this issue down, the big problem until about 4 days ago it would only happen for about 5 minutes after a truck wash then everything would return to normal operation. Running in the rain didn't seem to make a difference either only after a wash. Last Tuesday on the info display screen "alert no data link" came back on and this time has stayed on, but also noticed the A/C compressor clutch not engaging (coincidence, or related? Didn't notice that before, but it would only last for 5 minutes or less). I hit a pretty good bump Thursday and I felt cool air coming from the dash vents and looked down to see the alert had gone away on the info display screen and the gauges working again for a few more minutes, then the alert came back and the warm air started flowing again! (Makes me think there may be some relation) Tried wiggling wires around in the engine compartment and by the firewall pass throughs, but could not seem to change anything. I need to look at the wiring schematic to see if there are any common connectors they run through, or even a common ground. The truck would always start, run, shift up and down and speed control would work. Everything seemed to work except the speedo, temp and oil press gauges, and all the mechanical gauges air & fuel seem to work all the time. Inspected chassis grounds and battery connections. Seems to be an issue on the can bus wires somewhere between the engine ECU and the instrument cluster, (especially since the truck starts, runs and shifts). The main cab to chassis ground looks clean and is tight. It may be time to start pulling the dash apart and looking behind there.... I'll keep looking, corrosion or a bad piece of wire somewhere.... just gotta find it!

@DesertMiner, yes I installed the DirectLink after I bought this. the previous owner stated that he also had this condition after washing. It was a fleet vehicle so what do they usually tie into the DLC for?? I did notice when installing the wiring for my cell booster that there is some type of network cable running through the right sill plate on the passenger (disconnected from what seemed to be heading into the sleeper) side not sure what it was for? (Didn't chase the other end down)? I was an auto technician for 22 years, but this is my first HDT so not much experience here... Learning as I go... By the way I figured out what I forgot to do to be notified on replies :)!

Don't know why I'm not getting notifications for this post? thanks for all the input! As soon as I am stopped long enough I plan on checking this out pin by pin if I have to! @Desert Miner, yes it was a fleet truck. Curious as to why would that matter? Unless there is more than one , the 9 pin is to the left of the driver seat with my directlink brake controller plugged into it.

Hello guys, long time lurker first time posting here. I have a 2005 Freightliner Classic w/14L Detroit 60 Series, 10 spd Ultrashift. I get a "No Data Link" alert after the truck is washed even when the hood is kept closed. When I get the alert the Tach, speedo, oil press, coolant temp, and voltage gages all are dead. After sitting 20 minutes or so it all goes back to normal. Fortunately when this happens it still starts and shifts. I have glanced over the connectors and harness and sure don't see anything that would indicate an issue. I had the dealer look at it and they say they can't find anything wrong, they claim the weather packing on the harness and connectors look good and there are no fault codes stored in memory. I know sooner or later I will run into a rain and not sure what will happen... If any of you Freightliner owners have experienced this or have any good ideas on where to concentrate I would appreciate it. Thanks, DMK