Top 3 Diagnostic & DPF Regen Scanners for Mack Trucks
Posted by Lawn & Tractor Co. Blogger on
Best Mack Diagnostic Fault Reader & DPF Regen Review
Are you looking for an easier way to read and clear diagnostic code faults on your Mack Truck? Or perhaps perform DPF regen and resets yourself on your Mack?
When you have to haul your Mack truck from place to place, even across the country there isn’t always time to go to a mechanic for truck repair issues. Not only is time money, but the actual cost of performing diagnostics, as well as DPF regens can be astronomical.
Diagnostic scanners have been around for over 20 years now, but exclusively in the realm of dealers and mechanics, but technology has come a long way. Today, diagnostic scanners are available to everyone for your specific Mack truck, so you can perform your very own diagnostics to read fault codes, fix problems, clear and erase faults, perform DPF regens and many more procedures, saving you a fortune in time and money.
We recently sold one to a Mack truck driver, and we got chatting about how after one use, it literally had paid for itself. It came up that since it was costing him so much each time to get diagnostic faults checked and cleared, and the lost work time to find a mechanic to take care of it, the investment in the Mack diagnostic scanner had not only paid for itself, it was saving him money over and over again and would continue for years to come. He also felt so much more comfortable having it onboard his truck with him, just knowing it was there and easy to use whenever he needed it.
Not only did it make life easier for the trucker, it also allowed us to consider the emotional aspect of Mack scanner and the benefits the scanner brought to keeping the truck on the road, but also to the peace of mind for the driver.
So we are going to present to you what we feel are the best 3 diagnostic scanners and DPF regen tools for Mack trucks. The list could be longer but we wanted to cut through the noise and present the best ones that will work and do what is required, at the best value prices.
Before getting into the list of Mack diagnostic scanners we selected, we thought it would be helpful to explain a few fundamentals and what makes a good diagnostic scan tool for a Mack truck.
Mack Diagnostic Scan Tool Buying Guide
Contrary to popular belief it's not just a standard diagnostic tool that will do what you need for your Mack truck. In fact, most scan tools will not work on a Mack as it needs to run a special diagnostic protocol to work, and then even if it does, it needs to have specific diagnostic proprietary software for a Mack on it so it can do more than just basic diagnostic functions.
What features are most important capabilities for a Mack truck diagnostic scanner?
There are certain diagnostic capabilities that are most important for a Mack truck, otherwise, there is no point in really having it as it will see little use. Below we go through some of the main characteristics you will want to think about for your Mack truck diagnostic scan tool.
Fault Code Read and Erase
This is the most basic of functions, just being able to read what code you have and what it means is important so you know what the problem is and can fix it. Then you’ll want to erase the fault so you can get your Mack back on the road.
Mack Proprietary Diagnostic Features
There are basic diagnostic codes that a diagnostic scanner can read and clear, but Mack also has many further fault codes that are proprietary to Mack trucks. Thus, it is extremely important to ensure you get a scanner that has a certain level of software on it that can recognize Mack diagnostic trouble codes.
DPF Regen and Reset
A very common problem with Mack trucks are DPF errors requiring a DPF regen. When this happens your Mack will go into limp mode and you won’t be able to move. Getting a mechanic to perform the regen can cost over $500. Further to this, not regularly performing DPF regeneration can lead to your DPF system needing replacement more often, which costs over $4,000 a pop. So for this reason, having a diagnostic scanner with a DPF regen capability for your Mack truck can be crucial to many users.
System Coverage
Having a scanner that covers more systems than just engines is also extremely useful. As often there will be diagnostic errors that come up with ABS (brakes), TPMS, transmission, Chassis, airbags etc. So again, having a scanner that covers a wider array of systems for your Mack truck are going to also be worth checking if a Mack diagnostic scanner has.
What are Mack Truck Drivers & Owners Saying?
Many owners and drivers of Mack trucks have already embraced using Mack diagnostic & DPF scanners on their trucks to help them get an advantage.
Colin from Andreasson Transport said, the “Diagnostic scanner that truly does it all, DPF diagnostic and so many other useful functions. If you are a rig owner or operator, you need this!”.
Leonard T, an independent operator of a Mack truck said, “This is value! A minor price to pay. It has more than paid for itself in the savings and time saved from using it, many times over!”.
And James from Lendon & Sons Trucking says “The DPF regen was simple and effective, and I've diagnosed and erased faults easily. Highly recommended for any truck owner”.
So, Let’s get to it…
Let’s take a look at the Top 3 diagnostic and DPF regen scanners. At any stage you want to check out the full description you can click on the "Check Price" button and the full description will open in a separate page.
Most Popular Mack Diagnostic Fault Code Readers & DPF Regen Scanners
Mack Truck DPF Regen & Professional Diagnostic Scanner
Best All System Coverage Mack Truck Diagnostic Scan Tool
This diagnostic scanner for your Mack truck enables you to perform forced DPF regeneration and so many advanced full system diagnostics, including reading and clearing the largest array of proprietary Mack diagnostics. You can see the product page for the Mack truck DPF regen & professional diagnostic scanner here.
Besides the powerful DPF regen ability, it has full system diagnostic coverage of the following but not limited to:
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Advanced Emergency Braking System
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Power supply and ground
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Aftertreatment System (Inc. DPF / DEF) Retarder system
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Air supply system
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Safety system (airbags etc)
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Brake system (ABS etc)
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Security system
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CAB climate system
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Suspension system
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Communication system
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Tachograph (dash)
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Door control system
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Transmission system
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Engine
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Vehicle control system
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....And more
We love this model Mack truck diagnostic tool the most because it:
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Has full system coverage
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Has the best Mack proprietary reading software to cover the most diagnostic issues and systems we know of.
- Performs DPF regens and resets
Mack Truck DPF Regen & Diagnostic Scanner
Best Value Mack Truck Diagnostic Scan Tool with DPF Capability
This diagnostic scanner for your Mack truck enables you to perform forced DPF regeneration and also has an array of full system diagnostics, including reading and clearing and a large amount of proprietary Mack diagnostics capabilities. While not as extensive as the above scanner, it is amazing value at its lower price. You can see the product page for the Mack truck DPF regen & diagnostic scanner here.
Being able to perform DPF regens at this price, means it pays for itself after about one use, and also it covers many of the major diagnostic systems as listed below:
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Information Display
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Engine
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ABS
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Transmission
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Instrument Cluster
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Brakes
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Exhaust Emission Controller
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Communication Unit
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TPMS
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Immobilizer
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Body Controller
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Lighting
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Battery
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Steering Wheel
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Audio/Radio
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Alarm
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Aftertreatment (DPF)
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Door
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Chassis
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Airbag
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SART Module
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Suspension
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SRS
We love this model Mack truck diagnostic tool the most because it:
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Is the best value diagnostic scanner that can perform DPF regen on Mack trucks
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At its price it covers a large amount of diagnostic systems and has the ability to cover most of the proprietary Mack diagnostic features you would require for your truck
Diagnostic Fault Code Reader For Mack Truck
The Workhorse Mack Truck Diagnostic Scan Tool at the best price, with less features and capabilities (No DPF)
This Mack diagnostic scanner enables you to read and erase the fault codes that relate to the check engine light on your truck, as well as read vital live engine data. It does not perform DPF regen, but does have coverage over the most frequently needed diagnostic systems and some of the major proprietary Mack codes. This tool is the cheapest of those reviewed here and is definitely the workhorse Mack scan tool, that is simple to use and is extremely handy at a very affordable price. You can see the product page for the diagnostic fault code reader for Mack trucks here.
This Mack diagnostic scanner will not perform DPF regens and if that is not something you require, but covering the most common diagnostic systems for fault code reading is needed then this tool is for you. Systems covered includes:
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Engine
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Transmission
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Instrument Panel
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Drivetrain
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Braking System & ABS
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Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
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Electronic Stability Program (EPS)
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Fuel System
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And more
We love this model Mack truck diagnostic tool the most because it:
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Is the best value for money tool, being the cheapest
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Is a workhorse covering major diagnostic systems for your Mack truck
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It will read and erase major codes and some proprietary Mack codes, and is a handy tool to keep on board for the most common diagnostic problems.
Diagnostic Scanner For Mack Truck Benefits
Whichever diagnostic and DPF scan tool you choose, take a look at some of the benefits:
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Diagnose trouble code errors yourself and clear these errors so you can stay on the road
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Perform DPF regens anytime on your Mack truck and save a fortune
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Deal with diagnostic problems yourself to save time which means money, rather than waiting for mechanics
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Save a fortune of money on performing diagnostic repairs yourself
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The scan tools are a cheap price to pay for the money and time they save you
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Diagnose problems with other systems besides just the engine, such as brakes, transmission and so much more
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Easy and simple to use
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Small in size to take it along with you and always have available when needed.
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Will work for your specific Mack truck
- These scan tools are fully tax deductible for any business
If you have any further questions, you can feel free to drop us an email at support@lawntractorco.com and we would be happy to help you find the best diagnostic scan tool for your Mack truck.
- Tags: diagnostic, dpf, mack, mack truck