Peterbilt has expanded its SmartLINQ remote diagnostics platform to include all Class 8 truck engines. But one special addition may make the biggest difference of all.

‘Reasoning engine technology’ will be added to the system in December, collecting and analyzing onboard diagnostics information and making connections between triggered diagnostic codes.  It’s what Pete calls “a collective knowledge approach to truck diagnostics and repair”.

“Reasoning engine technology improves truck service and repair efficiencies to get trucks back on the road faster,” says Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer. “Using actual field repair data, it provides technicians and customers with the most efficient diagnostic and service procedures.”

The new feature will collect and analyze information generated by the on-board diagnostics of every SmartLINQ-enabled truck. It uses machine learning to make associations between triggered diagnostic codes. Technicians can apply up-to-the-minute information to more efficiently and accurately diagnose and solve service issues, says Peterbilt.

SmartLINQ is designed to offer information on vehicle health in real time, along with detailed diagnostics and recommended actions that can be accessed through the web-based PACCAR Solutions portal with a service management tool powered by Decisiv.

The portal is now being rolled out to Peterbilt dealers and should be available to fleets next summer.

Beginning this month, every Class 8 Peterbilt will also have a code that technicians can scan to access detailed chassis information and updatable service records. Even trucks made before 2007 can be retrofitted with one of the codes.

About 20,000 Peterbilt trucks are equipped with SmartLINQ, which is now a standard offering on all the company’s heavy-duty trucks.