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InterMotive's Plug & Play News 
October 2009
PC Bachground
In This Issue
What's new at InterMotive
Did you know?
Diagnosing comm errors on Merlin Multiplex System
Technical Training
Message from the President
Quick Links
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What's New at InterMotive
 By Ed Prokopik
 
At InterMotive, we constantly evaluate the needs of our customers.  Based on your feedback, we are currently developing Interlocks for the following vehicles:
 
2010 Ford Transit Connect
2009-2010 Ford F650-750
2009-2010 Freightliner  MB45/55
2009-2010 Freightliner  M2/S2
2009-2010 International 3200/4300
2009-2010 Hino 268
 
Stay tuned for release dates.  InterMotive continues to offer the largest selection of interlocks in the industry.  For applications not listed, we offer a universal Interlock kit as well. 
 
Is there an application we're missing?  Please let us know what we can do to meet your needs.
 
Did You Know?
 By InterMotive Sales Department
 
         Marc Ellison  Dick Collier
 
*With The Gateway and AFIS II VS high idle systems by InterMotive your charging system is always protected -   without  setting the Park Brake. 
Gateway Module 
 
Charge protect is the method to insure the battery maintains a good charge, all the time.
  • The competition's unit must have the vehicle in Park and the Park Brake set to activate charge protect. 
  • The InterMotive unit only has to have the vehicle in Park.
  • The charge protect is active as soon as the driver puts the vehicle into Park. The park brake does not have to be set. 
  • Most drivers do not set the Park Brake during normal driving.
  • By using the InterMotive high idle system the vehicle's batteries are always protected with or without the park brake set. 
Other systems on the market use the blunt cut wires provided by the chassis OEMs and always require Park Brake to be set before high idle can be activated.  How often do drivers apply the Park Brake?  If they don't apply the Park Brake, then charge protect isn't activeand you are not going to get the maximum benefit of a high idle system.
 
 
 
 
Gateway Input/Output (I/O) Capabilities - What does this really do for you?

The GatewayAI has a standard I/O (Input/Output) Port. This port is available to send or receive data with the vehicle body. The available Input/Outputs can be specified by Bus OEM's. If a custom configuration is not specified, the GatewayAI comes with a standard configuration. 
 
 
 
 
*Wire harnesses from InterMotive are split loomed. 
Wire Loom
 
This  protects the wires from being damaged by sharp edges and possibly shorting out.
 
 
 
 
 
 
*Speed Sentinel II (SSII), programmable road speed limiter, has a forced idle mode that can serve as a theft deterrent feature.
   
Speed SentinelInstall a hidden switch that provides a signal to the module and SS II deactivates the throttle pedal causing the engine to only operate at idle speed.  This may help prevent someone from speeding off in your vehicle.
 
 
  
 
 
 
*Almost every product from InterMotive, that connects to the OBD II port, uses a T-harness connector.
 
T-harness
 
We provide a mate to the OEM connector and an identical black connector which is mounted in the same bracket provided by the OEM. By doing this, a technician can connect to the OBDII port with a scan tool to do diagnostics and not disrupt any connections. This means that you do not run the risk of having an interlock, high idle system, or other product not work because the system was not re-connected by a repair shop after chassis diagnostic work is completed.
 

 
 
Merlin Multiplex System "Tech Tip"
By Dan Mower
 
Diagnosing "Com error...PMx" errors and intermittent load turn-on:
 
Multiplex systems such as Merlin use two communication wires over which commands are sent to the various system modules.  Multiplexing saves cost on installation, wiring and weight by eliminating a lot of wiring that would otherwise be required.  This is why virtually every vehicle built today uses this type of harnessing. Two small gauge wires is all it takes to "talk" to various system modules, check status, and turn on loads.  This multiplex harnessing requires proper installation with terminating resistors installed on the ends of the network to work reliably.
 
 
Technical Training
By Dick Collier 
 
Maintaining Shop Technical Competency

Technical knowledge is one of today's most important growth resources available to any company and the message is clear; the responsibility for training must start with management. The demand for training is continuously driven by the integration of new technology. Technicians need to be equipped with the skills to diagnose a wide range of advanced automotive systems. As product and technology development cycles are continuously updated, proper training is an essential requirement. 
 
Message from the President
By Greg Schafer
 
New Model Daze

Well, the annual rites of passage are upon us.  I'm not talking about the Fall colors, baseball pennant chases or even college/pro football mania.  I mean the annual rites of changing over from one model year to another affectionately known as "Fall Madness."
 
While it is normally a challenging time of year for us to stay one step ahead of chassis OEMs on their never-ending quest to "change a couple of things," this year we're all dealing with the upcoming loss of a well-received chassis (GM 4500 & 5500) and trying to forecast which chassis(s) will fill the void. Crystal ball anyone?
 
 
 
 
InterMotive's email newsletter was created to provide our customers with an additional resourse for information on both our products as well as our company. Please let me know if there is more we can do to assist you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dick Collier
InterMotive, Inc.
 
Ford Cut-away