DRBIII Error Messages and Blank Screen
DRBIII ERROR MESSAGESUnder normal operation, the DRBIII will display one of only two error messages:
- User-Requested WARM Boot
- User-Requested COLD Boot
If the DRBIII should display any other error message, record the entire display and call the S.T.A.R. Center.
DRBIII DOES NOT POWER UP (BLANK SCREEN)
If the LED's do not light or no sound is emitted at start up, check for loose cable connections or a bad cable. Check the vehicle battery voltage. A minimum of 11 volts is required to adequately power the DRBIII.
If all connections are proper between the DRBIII and the vehicle or other devices, and the vehicle battery is fully charged, an inoperative DRBIII may be the result of faulty cable or vehicle wiring. For a blank screen, refer to the appropriate Body Diagnostic manual.
DISPLAY IS NOT VISIBLE
Low temperatures will affect the visibility of the display. Adjust the contrast to compensate for this condition.
SOME DISPLAY ITEMS READ "---"
This is caused by the scrolling the DRBIII display a single line up or down. The line which was scrolled onto the screen might read "---". Use the page down or page up function to display the information.
TRANSMISSION SIMULATOR (MILLER TOOL # 8333) AND FWD ADAPTER (MILLER TOOL #8333-1A)
Note: Remove the starter Relay when using the transmission simulator
- Failure to remove the Starter Relay can cause a PCM - No Response condition.
- The removal of the Starter Relay will also prevent the engine from starting in gear.
- The Transmission Simulator will not accurately diagnose intermittent faults.
The transmission simulator, simply put, is an electronic device that simulates the electronic functions of any EATX or NGC controlled transmission (40TE, 41TE, 42LE, 42RLE, 45RFE, and 545RFE). The basic function of the simulator is to aid the technician in determining if an internal transmission problem exists or if the problem resides in the vehicle wiring or control module. It is only useful for electrical problems. It will not aid in the diagnosis of a failed mechanical component, but it can tell you if the control module and wiring are working properly and that the problem is internal to the transmission.
The ignition switch should be in the lock position before attempting to install the simulator. Follow all instructions included with the simulator. If the feedback from the simulator is in doubt, you can verify the simulators operation by installing it on a known good vehicle. A "known good vehicle" would be defined as a vehicle that does not set any DTC's and drives and shifts as expected.
One important point to remember is that the Simulator receives power from the Trans Relay Output circuit. If the transmission system is in Limp-in (Relay open), the simulator will not operate. This is not really an indication of a problem, but an additional symptom. If the simulator does not power up ("P" led lit), this is an indication that the problem is still present with the simulator hooked up. This indicates that the problem is in the wiring or control module and not the transmission.
Miller Tool # 8333-1A consists of the adapter cables and overlay necessary to adapt the simulator to TE/AE/RLE/LE transmissions.