Peterbilt’s SmartLinq remote diagnostics system provides customers with real-time fleet health information to alert fleet managers to vehicle problems and help them manage service.

The system factory is installed and fully integrated into the truck. Production begins in June and will be standard equipment on all Peterbilt vehicles with a Paccar MX-13 engine.

SmartLinq uses Peterbilt’s on-board diagnostic tools to communicate the status of a truck to the fleet manager helping them to plan and prioritize service and repairs at Peterbilt dealerships. When a diagnostic code is generated the code is analyzed by SmartLINQ and categorized by severity.

The system will initially monitor about 800 diagnostic codes. If the issue is severe, the information can be used to arrange for a load to be hauled by another truck.

Diagnostic codes will be labeled as service advised, service immediately, and stop engine. The diagnostic code will be sent by email to locations specified by the customer with the information a fleet manager needs to address the problem. Email notifications include:

• Vehicle information

• Diagnostic code and description

• Additional information such as if an engine derate is required

• Possible causes, including which items may be corrected by the operator

• Locations of the three nearest Peterbilt dealerships

• Recommended action

Vehicles with SmartLinq can also be monitored in real-time through a web portal which includes a map of North America with each unit represented by a color coded icon corresponding to the vehicle’s status. Icons will be green for no events, yellow for codes that need attention and red for events that require immediate action. The map also includes related information like Peterbilt dealer locations.

SmartLinq can also use Peterbilt’s in-cab technology to display diagnostic information through an in-dash driver information center. This technology will be standard on all Class 8 Peterbilt models beginning in the second quarter of this year.

SmartLinq comes with a complimentary two-year subscription, and Peterbilt plans to expand the system to other truck systems and platforms in the coming months.