Installation Manual

MAN 650314:J

CHECK ENG (-)

The check engine terminal is used with fuel injection ECM’s to display engine problems

and trouble codes. The CHECK input is activated by a ground signal from the ECM. Whenever

the check input is grounded, the system will display “check ENGINE” on the LCD1 message

display. This message can be cleared by pressing and holding SW1. There is also a red check

engine indicator that will illuminate on the display face.

For certain ECM’s, when placed into diagnostic mode, trouble codes can be read by

counting the flashes of the check engine indicator. Consult a service manual for the fuel injection

system that you have for further information on trouble codes or if that is how your system

operates. With some ECM’s, a 12 volt light bulb may need to be connected in addition to the

CHECK input in order to provide proper current loading. In this case, both the bulb and our

display system indicator would come on when the check engine wire is “active”.

Emissions note:

If your vehicle requires emissions testing in your area then the CHECK ENG terminal must be

connected to the ECM service engine wire. A BIM-01 or STA-1000 cannot be used to supply the

Check Engine or Service Engine indicator.

DIM

The backlights and needles in the VHX systems are designed to illuminate when the

headlights are turned on. Connect the DIM terminal to the taillight or parking light circuit so it has

12 volts whenever the headlights are on. When power is applied to the DIM terminal, the

instruments will illuminate at a preset brightness level. When the DIM terminal does not have

power, the backlighting will be off, unless they’re enabled in setup to be on in day time operation.

The night brightness level is adjustable two different ways. This preset brightness is

adjusted in the setup menu “LIGHTING”. See ADJ SND for a description of the second method.

AUX. I/O

This jack is used to connect bus expansion modules (BIM). Do not attempt to plug in any

other device to this jack or damage to the control box will occur. This connector should be left

open, unless using a Dakota Digital product designed for it. Operation is discussed with BIM

units purchased separately from Dakota Digital.

DISPLAY CABLE CONNECTION

This is where the network/CAT 5 cable from the display system plugs into the control box.

All three connectors are exactly the same output so it does not matter which one you choose to

use. Some systems may have two cables leading down from the system and you will need to

connect both cables, and it doesn’t matter which one. Unused jacks can be left open.

Some systems may also need a cable connecting the two halves or multiple gauges in the

system together. If the back of the displays have more than one connector you will need to

jumper it to the other display that has only one. The shorter cable supplied in the kit is for this

connection.

***If you are purchasing a longer network cable to connect the display system to the

control box please make sure to get a CAT 5, CAT5E, or CAT6 “patch cable” and NOT a

“cross over” cable.