SPENCER Nicol, senior manager of strategic product applications for Hino Trucks, said the 2015MY trucks will include numerous On-board Diagnostics (OBD) II improvements:
• The temperature sensor for ambient air has been moved forward and behind the front bumper for a more precise reading. The air dryer location also has moved.
• In the message center on the dash display, a message now appears when a DPR regeneration has been interrupted, reminding the operator that the regeneration needs to be completed as soon as possible. This is requirement by the EPA standard for OBD II.
• The throttle knob will be removed for compliance for OBD II. Throttle control can be done with cruise control features; customization files within the Hino Diagnostic Explorer give anyone the opportunity to access diagnostic capabilities per current EPA; the regulations require that anyone can purchase these communication interface tools.
Nicol listed other 2015MY changes:
• Some tires have been eliminated from Hino’s offering. Tires must comply with the new mileage standards.
• The fuel cooler has been deleted on the 338 model chassis.
• A filter element has been added to the bubble separator on the engine.
• An electric heater has been added to defrost the DEF fluid and lines to -40 C°.
Nicol listed future 2015MY conventional/COE chassis changes: range seat belts will be an available option; optional rear axle ratios on the low-pro 258 model chassis; 180-amp alternators; radios with USBs; bluetooth will be a local option after radio delete is chosen; and the location of the horn has moved in the engine room from the right rear to the front left.
Running changes for the 2015 MY:
• Rear suspension upgrade option for the 268 and 338: 21,000 and 23,000 capacity applications for tankers, refrigeration, and high center-of-gravity applications.
• The suspension dump control is enhanced to maintain dumped height when the key is off. It will not allow the suspension to remain dumped while driving.
• A local control option will allow the truck to back up only while the suspension is dumped or in a no-air condition. ♦
About the Author
Rick Weber
Associate Editor
Rick Weber has been an associate editor for Trailer/Body Builders since February 2000. A national award-winning sportswriter, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Fort Myers News-Press following service with publications in California and Australia. He is a graduate of Penn State University.