MADS (COMMOD) Smarty Touch Communication Module for 6.7 4th Gen Cummins

The 6.7L 4th gen Cummins platform is exceptionally capable at adding additional power and gaining fuel economy. However, starting with the 2013 models, it requires a slightly different approach due to a change in the vehicle’s factory computer (ECM). This change required aftermarket tuning companies to get creative, which has brought forth this Communication Module.

What is it?
In short, the ComMod is an additional Bus expansion port for the Smarty Touch, which allows for communication with the ECM over two distinct CAN Bus channels at the same time.

Why is it needed?

• The Smarty Touch uses the under hood service bus to unlock the 2013 ECM’s
• The Smarty Touch uses the under hood service bus for real time On The Fly (OTF) tuning for 2010-2016 model years

Why additional hardware?
During the development of the Smarty Touch, MADS could not anticipate that they would have needed a third CAN Bus port to communicate with an ECM.  When the 2013 trucks hit the market, it became clear that to unlock and communicate with those ECM’s, a whole new strategy was needed.

Installation of the ComMod
To install the ComMod on the under dash controller, simply pull the OBDII cable from the controller, slide the ComMod onto the controller, plug the OBDII cable back into the ComMod.  Then, route the “Underhood Bus” cable to its plug (located under the intake manifold and above the ECM).  Plug the other end of the cable into the ComMod….DONE!  Of course, the Smarty Touch then needs a software update on its SD card to make everything finalized.

On The Fly with the Smarty Touch
First things first, upon installation of the Smarty Touch, you need to program the ECM one time.  During this first download, the ECM is unlocked, the Touch becomes VIN locked to that vehicle, and a base software is installed.  After this first download, it is then possible to use the OTF.

The OTF allows you to change in real time several parameters:

• Duration (5 levels)
• Timing (3 levels)
• Rail Pressure (3 levels)
• VGT (3 settings)

It is possible to change any of the above, all, or any combination you choose.  This allows you to find out in a very short time which ones are the settings that suit your driving habits best.  You can choose to select if the OTF has to be sent to the ECM only once or at every key cycle.

Unlocking the ECM with the ComMod
The ECM becomes unlocked during the first software download.  The unlocking process is integrated seamlessly into the software download to the ECM.