Electrical System
00
Introduction to Multiplexing
The term "multiplexing" describes how the Business
Class® M2 electrical system works. Multiplexing is de-
fined as sending multiple electronic messages through
the same signal path at the same time—in this case,
through the M2 wiring.
Multiplexing allows the M2 electrical system to simul-
taneously perform tasks and to monitor components.
A multiplexed system uses electronic control units
(ECUs) to operate the system. The electrical system
components, such as switches and lamps, are con-
nected to the ECUs, which collect and control all in-
formation about the components by communicating on
the data bus.
A less formal description might be that multiplexing is
much like the interstate highway system. Trucks and
cars share the roadway, with each vehicle bound for a
different destination. Every vehicle travels at different
speeds, enters and exits at different places, and the
occupants of every vehicle have different objectives.
Whether it is a truckdriver hauling goods from a factory
to a store or a saleswoman heading home from work,
highway users are like the electronic signals flashing
along the datalink.
Multiplexing was introduced in vehicles in the 1980’s
with the first electronically controlled engines and the
initial use of the J1708/J1587 datalink. The concept
was taken a step further in the early 1990’s when
transmissions were electronically connected to en-
gines in order to control engine speed and torque out-
put during shifting. Multiplexing has now been applied
to the entire vehicle.
General Information
The multiplexed electrical system replaces traditional
power distribution module (PDM) devices, such as re-
lays and circuit breakers, with electronic devices that
communicate over the vehicle datalinks. These elec-
tronic devices control power distribution to the electric
loads on the vehicle. This is done by monitoring in-
puts (such as sensors and switches) and supplying
power to outputs (such as lighting, displays, gauges,
and indicators). This distributed approach to handling
switch inputs and controlling electrical load outputs
sharply reduces the number of wires on a vehicle.
Rather than having individual wires transmitting volt-
age from switches to relays that then supply power to
the components, the multiplexed system continuously
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54.
General Information
monitors the status of all switches (input devices) and
sends messages over the shared-wire J1939 datalink
to control outputs.
The system communicates on two datalinks: the J1939
datalink and the J1708/J1587 datalink. J1939 is the
primary datalink and is used for all control messaging
and troubleshooting; J1708/J1587 is the secondary
datalink and is used for limited troubleshooting. Fault
codes are displayed on the instrument cluster display
and they may also be viewed on ServiceLink®.
The multiplexed system uses the following controllers:
• Bulkhead Module (BHM)
• Chassis Module (CHM)
• optional Expansion Module (EXM)
The most important part of the multiplexed electrical
system is the BHM. The BHM is the brain of the entire
system, and controls all of the outputs in response to
changes in any of the inputs. The CHM and EXM are
slaves to the BHM and respond to commands from
the BHM and broadcast the status of the inputs and
outputs connected to them. See Fig. 1.
See Fig. 2 for an example of how the headlamp signal
inputs and outputs are handled in the multiplexed
system. When the headlamp switch is turned on, the
BHM senses the input. The BHM is programmed to
know which outputs it should activate for each input
signal and where those outputs are located (such
as on the BHM, CHM, EXM, or other controller). In
this example, the outputs for the left headlamp low
beam are located on the BHM and the outputs for
the right headlamp low beam are located on the
CHM. The BHM can directly activate the left headlamp
low beam. However, because the right headlamp low
beam outputs are located on the CHM, the BHM must
send a message over J1939 to the CHM to tell it to
activate those outputs. Once the CHM receives the
message, it activates the correct outputs and sends a
message back to the BHM reporting the new status of
the outputs. This fail-safe design allows at least one
headlight to work even if the BHM or CHM should fail.
For an example of the flash-to-pass function, see
Fig. 3. In this case, the input comes from the mul-
tifunction turn signal switch mounted on the steering
column. It goes into the instrumentation control unit, or
ICU3-M2, for processing. The instrumentation control
unit (ICU) sends a message on J1939 to the BHM in-
forming it of the multifunction turn signal switch status.
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54.00 Electrical System
General Information

The output for the right headlamp high beam is located

on the BHM and the output for the left headlamp high
beam is located on the CHM. The BHM directly flashes
the right headlamp high beam and sends a message
over J1939 to the CHM to tell it to flash the left head-
lamp high beam. Once the CHM receives the mes-
sage, it flashes the headlamp high beam and sends
a message back to the BHM reporting the new status
of the output. To complete the loop, the BHM sends
a message over J1939 to the ICU reporting that the
command was completed. These messages are trans-
mitted so quickly that the entire process takes only a
fraction of a second.
The final example is the park brake telltale. See Fig. 4.
To avoid driving away with the park brake set, the
system is designed to warn the driver. When the driver
pulls out the park brake switch on the dash to set the
park brake, the CHM senses the air pressure input
from the park brake switch in the air management unit
(AMU). The CHM sends a J1939 message to the BHM,
the BHM sends a J1939 message to the ICU, and the
ICU turns on the park brake telltale dash light.

Inputs Bulkhead Outputs

Module
Inputs (BHM) Outputs

Chassis
Inputs Module Outputs
J1939 (CHM)
Inputs Outputs

Expansion
Inputs Module Outputs
Inputs (EXM) Outputs
01/16/2002 f543943

Fig. 1, Multiplexed System Controllers

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Electrical System 54.00
General Information

Headlamps

H Bulkhead
OFF
Module
P (BHM)

Parklamps
LH Headlamp Low Beam
J1939

LH Headlamp High Beam

Chassis
Module
(CHM)

RH Headlamp Low Beam

RH Headlamp High Beam

11/13/2001 f543944

Fig. 2, Headlamp Switch Example

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54.00 Electrical System
General Information

Multifunction Turn
Signal Switch J1939
Fault Code
Bulkhead
Module
(BHM)
HI/LO/PASS
ICU
LH Headlamp Low Beam
J1939

LH Headlamp High Beam

Chassis
Module
(CHM)

RH Headlamp Low Beam

RH Headlamp High Beam

03/14/2006 f543945

Fig. 3, Flash-To-Pass Example

J1939
Chassis Bulkhead
Module Module
(CHM) (BHM)
Park Brake
Pressure
Switch
J1939
PARK
BRAKE
SWITCH
Park Brake

Air
Management
Unit
(AMU)
ICU
02/17/2006 f543946

Fig. 4, Park Brake Telltale Example

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Electrical System 54.00
Abbreviations and Terms

Abbreviations and Terms FMEA Failure Mode Effects Analysis

Use the following list to determine the meaning of the FMI Failure Mode Indicator. The part of a J1708/J1587
abbreviations and terms used in Group 54. or J1939 fault code that identifies how a part of or item
on a device failed.
ABS Antilock Braking System
FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
Activate To begin operating.
HSD High Side Driver
Address A unique location code for a device or data.
HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
AMU Air Management Unit
ICU Instrumentation Control Unit
API Application Programming Interface
Input A device that feeds a signal into the system, or
ATC Automatic Traction Control signal that feeds a message into the system.
BHM Bulkhead Module J1708/1587 An older vehicle communications network
CAN Controller Area Network protocol intended to provide simple information ex-
change, including diagnostic data between electronic
CHM Chassis Module control devices.
Configure To set up a program or system for a J1939 A high speed vehicle communications network
particular device or set of devices. using the CAN protocol, which permits any device
to transmit a message on the network when the
Databus See datalink. datalink is idle. Each message includes an identifier
Datalink A collection of wires connecting system that defines the message priority, who sent it, and what
components through which data is transmitted. data is contained within it. Collisions are avoided due
to the arbitration process that occurs while the identifier
DRL Daytime Running Lights is transmitted, permitting high priority messages to get
through with minimal delay.
DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
ECM Engine Control Module
LCL Low Coolant Level
ECU Electronic Control Unit, a device that communi-
cates on a datalink. LED Light-emitting Diode
EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read- Legend The icon, symbol or text on a warning light
Only Memory cover illuminated by a telltale lamp.
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility LSD Low Side Driver
EMI Electromagnetic Interference MID Message Identifier. Identifies any device that
communicates on J1708/J1587.
EOL End of Line
Multiplexing The process of combining several mes-
ESD Electrostatic Discharge sages for transmission over the same signal path.
EXM Expansion Module Output The signal or message that comes out of a
Fault Code A limited set of alphanumeric characters system component or device.
representing a corresponding error message. Fault Parameter A predetermined variable in a set, each
codes are limited to a maximum number of characters of which restricts or defines the specific capabilities
by the display output and cross-referenced to a more of the system as a whole. Used to customize the
descriptive message. On J1939, fault codes are made configuration of the system.
up of a SA, SPN, and FMI. On J1708/J1587, fault
codes are made up of an MID, PID/SID, and FMI.

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54.00 Electrical System
Abbreviations and Terms

Pass-through Inputs and outputs on a device capable

of allowing data to be transmitted through it without
affecting the message or the device.
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PID Parameter Identifier. The part of a J1708/J1587
fault code that identifies what part of or item on a
device that failed. PIDs are not MID specific.
PLC Power Line Carrier
PRD Product Requirements Document
PWM Pulse Width Modulation
SA Source Address. Identifies any device that commu-
nicates on J1939.
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SID Subsystem Identifier. The part of a J1708/J1587
fault code that identifies what part of or item on a
device that failed. SIDs are MID specific.
Smart Switch Configurable input device, called
"smart" because it is recognized by the system not
by its position or physical characteristics but by its
resistance value.
SPN Suspect Parameter Number. The part of a J1939
fault code that identifies what part of or item on a
device that failed.
Status Condition, position, or relative position of an
input or output at a specific time.
TDS Technical Development Specifications
Telltale Any of a number of colored warning lights on
the ICU instrument cluster that illuminates an icon,
symbol, or text covering it.
UL Underwriters Laboratory
VCU Vehicle Control Unit

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Electrical System 54.00
Changing Features and Options

Reference Parameters
Reference parameters program the BHM to know
which outputs to activate for each input and where
those outputs are located. The two types of reference
parameters are default and optional. Every vehicle
has one default reference parameter and zero to any
number of optional reference parameters.
The default reference parameter programs the BHM
with features that come standard on each vehicle, such
as headlights. Optional reference parameters program
the BHM for vehicle-specific features, such as heated
mirrors.
Each reference parameter is given a part number just
like any other hardware part on the vehicle. A reference
parameter only programs the parameters of the BHM.
Reflashing or reprogramming the software is separate
from programming the parameters, just as it is in an
engine controller.

Changing Features and Options

Features can be changed with ServiceLink® from the
Features screen under the Bulkhead Module (BHM)
icon. The Features screen displays the features that
are installed in the BHM by listing the reference
parameter numbers and their descriptions. From this
screen, the user can reload all the currently installed
features or make changes to the vehicle by entering
new reference parameters.

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Electrical System
General Information
When adding features to a Business Class® M2 ve-
hicle, some important issues need to be considered.
Read the information in this subject before adding fea-
tures to the vehicle.
ServiceLink® must be used to add features to the
unique multiplexed electrical system in the M2 vehicle.
1. To access ServiceLink training, go to
www.AccessFreightliner.com and click on Tools
and Services.
2. Click on The Learning Center and log on.
3. Select More from the software training icon.
4. From the Web Based Training course list, select
ServiceLink Web Based Training (I.D. number
WBTSLN-1).
5. Once you have started the training, click on Fea-
tures to access the training that pertains to adding
features.
If ServiceLink is not available, you will need to bypass
the multiplexed electrical system and isolate circuits by
connecting only to authorized vehicle interface points.
The location of these interface points is explained in
"Circuit Isolation."
Control Modules
The control modules of the multiplexed electrical sys-
tem are the Bulkhead Module (BHM), Chassis Module
(CHM), and any optional Expansion Module (EXM).
While every vehicle will have a BHM and CHM, Ex-
pansion Modules will be added as needed to increase
the capacity of the electrical system. The BHM is the
main controller, or brain, of the system and is in con-
stant communication with the CHM and any EXM over
the J1939 datalink. Think of the CHM and any EXM as
extensions of the BHM. The BHM uses the CHM and
EXM as its arms and legs. The BHM controls inputs to
and outputs from itself, the CHM, and any EXM based
on the reference parameters that are programmed into
it.
Reference Parameters
As with other electronic control units (ECU) on the
vehicle, the BHM is programmed through the use
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54.00
Adding Features
of parameters. Reference parameters are used to
add multiplexed features to the BHM. There is a
reference parameter for each multiplexed feature, such
as heated mirrors. It is these reference parameters
that a technician will work with through ServiceLink.
Each reference parameter has been given its own
part number with the prefix 26-. Reference parameters
can be found listed under their part number in bills of
material (BOM) and in PartsPro®.
Floating Pins
Floating pins means that a pin in a connector is
not necessarily always assigned to the same circuit
on every vehicle. For that reason, you must use
the Configuration screen in ServiceLink to verify pin
assignment. G06 drawings are general guides and are
not vehicle specific.
Adding a Feature
Use the following instructions to add features to the
vehicle.
1. Using the Freightliner Business Class ® M2 Data
Book, select the applicable data code that applies
to the requested add-on feature. For example,
Daytime Running Lights, 311-001.
2. Contact Freightliner Parts Technical Support and
provide the representative with the vehicle identifi-
cation number (VIN) and the data code requested.
The representative will advise of the availability of
the feature.
NOTE: Reference parameters, such as 26-XXXXX-
XXX, are needed to determine circuit availability for
the desired feature.
NOTE: The following step should be done at the parts
counter to ensure that all parts required for the job,
including any EXM, are identified before a quote is
given to the customer and the work begins. Since the
Business Class M2 makes use of floating pins, it is
possible that one truck may require an EXM to add a
feature, and a seemingly identical vehicle will not.
3. Log on to the Freightliner mainframe. From the
SOS/MAX menu, press F11, Additional Features
Multiplexing Inquiry.
3.1 Key in the vehicle serial number, or the last
six digits of the VIN.
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Adding Features

3.2 Key in the reference parameter numbers
from all the bills of material that are being
added at that time.
The screen will indicate if the feature can
be added with the existing control modules
or if an additional EXM is needed. See
Fig. 1 for a view of the response screen.
See Table 1 for possible responses and
necessary actions.
4. To add a reference parameter to the vehicle, use
the Features screen in ServiceLink. It is best to
have ServiceLink connected to the host and the
vehicle at the same time. If this is not possible,
connect ServiceLink to the host and add the
reference parameter, then take the ServiceLink
computer to the vehicle and update the vehicle.
5. When the reference parameters are applied to
the BHM, ServiceLink will provide any necessary
wiring instructions via a table with columns for
device, connector, pin location, circuit number, and
action. This table will be used to make circuit
changes to the BHM, CHM, or EXM as necessary
to add the features.
• Data code 353-XXX provides various options
for vehicle wiring interfaces, including back
of cab, frontwall, and end-of-frame locations.
Data code 148-XXX provides options for en-
gine wiring, and data code 34C-XXX provides
options for transmission wiring. Go to http:/
/www.AccessFreightliner.com/newsinfor-
mation/m2bodybuilder/default.asp for more
information.
• Battery power connections must be made at the
battery through one of the four available MEGA®
Fuses.
• Inside the cab, there are splice packs behind
the center dash that provide interface points
for ignition voltage, ground, and panel lamp
illumination.
IMPORTANT: When bypassing the multiplex electrical
system, the interface points previously mentioned are
the only authorized points. Do not splice in to any other
electrical wiring.

Circuit Isolation
If features must be added outside of the multiplexed
electrical system, there are a few options for obtaining
authorized interface points.

SOS/MAX Additional Feature Inquiry Responses

System Response Action Required
Features can be added to the existing devices. No other action is necessary to present a complete and accurate quote to
the customer.
Features cannot be added to existing devices. Expansion module required.
Feature requires additional engineering work. Contact your District Service Manager (DSM).
Reference parameter not defined. From the bill of material supplied, first verify and try reentering the
26-XXXXX-XXX number(s) again. If this fails, contact Freightliner Parts
Technical Support for further assistance.
Table 1, SOS/MAX Additional Feature Inquiry Responses

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Electrical System 54.00
Adding Features

Vehicle Spec / Additional Feature Inquiry DSOVRI

Serial Number : J81277
Lead Ser No. : J81277 Built To−Date : 1 To Be Built: O
Customer : TECHNICAL TR Build Location : MT. HOLLY Fleet Size : 1
Reference Parameter Description
Y 26−01005−000 Engine Block Heater

PF1=Help PF3=Menu PF12=Exit PF20=Specs PF21=BOMs PF23=DBCode

08:33:31 06/07/02 Features can be added to the existing devices

06/12/2002 f610616

Fig. 1, SOS/MAX Additional Feature Inquiry Response Screen

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Electrical System 54.00
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting • Templates—Gives a directory of Datalink Mon-

itor Templates available for troubleshooting the
With the multiplexed electrical system, traditional multiplexed electrical system. These templates
multimeter-based current, voltage and resistance allow the user to monitor and manipulate the in-
measurements are supplemented, or in some cases puts and outputs of the electrical system.
replaced, by software tools that can read and control
the electronic signals and devices of the system. The other control module icons, listed below, will have
ServiceLink® is the tool that is used to troubleshoot only a General Info screen, a Faults screen, and a
the Business Class® M2 electrical system. Templates screen.
The modules of the multiplexed electrical system com- • Chassis Module (CHM)
municate on both J1939 and J1708/J1587. The pri-
• Expansion Module (EXM)
mary datalink for the electrical system is J1939, and
is used for all control messaging and troubleshooting. The General Info screen displays information about the
J1708/J1587 is the secondary datalink and is used for particular module such as make, model, hardware ver-
limited troubleshooting. Fault codes are displayed on sion, and software version. The Faults screen displays
the instrument cluster, and can also be viewed with the active and historic faults for the particular mod-
ServiceLink. ule on the particular datalink. The Templates screen
gives a directory of Datalink Monitor Templates avail-
Since the modules of the electrical system commu-
able for troubleshooting the particular module. These
nicate on both J1939 and J1708/J1587, ServiceLink
templates allow the user to monitor and manipulate the
shows information for both datalinks. Although each
inputs and outputs of the electrical system.
module connected to the multiplexed electrical system
is represented by an icon within ServiceLink, the Bulk- NOTE: For more specific information about the Bulk-
head Module (BHM) icon is the main icon for trou- head Module see Section 54.12. For more specific
bleshooting the system. This is because the Bulk- troubleshooting information see Section 54.12, Sub-
head Module is the main controller of the multiplexed ject 300.
system. The other icons are secondary and contain
generic screens.
The following screens can be accessed under the
Bulkhead Module icon:
• General Info—Displays information about the
BHM such as make, model, hardware version,
and software version.
• Faults—Displays the active and historic faults
for all of the control modules on the multiplexed
electrical system.
• Configuration—Displays the pinout for all of
the control modules on the multiplexed electrical
system compared to the host.
• Features—Displays the features that are in-
stalled in the BHM. From this screen the user
can reload all the currently installed features, or
make changes to the vehicle by entering new
reference parameters.
• Flashing—Allows the user to update or reflash
the software of the BHM.

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Electrical System 54.00
Specifications

Device Communications
For information on cross-referencing a J1587 Message
Identifier (MID) and a J1939 Source Address (SA), see
Table 1.

Device Communications on J1587 and J1939

Device Description J1587 MID* J1939 SA†
Engine 128 0
Transmission 130 3
Antilock Brakes 136 11
Instrument Cluster 140 23
Vehicle Security Unit (VSU) 163 –
Data Logging Unit (DLU) 179 251
Collision Avoidance System (Headway Controller) 219 42
Bulkhead Module 164 33
Chassis Module 249 71
Expansion Module #1 170 235
Expansion Module #2 187 236
Expansion Module #3 188 237
Expansion Module #4 178 238
Expansion Module #5 240 239
* Message Identifier
† Source Address

Table 1, Device Communications on J1587 and J1939

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