To ensure you are getting the most accurate engine hour data possible, we are implementing two significant changes to how we perform Engine Hours calculations:

• Smarter calculation source: The system now primarily uses the Vehicle Active (VAS) diagnostic (diagnostic code: 2196) to determine engine hours. This method detects when an engine-tied accessory is on, providing a more precise reading than previous trip-based or ignition-based methods, especially for vehicles equipped with kill switches.
• No more offline estimation: We will no longer estimate engine hours when a vehicle is out of network coverage. This practice led to inaccurate increases, as the system could not verify if the engine was running. Instead, the system will now report the last known value and will only calculate new hours once the device is back online and provides its backdated data. This solution applies to all device types.

These updates ensure that your preventative maintenance schedules are based on real-world asset usage rather than estimates or false positives from towing events.

• Intelligent accuracy: The system now automatically prioritizes the most accurate data source available for each device. If the preferred Vehicle Active Signal (VAS) isn't available, the system falls back to ignition data, ensuring you always get the best possible reading for every asset type.
• Cost savings: Accurate data helps reduce unnecessary service costs and prevents unexpected downtime caused by missed maintenance.
• Verified data: By removing offline estimations, you can trust that the hours displayed reflect actual engine operation, eliminating errors caused by vehicles simply being out of coverage.
• Improved stationary asset tracking: The new calculator is more effective at tracking engine hours for stationary equipment connected to Go or Go Rugged devices, including 2-wire and 3-wire installations.

Check your baseline. If you have a new device or an asset that has never reported engine-related data, ensure you manually set an initial baseline value (such as the dashboard meter reading) in the system by navigating to the Asset page > Engine hours/run time. Without a baseline, calculations will start from zero.