Reveal captures real-time engine data directly from the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM). In some areas of Reveal, this is labelled "Engine Computer Module". Both refer to the same component. This gives you access to accurate speed, odometer, fuel, engine hours, battery, and diagnostic trouble code data, without relying on GPS calculations alone.
ECM data appears throughout Reveal, including on Live Map, in Reports, and in vehicle profiles. To see ECM data, you need a compatible tracker installed in your vehicle.
Link to Reveal: Live Map
What ECM data does Reveal capture?
Reveal reads the following data from the vehicle’s ECM:
| Data type | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed | Real-time vehicle speed based on the engine computer, not GPS. |
| Odometer | Accumulated mileage reading from the ECM and GPS. |
| Engine hours | Total engine running time since the tracking unit was installed. |
| Fuel level | Current fuel level as a percentage. |
| Fuel efficiency | Fuel consumption data for reporting. |
| Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) | Active fault codes stored by the ECM when a vehicle issue is detected. |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | The vehicle’s unique identification number. |
| Battery information | Vehicle battery charge level (EVs only). |
| Ignition status | Whether the engine is on or off, used to determine idling. |
Where does ECM data appear in Reveal?
ECM data displays in several areas of Reveal:
- Live Map: The Diagnostics and data panel shows speed, odometer, engine hours, DTCs, battery information for EVs, and fuel information for a selected vehicle. Access this panel by clicking More details in the vehicle balloon.
- Reports: The Fuel efficiency report uses ECM data for accurate fuel consumption analysis.
- Dashboard: ECM fuel efficiency displays as a dashboard metric.
- Vehicle details: Odometer, engine hours, VIN, and DTC history are available in the Vehicle details screen.
- Alerts: You can set up alerts for diagnostic trouble codes.
Benefits of ECM
- More accurate speed and distance data than GPS alone.
- Real-time visibility into vehicle health and maintenance needs.
- Proactive alerts when diagnostic trouble codes are triggered.
- Accurate fuel consumption data for cost analysis.
Hardware requirements
Reveal requires an ECM-compatible tracker be installed in the vehicle. The tracker uses GPS and also connects to the vehicle’s ECM to read engine data.
Not all vehicles or hardware configurations support every data type. Contact Support if you are unsure whether your specific vehicle or hardware supports ECM.
What was Reveal Engine Connect?
ECM data access used to be available through a subscription called Reveal Engine Connect. Now ECM data access is standard for all vehicles with ECM-enabled trackers.