The Automotive Blog

WH Malcom Group a leading provider of logistics and construction services, employing assets of over 1,600 people, 450 trucks, 1,000 trailers has chosen the EBS/ABS Sensor Tester for many of its workshops.

The EBS/ABS Sensor Master is an easy to use device which will confirm each  EBS/ABS sensor is operational and effective. By connecting to the sensor socket on each wheel, individual sensor faults can easily be identified. The Master also tests the exciter ring and the distance between the ring and sensor.

Many workshops use a multimeter to tests sensors but with this only a third of the problem is tested, the Sensor Tester will also test the gap and indicate if the Exciter Ring is damaged or mis aligned, a multimeter cannot do that!

aide automotive offer great products and go the EBS/ABS Sensor Tester to read more and download the product PDF.

Using the TrailerCheck II With Code Reader

Before plugging the Code Reader in to the trailers ECU, make sure the Trailer & Code Reader are powered down. This reduces attempted incorrect cable connections and of powering incorrect circuits.
Included in the kit are 3 Connectors:
1 – Wabco & Knorr Bremese
2 – Haldex Modular
3 – Haldex Modal

ECU Connection

Check the ECU connector on the trailer casing, this connector can be found damaged and corroded, if so do not attempt to plug the associated cable link as you could cause damage.

Once connected to the ECU, power up the trailer by pressing the RED ISO CAN Line button of the TrailerCheck operator panel. Make sure all connections are good and turn on the Code Reader, scroll to the required menu e.g. Haldex. Then scroll by pressing the right or left arrow buttons to the required info, e.g. Read Fault Codes.

You can now read ACTIVE fault codes & a description, for further codes scroll forward.

Once an active fault code has been removed this will move into the Stored Fault Code.

Within a Haldex system codes must be fixed before further codes are viewed.

Haldex systems show 5 codes at a time in the stored or active code areas.

Once all codes have been reviewed and also recorded, exit and scroll to clear fault codes. Then clear all codes.

Return to Stored codes to check ECU memory is clear.

Once completed turn off the Code Reader and TrailerCheck before you remove the ECU cable from the trailer.

Charging The TrailerCheck

To mains charge again first connect the charger to the TrailerCheck and then plug into the mains. The charger is a three stage device, green will first be lit briefly to indicate battery sate, red will indicate batteries are receiving charge, orange indicates almost charged and green indicates fully charged and then trickle charging if left connected.

To use the accessory power for a lead light etc, remove the lead from the lid of the case and then CLOSE THE CASE and clip shut to switch the TrailerCheck off. Then put the 4 pin plug into the case socket and use the cigar lighter socket adaptor for any accessories. (Not included in standard case).

If the case emits a double bleeping sound when in operation or closed the batteries are low and the TrailerCheck requires recharging!

Trailer Cables

TrailerCheck has 3 cables connected to the inner case, you can identify each cable by…

Cable with the clamp – This is the ISO ABS / EBS cable

Black cable with no white front face – This is the main lighting circuit cable

Black cable with a white face – This is the secondary cable

Contact aide automotive for further info.

aide automotive have seen an increase in sales on the ABS Tester for trucks and trailers in the last 2 months.

Commenting on this Matthew Burke said “A lot of operators do not have any truck diagnostic tools, so the ABS Tester is an ideal cost effective tool to clear ABS or EBS faults on trucks and trailers. This product is easy to use and is 100% universal with all sensors.”

To Read more about the ABS Tester click on the link.

aide automotive would like to promote Roadtransports top 10 tips for commercial vehicle operators to avoid being stranded.

1. Use the Highways Agency and Met Office websites for primary reference and get regular feedback from any drivers already out in affected areas.

2. Transport managers should make alternative plans to get trucks moving, and if a truck is stranded keep customers informed of vehicle movements.

3. Make sure drivers are well armed with night-out stuff or at least have the basics: a torch, food and drink, and a mobile phone. A truck’s night-heater should ward off the cold but blankets are also important.

4. Get drivers to do a thorough check of their vehicle, checking all light bulbs, topping up washer fluid and de-icer/scraper and making sure tyres are properly inflated.

5. Truck drivers need to double their usual stopping distance from the vehicle in front; don’t be afraid to travel slower.

6. When you are trying to slow the truck down, employ the engine brake and/or retarder before the service brakes. This will slow the vehicle before applying the brakes. Most trucks will have ABS but that is no guarantee of stopping inside the usual stopping distance for a truck. Articulated truck drivers should avoid braking procedures on corners – a sure way to jack-knife.

7. Take your time. Keep to the main roads; they are more likely to have been gritted. On motorways and dual carriageways use the clearest lane and keep away from slush and ice.

8. Don’t use the cruise control – this is no time for efficient running. Keep the truck in high gear as it will slow the vehicle more quickly once you take your foot off the accelerator.

9. Concentrate. Avoid, if possible, poorly lit roads and shortcuts through country lanes. There is a greater risk of ice where the road changes elevation or is exposed to the elements, where it passes under a bridge, and where the sun is blocked out and the surface doesn’t melt.

10. Tune into the local radio station – its traffic updates will be more regular, comprehensive, and up to date compared with national radio.

aide automotive promote various products that could help with the tips above:

Air Alert is an excellent product to identify low tyre pressures.

Brake Light Check makes it easy for the driver to check his or hers lights.

Using BrakeCheck on a commercial vehicle inspection sheet will keep brakes working to the VOSA standard.

Two partners in 1-4-You Coaches of Burntwood, Staffordshire, have been jailed after the brakes failed on an elderly Bova Futura coach on Staxton Hill near Scarborough, causing it to hit a car, killing the car’s two occupants. Robert Ouhgton (53), who was driving the coach, was sentenced to five years and three months. His partner John Lote (61) was sentenced to three years. The accident happened in September 2008.

Oughton and Lote had both admitted manslaughter due to gross negligence at a previous hearing. Oughton also admitted causing death by dangerous driving.”

With reference to the outcome with 1-4-You coaches Matthew Burke of aide automotive says: “With latest corporate laws in the UK no business can afford to skip on maintenance or paper work.

aide automotive are always promoting good maintenance to bus and coach companies and with the BrakeCheck or EBS/ABS Sensor Tester these companies have affordable good test tools for brake testing and maintenance.

With regard to paper work aide automotive have simplified the system required for company owners and managers to advise employees and drivers what is required when driving on company business, Route Safe tells each driver daily to drive responsible and check the vehicle is road worthy.”

Go to aide automotive for full product details.

Testing truck brakes can be achieved by 3 methods, :

Roller Brake Testing

ABS Sensor Testing – ABS Sensor Tester

Decelerometer Brake Testing – BrakeCheck

aide automotive ltd offer a range of products for truck brake testing.

The ABS Sensor Master from aide automotive is the ideal commercial workshop tool to cure a high percentage of ABS or EBS truck or trailer faults.

Matthew Burke aide automotive Sales Manager stated ” this product is ideal test tool to cure an abs fault on a truck or trailer, we see repairers and workshops  purchase this prodyuct every week, they see a simple to use direct answering tool makes repairing ABS faults easy and fast.”

Ryder Truck Rental recently purchased a EBS/ABS Sensor Master for the Warrington Depot.

Click EBS/ABS Sensor Master for More Info.

aide automotive take please in posting the user guide for the ISOCheck.

When using the ISOCheck on a tractor and trailer, please make sure all health & Safety procedures are in place.

The ISOCheck is not a diagnostic tool, the test lead will quickly identify where the fault is .i.e. on a tractor unit, a trailer or the existing Susie lead.

Testing a Tractor Unit

Firstly make sure the ignition is off in the tractor unit, remove the existing Susie lead that is fitted into the ISO socket.

Apply the ISOCheck test lead to the ISO socket on the tractor unit, fit the end with the clear perspex and writing that says GREEN OK & RED Fault to the ISO Socket,, for future reference this is called “the Indicator”.

Turn on the ignition, with all voltages and earths correct and also the ABS warning light circuit the Perspex end will light up GREEN. If any of the voltages, earths or warning light circuit is incorrect then the Perspex end will light up RED, this indicates a fault with the tractor unit.

Testing the Susie Lead

We are not going to test the existing Susie lead as such, just eliminate the lead.

Turn the ignition off; remove the Perspex end from the ISO socket.

Now plug the opposite end of the ISOCheck lead into the truck ISO socket.

Turn the ignition on in the truck, the ISOCheck Perspex / free end should light up, if GREEN all is OK, if RED then there is a fault.

If the lead showed GREEN in the ISO Socket and now RED then the ISOCheck lead has a fault.

Testing the Trailer

Turn the truck ignition off.

Plug the ISOCheck Perspex end into the trailer, turn on the ignition.

The trailer warning light should come on on the truck dash board and the ISOCheck will light up RED.

The warning light should go out after 2 seconds and the ISOCheck will go GREEN, this means the trailers braking system is working at standstill.

If the warning light stays on, then drive the tractor and trailer above 10KPH, the warning light should go out and the ISOCheck will go GREEN. This proves the braking system is working correctly.

If all is working correctly and there is still an ABS fault light, this would mean the existing Susie lead is probably faulty.

If the tester stays RED after a drive, stop the unit and trailer and remove he ISOCheck from the trailer. If the tester stays RED there is a power supply fault from the tractor unit or warning light fault, if the ISOCheck goes GREEN then there is a fault in the trailer system.

To read & clear ABS Codes from a trailer, use the TrailerCheck II & Code Reader

To quickly identify ABS Sensor faults use the EBS/ABS Sensor Tester

Read More at our WebSite

www.aideautomotive.com

aide automotive is giving customers the chance to purchase  BrakeCheck by the end of October to avoid price increase!  The current pricw has remained the dame since 2002.

BrakeCheck is a popular seller at aide automotive.   A  portable battery-powered device that can be used by vehicle workshops, government traffic authorities, testing and inspection stations to test and report on vehicle brake efficiency. It’s VOSA & MOT approved. VOSA are continually advising operators, commercial repairers and in house workshops to complete regular inspection sheet brake test. BrakeCheck will conduct a service, secondary & parking brake test with ease and store in its memory for later printing via PC or portable printer.

Click Brake Tester for full information on the BrakeCheck

As from the 1st November the price of BrakeCheck is increasing from £350 to £389. All orders before the 1st of November will be honoured at the £350 rate.

So order yours now at aideautomotive

aide automotive have introduced the Trailer ABS Code Reader for testing commercial trailers for ABS faults.

“TrailerCheck II & Code Reader has had a great interest from commercial operators, Pip Baileys a Scania Dealer was the first to purchase a TrailerCheck & Code Reader to improve trailer service proceedures. We have seen many other operators showing an interest in this product with sales increasing.”  States Sales Director Matther Burke.

ABS Code Reader