The Automotive Blog

The SMMT is calling on the DFT to clear confusion over trailer brake testing.  Some trailer makers believe it should be possible to test and type approve a brake system on one trailer and then for other trailer makers, using the same kit to use the same approval from the Vehicle Certification Agency.  The purpose being to save the cost of a test for each trailer type.  “This collaborative approach to brakes system testing is not permitted under UNECE Regulation 13 that sets out the requirements for the type approval of trailer braking,” says Allan McKenzie, senior technical manager for the Society.  “If a trailer from one maker uses the same running gear and braking system as another, there is no guarantee that it will get the required braking performance without locking its wheels and as a result, failing the test.  The outcome of the test depends on the installation of the components and the build quality of the chassis.”  McKenzie believes the DfT should clear the confusion before trailer makers waste time, effort and money.

Another option to test trailer brakes is the BrakeCheck TT (Truck & Trailer).

This brake tester is not for manufacturers type approval but for a brake test on a 6 weekly maintenance inspection.

Contact aide automotive to enquire further.

Since the TrailerCheck was introduced in 2007, aide automotive has seen a steady increase in sales but 2011 has become the boom year!

Matthew Burke stated “TrailerCheck was introduced to help trailer repairer’s service and pre-test trailers for MOT, using a tool such as TrailerCheck is a professional method to test multiple trailer lights and the ABS warning light without the need for a tractor unit. In the early days repairers would use a couple of batteries to power a trailer and soon find they had flat batteries or even damaged a circuit by adding full power, as TrailerCheck is a micro-processor controlled test tool, with this many trailers can be powered and checked without the need for recharging. Self-contained the TrailerCheck is portable and easily carried to trailers in restricted areas.
But in 2011 we have seen the need for trailer repairers to improve test tools to check a trailer and also read and clear fault codes from the ECU. TrailerCheck will soon read Knorr Bremse EBS and Wabco hopefully by the end of the year.
We have sold over 20 TrailerCheck’s since the start of the year, this easily beats sales for 2007 to 2009!
And we see the future tool as the TrailerCheck 4 Vans; this one incorporates two air test gauges and a remote brake activator for one man trailer maintenance and service.”

With other workshop test tools such as the ISOCheck and EBS/ABS Sensor Tester aide automotive offer an excellent range of truck & trailer repair tools.

Contact aide automotive for prices or more information.

aide automotive are to introduce a new Trailer Light Tester for the agricultrial and trailer market.

This tester is integrated with a 12 V power pack and air compressor.

With a cable long enough to move to the back of the trailer, a rotary switch will switch between each lighting circuit for a visible check. A self resetting trip if a short is found on a circuit this tester is a ideal cost effective tester for all 12 volt trailers.

Contact aide automotive for futher information.

ABS Tester Acquires Royalty

Following a trial purchase Royal Mail have since purchased 29 EBS/ABS Sensor Testers for use within each workshop.

Using the Sensor Tester to check a sensor, the gap and exciter ring Royal Mail found they were able to easily and cost effectively repair warning lights faults on trucks and trailers without the need for expensive diagnostics tools or dealer trips.

All workshops requires fast, accurate and effective tools to diagnose faults easily and quickly. A high percentage of brake EBS/ABS faults are around the sensor or the sensor itself.

Contact aide automotive ltd for further information on ABS Testing for Truck & Trailer.

ABS Warning lights, what do they mean?

This may be a common question from drivers but do we all really know the answer?

Well lets make it simple! There are only three main light sequences that you really need to be concerned with, they are;

1. ON/OFF – At standstill

2. ON – Until the vehicle is driven above 7 kph then OFF

3. ON/OFF/ON – Until the vehicle is driven above 7 kph

With the introduction of programmable warning lights in EBS systems it has become a bit harder to know what a drivers dashboard should be doing but with a couple of simple tests the answer is there. If the truck and trailer are both ABS sockets, start by just connecting the trailer and turn on the ignition, the trailer warning light in the cab should come on, if the light goes ON/OFF then this is the sequence, if the light goes ON/OFF/ON, then this is the sequence, if the light is ON and stays on then drive the truck and trailer above 7kph, if the light goes OFF then this is your sequence. However please note if the light stays ON after a test drive then there is a fault in the system which requires maintenance before the truck and trailer can be utilised.

So how can we decide if the fault lies with a truck or trailer?

Also to make matters worse newer trucks now have an LCD or electronic dashboard, so we need to establish which light is actually for the trailer. With each manufacturer having individual lights it can be quite confusing.

So this is where the ISOCheck can be used, the ISOCheck is not only used to test the power from the truck but can be used to show you the warning light function of your trailer.

 First plug the ISOCheck Indicator into the trucks ABS Socket, turn on the ignition, this will test all power form the truck, and if all is OK the ISOCheck will light up GREEN, if there is a fault RED. Once the truck is proven to be OK, turn the ISOCheck around and connect the ISOCheck Indicator into the trailers ASB Socket and the normal end into the truck, ignition on and the warning light in the cab should come on and the ISOCheck Indicator will turn RED as the warning light is ON. If the warning light in the cab then goes out, then the ISOCheck will turn to GREEN. If this happens it not only proves again that the truck power is OK but also it proves the trailers ABS is working.

 The next step is to test drive the trailer above 7 kph, if the warning light comes on while starting to move then the ISOCheck will turn RED. Stop the truck and trailer and remove the ISOCheck indicator from the ABS Socket on the trailer, if the ISOCheck stays RED then the fault is on the truck, if it turns GREEN then the fault is on the trailer. The ISOCheck is as simple as that! Ideal for workshop fitters and drivers the ISOCheck pinpoints faults with the truck or trailer even when mismatching old trucks with new trailers and vice a versa, saving time and money by directing the repairer to the correct area.

Read more by clicking ISOCheck

aide automotive offer a range of workshop products, click on aide automotive for our website.

TrailerCheck is fast becoming a popular test kit for commercial workshops around the UK.

Matthew Burke of aide automotive stated “We see new enquiries every day for this product and increasing numbers, workshops seem to be looking to improve on test equipment and to keep on top of vehicle maintenance as a proactive approach rather than a have to approach. A forgotten diagsnostic cover is commercial trailers, with trucks being scanned for faults codes on servicing workshops  are now seeing the benefit of reading trailer ABS and EBS codes. TrailerCheck II With Code Reader is the ideal cost effective diagnostic tool for trailers that is simple to use and rugged for any workshop.”

aide automotive market the TrailerCheck with Diagnostic Code Reader, visit http://www.aideautomotive.com for further info. 

Diagnostic Code Reader for ABS and EBS ECU Fault Reading

Trailer Diagnostics for EBS - Electronic Braking Systems

A new trailer diagnostic product by aide automotive ltd.

TrailerCheck with EBS Diagnostic Code Reader is the latest product to achieve a high interest in the commercial vehicle market.

Trailer repairers have been searching for a cost effective diagnostic tool to communicate with commercial trailers.

Reading and clearing codes on trailers at service intervals is good practice to keep records and possible fault reports.

TrailerCheck will also read ABS codes and complete a full intelligent trailer lighting test.

Trailer Check will soon have the ability to read Electronic Brake Systems.  Coming soon from aide automotive this new version of TrailerCheck will not only look at ABS diagnostics but also consider EBS diagnostics too.

Trailer Check is already a popular product and an ideal cost effective test gauge to quickly determine the electrical integrity of a braking system.  This new version just takes it a step further to ensure that the EBS codec reader is working correctly too.

Check out the aide automotive website later this year for the new version or visit it to find out more about all the other automotive products that we supply

The EBS/ABS Sensor Master is the ideal workshop tool for detecting and clearing EBS or ABS Faults.

Since the start of 2010 aide automotive have seen a major increase in sales, Matthew Burke Stated “This product is simple and cost effective, sometimes you just need to easier tools than the more expensive techincal diagnostic tools. I beleive the increase in sales is down to the products word of mouth and customers looking for more cost effective ways to solve brake faults.”

The 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.

Contact aide automotive ltd for further information.

Sensor Master EBS ABS