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.

No matter what the size of your organisation, cash flow is something every business needs to manage. Leasing allows you to keep your cash in the bank to use for more urgent, less tax efficient requirements.

A lease agreement is a contract between the customer (Lessee) and a bank (Lessor). The customer agrees to rent the equipment over a set period until all payments are made.

Here at aide automotive we offer a leasing option on all purchases over £1,000, this can be one single product or a combination of products. All lease payments are classed as rentals and are therefore an allowable business expense. This means that every lease payment can be offset 100% against taxable profits to reduce the tax you pay and therefore saving you money. For example if a company has made a profit of £100,000 in a financial year, but in the same year made payments on a lease totalling £5,000 – they would only be taxed on £95,000 of their profits, therefore saving money! You will typically claim back 22-40% of the payments made on a lease – which is why so many people do it!

The payments you make on a lease would be monthly so for example if you purchased a BrakeCheck, ISOCheck, ABS Tester and  TrailerCheck the total cost would be £1,573.00

However if you leased these products from aide automotive you could spread the cost with monthly amounts you’d pay back would be

3 years – 12.89 per week

5 years – 8.53 per week

For more information on using leasing as a payment option please call our sales team now on

0115 845 6471 or visit aideautomotive 

One of aide automotive’s clients is more than impressed with the ABS/EBS Sensor Master, an effective diagnostic tool.

After wasting far too much time attempting to locate a fault in one of it’s trucks, they purchased the SensorMaster. After attempting to use other diagnostic tools they just couldn’t find the fault but once they tried the ABS/EBS Sensor Master the fault was located immediately, meaning the problem could be rectified leading to no more vehicle downtime!

Felix Doherty from the Donegal company describes the ABS/EBS Sensor Master as “A very impressive piece of kit and very impressive service after aide automotive pulled out all the stops to make sure it was delivered the next day.”

The ABS Sensor Master is a simple and effective device that checks each EBS/ABS sensor is working effectively. The ideal tool for a varierty of people, from an apprentice to a time served fitter, or a busy workshop. Rapidly locating and clearing the fault can save time and money, rather than calling in a dealer or diagnostic expert.

Click

ABS/EBS Sensor Master for more details

November offer for all those organisations looking for a good test guage which will identify any faults in an EBS/ABS braking system, 10% off Orders for Trailer Check II.

TrailerCheck II determines the electrical integrity of lighting circuits, the ABS Warning light and ISO CAN Lines.

Using a tractor unit to carry out a trailer test is not as effective as the TrailerCheck as the tractor unit is not guaranteed to be a 100% working unit. TrailerCheck eliminates the indecision and confirms the trailer’s fault.

TrailerCheck II versatilty means it can easily be used by a commercial repairer or on a multi service lane workshop.  It’s portable so can be used whilst out and about and it’s batteries can be re charged by mains power or via a vehicle’s cigarette lighter

Priced at only £ 1,295.00 + VAT aide automotive is offering a 10% discount off all units sold in November.

 Follow this link for full information on the TrailerCheck II offer or for a full product range visit aide automotive

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.