The Automotive Blog

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

Ford & Slater the well known midlands DAF dealer, recently purchased 13 ISOCheck Test Leads for use in all depots.

ISOCheck is the ideal first step to check the electrical information that runs between a tractor unit and trailer. Whether the trailer is EBS or ABS the ISOCheck will check all voltages and earths on the ISO 7638 socket, if any pins are the ISO socket are incorrect the ISOCheck will light up RED, if all pins are correct the ISOCheck will light up GREEN.

ISOCheck is the ideal tool to save time and confusion by directing the user to the tractor unit or trailer.

The ISOCheck also checks the trailer and existing suzie, once the tractor unit is tested, turn the ISOCheck around so the indicator plugs into the trailer, again RED equals fault but with the trailer! Two greens and a ABS warning light on in the cab would suggest the existing suzie lead is at fault.

The ISOCheck is ideal for Ford & Slater as they can confirm tractor units are producing the correct information when under service or inspection, a quick and simple test rather than the confusion of using multimeters!

Contact aide automotive ltd for further information.

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.