april2023 - 10

» Technicians must engage in routine
training to keep up to speed on new truck
systems and how to diagnose problems.
Love's
Lab scopes help diagnose electrical issues,
which often require additional tools. Autel utilizes
a VCMI box, which has a reprogramming tool,
four-channel lab scope, graphing meter, and a
signal generator, all included with that scan tool.
Minchew said diagnosing electrical issues is
more challenging today than it was ten years ago.
" There are a lot more sensors, a lot more wires, and
a lot more electrical modules, " he said. " When we
test the wiring, the most important tool in the shop
is the digital multimeter to ensure the wire is good. "
Troubleshooting ADAS
More and more vehicles
support some level of advanced
driver assistance systems
(ADAS), which introduces
new diagnostic hurdles. " Many
quick and relatively simple
jobs, such as replacing a windshield, have become
more complicated due to the requirement to ensure
ADAS systems are properly aligned and functioning
correctly during the replacement, " Kar said.
For example, if a collision avoidance system is
not functioning properly, a diagnostic tool can
help identify the specific component or sensor
causing the issue. " This allows for the quick and
10 Fleet Maintenance | April 2023
accurate repair of the system, reducing downtime
and preventing potential safety issues on
the road, " Obispo said.
Diagnostic tools can also calibrate ADAS
systems after repairs or component replacement.
" Calibration is critical to ensuring that these
systems function properly and provide accurate
information to the driver, " Obispo said. " Failure
to properly calibrate ADAS systems can lead to
inaccurate readings or false alarms, putting the
driver and other road users at risk. "
ADAS sensors are mounted to the vehicle and
assume the vehicle's alignment is correct. Forro
said that Autel's IA900 has a built-in wheel alignment
system to ensure a successful calibration.
Diagnosing engines
There have been changes to
engines which can require an
advanced scan tool to diagnose,
Forro said. " A lot of vehicles
are going to secured gateway modules, which
basically require that various manufacturers authorize
that it is a legitimate scan tool, " he explained.
The growing use of hybrid and electric powertrains
in commercial vehicles has created a need
for diagnostic equipment that can diagnose and
repair issues with the systems, which rely heavily
on electrical components such as batteries, motors,
and inverters.
" Additionally, these systems often include
advanced engine technology, such as regenerative
braking and energy management systems, which
require diagnostic equipment that can accurately
diagnose and repair issues, " Obispo said.
Obispo said that direct fuel injection systems
often rely on advanced electrical components,
such as high-pressure fuel pumps and injectors,
to deliver fuel to the engine.
Testing batteries
The right tools can help
technicians diagnose battery
issues and prevent battery-related
problems from
occurring in the first place.
" By regularly monitoring battery performance
and health, technicians can identify potential
issues early on and take preventive measures,
such as replacing a battery before it fails, to
avoid more serious problems down the line, "
Obispo said.
Autel can perform tests on low-voltage batteries
inside or outside of the vehicle. " If we do the test
outside of the vehicle, I can measure the available
voltage of the battery and then apply the load to
make sure it is going to be good under dynamic
conditions, " Forro said. " If I do it inside the vehicle,
I can do that testing and add the other starter
and charging tests. "
april2023

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