Inventions and technological innovations have had a massive impact on the automotive industry. Currently, there are various electronically powered systems customised to coordinate machine operations. Nonetheless, failure in the functionality of different parts of heavy vehicles remains imminent. Fault diagnosis is a procedure that analyses a vehicle’s functionality and picks out failures in the operations. It’s conducted electronically and covers all functions from the suspension and steering system to the exhaust, ignition, and fuel system. Notably, fault readers are also used to diagnose errors in aftermarket parts of trucks.
Modern trucks run motor control units with trouble codes. Therefore, the unit can detect systems or components that fail to operate within acceptable limits. These codes aid in identifying and fixing faults without performing a complete overhaul on the truck to diagnose the problem. For instance, aftermarket parts for European tracks contain an electronic control unit that efficiently assists operators in detecting and solving truck-related issues. Here are some standard codes that flag faults.
OBDII codes
The On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Trouble codes were developed in 1996 as self-diagnostic results. When an issue develops in the truck, the system identifies the problem and turns on the check engine light. Subsequently, real-time data is provided as a series of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) scanned to access detailed information on the faults detected.
Earlier developers of the OBD system used codes that varied between different manufacturers; however, the OBDII system was standardised. As a result, the OBDII Scanner and Reader became popular fault readers.
How to read an OBDII Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The identity of the codes is depicted in the characters developed by the system. Essentially each character reveals different information about the vehicle’s function. Usually, five characters are used.
The first character indicates the area of analysis run on the control system to locate the faults, and it’s expressed in letters. They include powertrain(P), which refers to the fuel system, transmission, engine, and associated drivetrain accessories. On the other hand, network and vehicle integration codes (U-codes) are for onboard computers and related systems. The Chassis (C) indicates mechanical systems such as steering, braking, and braking. Moreover, the body (B-codes) cover areas generally inside the passenger compartment.
The second character identifies the manufacturer’s standards. Usually, it’s a zero or one. 0 means the code is standard and generic. Ideally, all vehicles that operate within the OBD2 standard use generic codes. However, 1 indicates a special manufacturer’s code. For instance, codes used for aftermarket parts for Nissan trucks differ from those aftermarket parts for Isuzu trucks, and the special code can indicate the difference in identity. 2 or 3 are rarely used.
The third character shows the subsystem at fault. Typically, the digits are indicated as 1 through to 8. 1 refers to the air metering or fuel system, while 2 covers the injector circuit on the air metering. 3 relays information from the ignition system and also indicates misfire. 4 refers to the emission system, 5 covers the idle control system, while 6 gives information on the computer output circuit. Finally, 7 and 8 indicate transmission-related issues.
The fourth and fifth characters narrow down to the precise problems. The characters are paired to read between zero to ninety-nine. The characters are matched on a specific fault index for an accurate reading.
Code readers and scanners
Fortunately, you don’t have to know all the OBDII codes and what they mean. The task of reading and interpreting the codes is executed by special tools and scanners available on the market.
Jaltest portable trailer e-supply (PTE)
Jaltest PTE is a mobile device that runs diagnostics on specific truck and trailer systems functions. The device is perfectly designed to check the power supply and signal transmissions such as CAN communication and indicator lamps. Additional features such as self-powering and portability make the Jaltest PTE a favourite among truckers.
Bosch heavy-duty scan tool
The bosch scan tool is a household name among fault readers. The device detects faults in vehicle systems, including trucks. Additionally, the device is powered on 12V or 24V inputs, making it a handy portable device. The portability allows fieldwork clearing of OBD2 codes. Moreover, the latest version of this tool can connect online and update details.
In conclusion, technological advances have made life easy for truck operators and owners. Fault readers can quickly establish a fault in the trucks and recommend the appropriate reparative actions. The precision of fault diagnosis means you can find the exact aftermarket track parts needed for repair and restore your truck to full operation. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to consult the right professionals to avoid technical errors in code translation.
