When working with truck remote diagnostics, think: Audience
Remote diagnostic systems are now offered in some form by all the major truck and engine OEMs, as well as third party providers. These systems collect diagnostic data on the truck’s performance and status, and automatically send fault codes and warnings to service managers. Today’s remote diagnostics systems indicate fault code severity levels and allow
Providing the right mix of truck technician training
The first and most important thing that heavy-duty technicians need to understand is the tools used in the shop. Today’s tools need to be standalone solutions for day-to-day use but also integrate with OEM applications for increased functionality. The best of these tools will make technicians more efficient by providing rapid diagnostics and pertinent service
What’s supporting your truck equipment warranty?
Equipment warranties play a big role in your truck service operation’s profitability. No fleet is a stranger to the warranty claim process, and the headaches that come along with it. But, with all the service data streaming off of your trucks, you have a host of information to help push your claim through. The catch?
Training, retaining the next generation of truck technicians
Headlines across the web announce the challenge of a labor shortage, while truck service shops across the country say: “Welcome to the party.” While we have more company in the battle to find the right people with the right skills, the challenges remain. But remember: many of the benefits you offer a technician to join
Getting heavy-duty, medium-duty trucks to talk the same service language
When a truck service location is faced with both heavy- and medium-duty vehicles all sporting different name plates, there’s often a communication breakdown. Technicians interface with different trucks in different ways, they have to use various methods of pulling the needed service information off said trucks, and jumping back and forth between heavy-duty and medium-duty
Coolant choices are important, here’s why
It’s easy to judge a diesel engine coolant by its color. Easy, and also problematic. The complication comes in as there are two very different types of coolants: conventional fully formulated and extended life (or organic acid technology, or OAT). They protect engines from corrosion very differently and if you mix the two, both will
Truck service tips for when the snow starts to fly
Like it or not, it’s time to start preparing for winter truck service-related issues. No-starts, frozen air lines–you name it. In this episode of FE Data Center, the two Jasons take a look at what you need to have on your PM check list to make sure you’re ready for when the temperatures drop. Here’s
Electrical system maintenance to improve aftertreatment performance
Running a regen is an easy out to deal with aftertreatment issues, but even if it fixes the problem in the short term, you’re sure to see that same truck back in the shop with the same set of aftertreatment-related faults. You need to get to the root of the aftertreatment system’s problem, and the
How electric trucks could change service shop operations
Electric trucks are coming and reduced maintenance is potentially coming along with them, but that doesn’t mean that truck service is going to change overnight. There will be differences, but electric trucks offer an opportunity, not a threat, to truck service operations. While there are plenty of conversations to be had about service needs and
This will happen to your trucks if they aren’t upgraded before the 3G sunset
The 3G sunset is near, and that means that fleets need to talk with their telematics providers to ensure their devices are 4G LTE capable. If you aren’t, you’ll have to replace the devices in your trucks. Oftentimes, it’s a simple plug and play device swap, but the process can vary by telematics service provider.
From regen to fault codes: remote truck service realities
One of the biggest advantage over-the-air updates bring to the service process is the ability to clear faults. Fault codes crop up, they worry the driver and all we really have to do is clear the codes in the shop. With over-the-air updates pushed from the OEMs, the software on the engine is updated and
Bi-directional testing: How it can speed up truck shop operations
What is the problem? It’s the most basic and, oftentimes, most perplexing question in truck repair. Trucks are complex machines driven by computer controls. Fault codes do their best to point technicians in the right direction, but being able to quickly to diagnose the root cause of the service problem is paramount. Enter bi-directional testing.
