Dealing with lighting replacement issues

Dealing with lighting replacement issues

Saving on CSA with LED lighting solutions

Homer Hogg, manager of technical development for TravelCenters of America (TA), says that the most frequent lighting replacement/repair maintenance issues with which the TA technicians deal are wiring/voltage issues and bulbs (burned or otherwise failed). “For the wiring issues, I’d say focusing on proper testing and repair techniques are important,” Hogg advises. “We run into a lot of voltage drop issues and damaged wiring due to corrosion caused by either improper testing technique (such as pierced wiring) and/or improper repair techniques such as butt connectors with no solder or heat shrink.

“Some of the major places we’re seeing voltage drop issues are at connectors such as headlight connectors and trailer seven-way connectors,” he continues. “Just making sure there is a good, secure connection would go a long way towards preventing a good number of the issues including some of the melted connectors and damaged lights and lighting assemblies we see, particularly as far as headlights are concerned. Some of the other issues we run into as far as wiring are simply manufacturing errors such as improper securement of the wiring or pinched wires that are incorrectly routed. It’s rare for us to replace a light on a truck or trailer without running into some sort of accompanying wiring repair.”

Illuminating advice

“LED lights are a helpful tool with their longer life and lower amperage draw,” Hogg says. “Regular inspections of lights and wiring at PMs and DOTs are beneficial. We run into a lot of LED bulbs that are beginning to fail, but not fully failed. Replacing a partially failed LED assembly that has one or two failed LEDs or a cracked lens can potentially prevent some of the emergency repairs we see when they fail completely. Be certain to instruct servicing facilities to use, at a minimum, heat shrink or heat shrink style butt connectors to help counter invading corrosion. The best practice is to use butt connectors with solder built in. Finally, never allow a technician to pierce a wire with a probe. This will certainly open the circuit for corrosion and additional repairs later.”

Read more on trailers from Fleet Equipment‘s latest issue: from doors, lift gates and floors to trailer tires  to electrical systems.

You May Also Like

Goodyear unveils two RangeMax tires deisgned for regional work

Goodyear says the new tire models balance traction, range and mileage for work vehicles running on electricity, gas or diesel.

Goodyear-rangemax tires-group-logo

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. introduced two additions to its portfolio of RangeMax tires: the RangeMax RSA ULT and the RangeMax RTD ULT. Goodyear says its latest RangeMax tires are a steer-drive combo engineered for electric, gas- or diesel-powered regional work vehicles.

Goodyear says the all-position RangeMax RSA ULT and RangeMax RTD ULT tires help deliver range efficiency through low rolling resistance and long miles to removal. 

Vipar Heavy Duty’s Supplier Advisory Council reviews performance, strategy

The council is expecting a stable aftermarket with moderate growth, a reliable supply chain and continued expansion of VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2024.

vipar-heavy-duty-supplier-advisory-council
Davco introduces Fuel Pro 499 for Class 8 trucks

The company says its latest diesel fuel/water separator was designed to increase filtration capacity and reduce fleet downtime.

DAVCO-fuel-pro-499-water-separator-filter-TMC-Clarience-Technologies
PACCAR Parts presents Dealer of the Year awards at Kenworth Dealer Meeting

Dealer of the Year awards were given out for both TRP and Kenworth parts and service dealers.

PACCAR-Parts-dealer-of-the-year-Kenworth-Northeast-group
Double Coin FR610, other tires to be displayed at MATS

The FR610 is the latest SmartWay Verified long haul steer tire in Double Coin’s lineup.

Double-coin-logo-truck-tire-generic

Other Posts

Dorman announces new light- and heavy-duty aftermarket parts

The company says it released more than 200 light-and heavy-duty aftermarket parts in February, developed for technicians and DIY customers.

Dorman-new-parts
Hendrickson launches Roadmaax Z with ‘Zero Maintenance Damping’

Hendrickson says this is the first drive axle suspension system its released with integrated ZMD technology.

HENDRICKSON-ROADMAAX-Z-SUSPENSION
Lincoln Electric launches Ranger Air 260 MPX multi-function engine drive

Lincoln Electric recently introduced the new Ranger Air 260MPX multifunction engine drive.

Clean Energy’s RNG digester at Tri-Cross Dairy begins production

RNG from the $34M project will be sent to Clean Energy’s network of fueling stations across the U.S.

Clean-Energy-RNG-Facility-Tri-Cross-Dairy