Eclipse Automotive’s Technical Support Team Leader Paul Manning explains the supplier’s diagnostics process, using an Alexander Dennis Dart with reported loss of drive as a case study
Due to the complexity of modern-day transmissions, the demand for diagnostics supported by in-depth knowledge provided by technical support teams are greater than ever.
Inside the workshop, it is necessary to move quickly to understand and rectify the problem so that the vehicle can get back to work and become productive once again.
However, without having the ability to diagnose the control systems fitted to today’s transmissions, it is virtually impossible to correctly identify faults quickly and efficiently without the correct equipment. This could mean that any repairs take longer than necessary and a lack of specific fault guidance result in potentially costly and unnecessary repairs.
As an example of the power of Jaltest, Paul Manning Technical Support Team Leader at Eclipse – one of the industry’s leading supplier of multi-brand diagnostic equipment – explains how the team would diagnose a problem on an Alexander Dennis Dart.
The scenario
A driver has reported that while driving the Alexander Dennis Dart it suffered a sudden loss of drive, causing it to be taken off the road.
Without knowing the root cause of the problem and without the aid of diagnostics the technician was unable to know the cause of the failure.
Detecting faults
Built into the Jaltest platform is a function called ‘System Scan’. Here, a total ECU diagnosis can be performed to see which control modules are holding current and non-current faults [1].
Looking at the results, it can be seen that the transmission (Allison) has detected a fault logged in its memory. Now the technician has a starting point for the investigation, having correctly identified which control module is causing the vehicle fault.
The next step is to directly connect to the transmission control module to read and gain further information on the errors logged.
Unrivalled data
The diagnosis screen shows that the transmission has logged an active error of 2511 ‘Defective Speed Sensor’ [2].
Now further information and possible causes of the fault needs to be obtained to aid the correct repair of the vehicle.
Built into the Jaltest diagnostics is unrivalled technical data providing the technician with all the wiring diagrams, component locations and specifications needed for the investigation.
Eclipse Technical Support, based in the UK, is available to give invaluable information and guidance whenever needed to assist in the quick repair and serviceability of the vehicle.
With a Customer Management Database having over 10 years of knowledge and history, Eclipse has at its disposal vehicle data that no piece of equipment can give you.
This is real historical data which gives access to “experience from the shop floor”. This regularly proves vital and a real differentiator in its operations; to use known faults and history as a means of assisting its customers.
Technician are given a full overview of the various sensors and components viewed as a whole by the ‘System Display’ feature.
Crucial database
When Eclipse Automotive received the support call regarding the Alexander Dennis Dart, the fault code was initially run through the relevant manufacturer standard data to see whether the team could expand on the fault description.
Next, the support team used the Customer Management Database to view past occurrences of the fault code and what were the common causes and outcomes.
The Eclipse Technical Advisor then explained the outcome of the search and identified what has been found logged to fault code 2511. Numerous reports attached to the output speed sensor where the component has been replaced to find the fault keeps reoccurring were found.
This is an example of where the Eclipse knowledge database becomes a crucial part of the support as the fault was logged to many other aspects of vehicle failure. It also identified that the most common failure was one relating to internal wear to the gearbox.
Added value
Using the technical information built into the Jaltest diagnostics, the Technical Support Team can guide the user to the location of the output speed sensor. It was then asked for this to be removed so that it could be inspected for the presence of metal particles.
On removal of the sensor, there was found to be fused metal particles attached to the sensor tip confirming both internal wear to the transmission as well as oil contamination.
The transmission was then removed and stripped to expose excessive play in the main shaft caused by a worn end bearing.
The discovery of the damaged bearing clearly displayed the ability of Jaltest to identify faults and the presence of the Technical Support Team to add value to the findings by referencing their extensive database.
The combination of the two led to the swift repair of the Alexander Dennis Dart allowing it to recommence work and earning revenue for the operator.
