Electrics and electronics
Flat batteries, no charging, a starter motor that won't turn or lights that don't work. First we measure and read the fault codes, then we replace parts.
What is wrong with the truck?
With every WhatsApp message, include
- The make, model and year of the tractor unit
- Your location: a location pin, or the motorway, direction and nearest exit
Batteries and jump starts
Symptoms
- The starter turns weakly or you only hear clicking
- After a night with the parking heater on, the truck won't start
- The dashboard goes dark or flickers when you try to start
What we do, limits and what to send: Batteries and jump starts
What we do on site
We start the engine from an external source, then check the batteries and charging, so the problem doesn't come back at the next stop. If the batteries need replacing, we replace them on site.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing them on site depends on whether we carry batteries of the right type and capacity; we agree this on the phone.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the battery label (type, capacity)
- Whether the truck stood with the heater or other loads switched on
Alternator and starter motor
Symptoms
- The charging warning light is on
- The batteries go flat even while driving
- The starter does nothing although the batteries are charged
- Grinding or whining when starting
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Alternator and starter motor
What we do, limits and what to send: Alternator and starter motor
What we do on site
We check the charging voltage, regulator, cables and earths. We replace the alternator or starter motor, or repair the connections if the cause is in the wiring.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing them on site depends on parts being available for that model.
- Reconditioning an alternator or starter motor (windings, brushes, bearings) is done in an auto-electrical workshop.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the charging light or message
- A recording of a start attempt
Control units (ECU) and immobiliser
Symptoms
- The engine cranks but won't start, the immobiliser or key light is on
- A message about a communication fault between control units
- Several warning lights at once, gauges going dark or resetting themselves
- The truck doesn't recognise the key after a battery change or wiring repair
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Control units (ECU) and immobiliser
What we do, limits and what to send: Control units (ECU) and immobiliser
What we do on site
We connect a diagnostic tester, read and analyse the faults in all control units. We check power supply, earths, connectors and the CAN bus, and with immobiliser problems also the key, the antenna and their power supply.
Roadside repair limits
- Coding a new control unit or key depends on the make and model: it can't always be done on site.
- Replacing a control unit on site depends on parts being available for that model.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the instrument cluster with the warning lights and messages
- What happened just before the fault (e.g. a battery change, washing, another repair)
Wiring diagnostics and repair
Symptoms
- Fuses keep blowing
- Wipers, indicators or the dashboard work one moment and not the next
- Faults from several systems at once on the dashboard
- A smell of overheated insulation
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Wiring diagnostics and repair
What we do, limits and what to send: Wiring diagnostics and repair
What we do on site
We measure voltages and voltage drops and look for chafing, corrosion on connectors and shorts to earth. We repair cables and connectors, replace fuses and relays, and after the repair we check that the faults don't come back.
Roadside repair limits
- A fault that only appears now and then can be hard to catch in one visit.
- We can't replace a whole wiring harness at the roadside: that can be finished in our workshop in Jasień.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A description: what stopped working and when
- A photo of the dashboard with the fault messages
- A photo of the fuse box, if something keeps blowing
Lights: headlights and marker lights
Symptoms
- A headlight, brake light or indicator doesn't work
- A blown-bulb message on the dashboard
- The marker lights don't work
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Lights: headlights and marker lights
What we do, limits and what to send: Lights: headlights and marker lights
What we do on site
We replace bulbs and lamps and repair the lighting cables and connectors. Finally we check all the lights on the tractor unit.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing a whole lamp or headlight on site depends on parts being available for that model.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the light that doesn't work
- A photo of the dashboard message
Questions and answers
The batteries are flat. Is a jump start enough?
After the jump start we check the batteries and charging, so the problem doesn't come back at the next stop. If the batteries need replacing, we replace them on site.
Fuses keep blowing. What does that mean?
Usually a short circuit or a chafed wire. A new fuse won't help while the cause is still there. We test the wiring, look for chafing and corrosion on the connectors, then repair the wires.
Often goes together
These faults often share a cause with the problems described above.
Other systems
Can't see your symptom?
Call and describe what is happening. We will tell you straight away if it can be repaired on site.
We speak Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and English.