Marine Calibration and Parameter Settings – Improving Your Vessel’s Performance

Founded in 1923 as the Gersix Motor Company, Kenworth is an American truck manufacturer that is one of the leading brands in the country. Known for its durability, reliability, and ruggedness, it produces heavy-duty trucks in the Class 8 category and medium-duty trucks in Class 5-7 commercial vehicles. Kenworth has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of PACCAR since 1945 along with its fierce competitor Peterbilt Motors. 

Before going to the various aspects of the Kenworth DPF filter, let us dive deeper into the Kenworth brand. 

Kenworth has made a name for itself in constantly innovating technologically advanced products and has several firsts against its name. It was the first company to launch an aerodynamic body design for heavy-duty trucks as well as a raised-roof sleeper cab making for driver comfort. The Kenworth W900 is still in production today having been launched in 1961, making it the longest-serving truck in automotive history.  

Fast forward to 2013 and a milestone was created by the company. It launched the third-generation highly aerodynamic T680 model that replaced the T660 and the T700 wide-body trucks. It also launched the T880 first wide-body truck that took the vocational and RV sectors by storm. 

With so many Kenworth truck models on the road, what is it that keeps them going flawlessly while keeping a check on the emission levels from their diesel engines? While there are several systems and components that work towards this goal, one of the key components in this regard is the Kenworth DPF. 

This post will go into the various aspects of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and will be deemed to be a Kenworth Diesel Particulate Filter even if not specifically mentioned so. 

Kenworth DPF Filter – Enhancing Your Vehicle’s Performance 

It is critical for owners of Kenworth trucks to understand the importance of a Diesel Particulate Filter, more so as emission standards are stringent in today’s ecosystem. It is a component that traps the soot and particulate matter that is produced during the combustion process. Periodical inspection and cleaning and timely replacement of a DPF will prevent pressure on the engine, avoid costly repairs, and ensure that your vehicle runs without any problem at high efficiency levels. 

Neglecting this aspect can also lead to substantial fines and penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations. However, maintaining the DPF is not only about compliance, it is also about maintaining your vehicle optimally. It is here that our Jaltest Kenworth DPF maintenance software will come in handy to carry out cleaning procedures through force regens, regardless of whether it is for the DPF filter for Kenworth T680 trucks or any other popular models. Take care of the DPF to save your Kenworth trucks from downtime and keep them earning for you on the roads.  

Kenworth Diesel Particulate Filter Explained

In a nutshell, the Kenworth DPF is an important after-treatment component that traps and stores ash, soot, and other contaminants so that particulate matter emission from diesel engines is reduced. This makes for a cleaner environment and is one of the key reasons why strict laws are in place for permissible emission levels. 

While several types of filters are available, the most common is the ceramic cellular honeycomb filter since this material offers a great deal of thermal stability and resistance. The ceramic filter has blocked ends so that when the emission gasses are forced through it, the soot and ash are trapped inside. This system holds good for all models of trucks, ranging from the DPF filter for Kenworth T680 to T440, T370, and so on. 

As we know, leaving the soot uncleaned will lead to engine issues, lower performance, and non-compliance with statutory regulations due to higher toxic emission levels. Cleaning Kenworth DPF when passive regens or regeneration is unable to do so is carried out through forced regens with our Jaltest Kenworth maintenance software, an optimized tool for the maintenance of Kenworth trucks.  

Soot accumulation or automatic DPF regeneration or cleaning is only possible under certain operating conditions that are related to engine temperature, vehicle speed, exhaust gas temperature, and Vehicle RPM. Passive regens are only possible when the engine temperature is at least 250°C, but for that to happen, the engine must operate at peak performance under all parameters.

Hence, it is not only soot buildup from inactive passive regens that clogs up the Kenworth Diesel Particulate Filter, any mechanical problem otherwise can also lead to this state of the filter too. This is why it is advisable to undertake “full system scans” periodically to check for any fault codes or malfunction to ensure that any minor problem is eliminated immediately before it becomes a major issue that causes the DPF filter to work at below optimal efficiency.  

How To Identify Kenworth DPF Filter Blockage

How will you recognize any problems with a Kenworth Diesel Particulate Filter? There are several of them so at the first signs, you can troubleshoot the issue and keep your truck on the road.

Warning lights: Every Kenworth truck has an onboard computer that displays warning lights on its screen whenever soot accumulates in the DPF and needs to be cleared. Fault codes in alpha-numeric format light up on the computer and you have to connect the Jaltest Kenworth software to it to interpret the fault code and initiate corrective action. Our software will guide you through the force regens process to clear the Kenworth DPF till the fault codes are cleared and the warning lights go off. 

High fuel consumption: There might be several reasons for increased fuel consumption in Kenworth trucks but one of them is a clogged DPF. This is because the main function of a DPF is to emit the exhaust gasses while retaining the soot particles. The gasses cannot escape when the filter is clogged, thereby leading to a reduction in the power and performance of the diesel engine. 

Issues with the turbocharger: When a DPF is clogged, the emission gasses have nowhere to go and start leaking directly from the turbocharger. This leads to more oil leaks thereby decreasing the performance of the truck.

Non-starting engine: Pressure of emission gasses builds up in the DPF and stops the engine from starting until the pressure is lowered. This is a positive aspect as damage to the engine is prevented if otherwise it is forcefully started. 

How To Clear A Blocked Kenworth DPF Filter

It is critical for the Kenworth DPF to regenerate itself when soot builds up so that its life span is increased and the truck performs optimally. There are three processes for cleaning the Kenworth Diesel Particulate Filter – passive, active, and forced regeneration. 

Passive DPF Regeneration: Passive regens take place automatically when the engine temperature is more than 350°C as this temperature can burn away the soot from the DPF. The process takes care of itself and the driver will not notice passive regens occurring in the truck. However, for the temperature to reach this level, the truck must be driven for extended periods at high speeds with the engine rev on high.

Passive regens do not take place in a short time running at low speeds.     

Active DPF Regeneration: This process is like passive regens but the only difference is that it is not a continuing procedure and starts only when the soot accumulation in the DPF filter reaches a 45% level. It starts when the pressure sensors in the engine management system trigger the injection of raw fuel into the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).

This increases the temperature of the exhaust gasses and creates the required conditions for active regeneration. Here too, the vehicle must be driven at high speeds for long periods to initiate this procedure.       

Forced DPF Regeneration: Whether it is Kenworth T440 forced regens, Kenworth T370 forced regens, or any other model, you should use optimized scan tools and diagnostic software to be guided through the forced regens process. Our Jaltest Kenworth diagnostic and maintenance software is optimized for forced regens and will guide you through the procedure. 

Forced DPF regeneration or forced regens can be carried out either when the truck is stationary or running at high speeds. The goal is to increase the temperature of the exhaust gasses so that the soot buildup is burned away. 

It is advisable to carry out forced regens on a stationary truck rather than a running one. This is because soot accumulation in the DPF can happen due to several factors. When you connect our Jaltest software to the onboard computer in a Kenworth truck you will know about the cause for the clogged DPF and that must be rectified first before forced regen is initiated. This fault code clearance will not be possible when a truck is moving at high speeds. 

When the warning light goes on connect the Jaltest software to the onboard computer and be handheld through the forced regen procedure after entering the model of the truck in the diagnostic menu. The main points that are highlighted in the Kenworth maintenance tool are the rev at which the engine must be run and the time needed for the engine to reach the temperature to set up forced regens.  

Typically, for moving trucks, the ideal speed is 70km/h for 10 minutes for forced regens to take place. For stationary trucks, the engine should be run at high rev for about 40 minutes for the accumulated soot to burn off. However, the Kenworth DPF must be cleaned manually when the soot buildup is more than 75%.

Summing Up

The Kenworth DPF filter is a critical component in the smooth and seamless performance of Kenworth trucks and should be kept in optimum condition always. For any fault arising from it, you can depend on our Jaltest Kenworth maintenance tool for guidance on how to clear the filter and prevent downtime.

Further, the software is very user-friendly and unlike other diagnostic tools in this niche, does not require any elaborate configuration or setup process. Simply download the software on your laptop and connect it to the onboard computer for fault analysis and clearance. 

You also get three updates to the software every year so that it is always in sync with the technological innovations made to Kenworth trucks.     

Caterpillar is a brand to reckon with in various sectors. They are the world’s top manufacturer of diesel and electric locomotives, industrial gas turbines, construction and mining equipment, off-highway gas and diesel engines, and material handling equipment such as forklifts. For more than a century, Caterpillar has maintained standards that are synonymous with ruggedness, durability, dependability, and quality right across their product range.

Caterpillar has always kept up with the times and has implemented cutting-edge technological innovations in their products. Recently, they have launched machinery that leaves behind a vastly reduced carbon footprint than before. Another example is the CAT Command, which allows operators to take control and operate the equipment while outside their machines. This is a very useful high-tech feature that is very critical when working on challenging and difficult terrain and considers the safety of the operators. 

However, the best machines do face issues and owners should be prepared to resolve them at the earliest possible time. The same is true for Caterpillar equipment too. If you have a fleet of construction equipment such as dozers, excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, articulated trucks, motor graders, and material handling equipment like forklifts, the CAT diagnostic software is a must-have tool for you. 

Even though Caterpillar manufactures machines and equipment across several sectors and industries, this post will be limited to the use of the Caterpillar diagnostic scanner for construction and material handling equipment only.

Functions of the Caterpillar Diagnostic Maintenance Tool

The CAT diagnostic software offers deep coverage of a wide range of equipment of various makes and models. Among the leading ones covered by our Jaltest software are the CAT d6t dozer, CAT 930H wheel loader, CAT 259D compact track loader, 336F excavator, Skid steers, and many others. With the software, you can quickly check for fault codes and have them cleared before a minor issue becomes a full-blown one, leading to downtime and upsetting your project deadlines.

Before proceeding further, a quick word on fault codes is necessary since they have a big role to play in the working of the software, and clearing the codes will keep your equipment on the job. 

Fault codes, also known as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are codes in alpha-numeric format that pop up on the display panel of the onboard computer in Caterpillar machines whenever there is a malfunction in systems or components. At this point, you must connect the Jaltest Caterpillar computer diagnostic software to the onboard computer to identify and interpret the numbers and take corrective action to clear the fault codes. 

The benefit of the Caterpillar diagnostic tool is that once the issue is identified, the software takes over and handholds you through what is necessary to clear the trouble. The Jaltest software provides detailed wiring diagrams so that you can quickly locate where the fault lies and ensure that it is rectified. 

Moreover, the Jaltest CAT digital diagnostic tool provides technical data and information in real time so that the solutions implemented are what you will expect from company-certified engineers. Hence, any fault code is cleared in-house without wasting time waiting for technicians to show up.

Our Jaltest CAT diagnostic software has a very user-friendly and intuitive dashboard. Once you connect it to the onboard computer, you get the complete picture of the current health of your equipment. Fault codes related to engines, hydraulics, transmissions, brakes, HVAC, and others will show on our maintenance tool and you will be guided on how best to clear them. 

It is not necessary that you should wait for fault codes to show up, scan the system by symptoms and then initiate the required fault code clearance activities. Our Jaltest CAT diagnostic software has a provision for preventive maintenance too. You simply have to choose the “full system scan” and run the maintenance tool. It will automatically scan all the systems and inform you of any potential faults, even minor ones.

If these fault codes are temporary in nature, generally no action is required as they will disappear within a few driving cycles. If not, consider them to be permanent fault codes where complex actions by the Caterpillar diagnostic tool are required to eliminate them and bring your equipment back on the job again. 

Highlights of the CAT Digital Diagnostic Tool  

The Jaltest Caterpillar diagnostic maintenance tool has a wide range of advanced features and cutting-edge capabilities. On one hand, you can diagnose various components by symptoms such as engine, hydraulic systems, powertrain, instrument cluster, transmission, and more. On the other, you can carry out fault prevention actions by calibrating joysticks and booms, setting up flows and pressures on excavators, performing dump on wheel loaders, calibrating the blade on a motor grader and transmissions, and others. 

You thus ensure comprehensive coverage and troubleshooting of your Caterpillar equipment with our Jaltest CAT diagnostic software. Further, it is not only mobile equipment that is covered by the Jaltest diagnostic tool, it is also very effective for stationary equipment with Perkins engines and troubleshooting crushers, screen plants, tower lights, generators, and more. 

Caterpillar Engine Diagnostic Codes

Whenever you feel or hear anything out of the ordinary while operating Caterpillar equipment, stop immediately and look for the source of the issue through Caterpillar engine diagnostic codes.

Here are some examples of CAT engine trouble codes.   

• P0300: Random or Multiple Cylinder Misfire Code.
• P0301 through P0308: Single-Cylinder Misfire Codes.
• P0446: Evaporative Emissions Control System Codes.
• P0455: Evaporative Emissions Control System Codes - Leaks.
• P0420 or P0430: Catalyst Efficiency Codes. 

Another frequently observed issue with CAT diesel-powered engines is the clogging of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This component is designed to lower the emission of particulate matter which then gets trapped in the DPF, leading to soot accumulation. In severe cases, the engine might seize up or the equipment might go into limp mode. 

Here, the Caterpillar engine diagnostic codes will recommend forced regens, an activity that is necessary when passive regens are unable to clear the soot. This requires running the engine on high rev in a stationary position for about 40 minutes or till such time as the rise in temperature of the emission gasses clears away the soot buildup. 

There are several other diagnostic codes and rectification actions that need to be taken to keep your Caterpillar engines operating at peak efficiency. 

Caterpillar Diagnostic Codes And CAT Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic systems are key to Caterpillar construction and material handling equipment, whether it is dozers, excavators, and others. Even when you clear Caterpillar skid steer diagnostic codes, hydraulic systems take center stage as here too it is very crucial for smooth operations.   

Hydraulics must work to match your needs. Even though they come with factory settings that meet standard operating conditions, our Jaltest CAT digital diagnostic tool will help you to calibrate it as per the demands of your project. For challenging terrain, you can calibrate the hydraulic systems with our powerful CAT diagnostic software to ensure peak performance.

While there are several types of Caterpillar equipment that use state-of-the-art hydraulics, let us take the example of CAT excavators to understand the concept of hydraulics calibration with our Caterpillar computer diagnostic software.  

Carrying out CAT excavator hydraulic calibration is a complex task and involves adjusting settings and parameters in the system to ensure peak performance in existing conditions. You must set values like pressure, flow rate, and control response to get the best from your equipment. 

Calibrating hydraulic systems of CAT excavators with our Jaltest Caterpillar diagnostic scanner typically requires calibration of key components like attachment controls, position sensors, and solenoid valves. All these in combination prepare your excavators to work in any conditions that you might face. 

When using our top-of-the-line Jaltest Cat diagnostic software you will be optimally guided with specialized excavator hydraulic system diagrams so that you will know the precise settings and calibration points that must be implemented in the excavator. All that you must do is connect our CAT diagnostic software laptop to the onboard computer of the excavator to be precisely guided through the parameter setting and calibration process.

The reason for CAT hydraulic calibration is to maintain smooth operations of your equipment. The key components that can be calibrated are the hydraulic cylinders, steering controls, position sensors that monitor attachment positions, and solenoid valves that control specific hydraulic functions like bucket movement in CAT excavators. Further, you can adjust flow rates and pressure levels, and control valve timings and position sensor readings.

Now that you know the intricacies of calibrating CAT hydraulic systems with the Jaltest Caterpillar diagnostic maintenance tool, let us understand why it is so important. 

First, hydraulic calibration improves efficiency as the precise controls and settings lead to better productivity and fuel economy. It also results in maximizing operations and reducing wear and tear on the hydraulic systems. Finally, hydraulics calibration makes the machine’s response consistent, dependable, and predictable, thereby increasing driver safety.  

Summing Up

The CAT diagnostic software is a highly optimized maintenance tool that helps to keep your CAT construction and material handling equipment in peak operating conditions. Any fault code is quickly identified and rectified before it becomes a major problem, leading to downtime and making your project timelines go haywire.

However, by using the Jaltest CAT software, you get dealer-level services right on your premises, thereby reducing fault clearance times. 
Our software is ahead of others in this niche since it is very user-friendly. Unlike others in this genre, there are no elaborate configuration and setup processes, simply download the software on your diagnostic laptop, plug it into the onboard computer and you are ready for fault analysis and clearance. 

We also provide three updates to our software every year as a part of our client service initiative. Thus, whatever the technological improvements implemented in CAT equipment, our Caterpillar diagnostic tool never becomes obsolete.

When you are on the high seas, it is important that your onboard instruments give accurate readings, otherwise, the performance of your vessel will be significantly impacted. Our Jaltest marine calibration diagnostic tool ensures that your instruments are operating at their best, thereby contributing to more efficient and safer operations.

Marine vessels rely on a wide range of instruments and equipment for navigation, safety, and constant communication. However, the standards of these instruments are not constant as they can drift out of calibration due to environmental issues such as temperature changes, humidity, and regular wear and tear. Hence, timely marine calibration is essential to get precise data by making sure that the systems operate within the required tolerances.

So, why is marine outboard or inboard calibration and parameter setting so critical?

• Improved safety: By calibrating safety equipment you ensure that all systems, sensors, and alarms respond optimally in emergencies, keeping the vessel, crew, and cargo safe. This factor is crucial in marine compass calibration for example. It has to be regularly carried out to keep the vessel on track.
• Increased efficiency: Marine vessels operate smoothly when all equipment is calibrated. The possibility of breakdowns and getting stranded on the high seas is substantially reduced through marine calibration.
• Regulatory compliance: Maritime regulations such as SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea) require vessels to have calibrated instruments with set parameters. By regularly taking up marine calibration, you remain compliant with all these regulations, thereby avoiding potential penalties.
• Cost savings: Boat motor calibration and instrument parameter setting prevent breakdowns and costly repairs and extend the life of your marine equipment.

Using Optimized Marine Calibration Diagnostic Software

One of the most advanced and state-of-the-art marine calibration software is the Jaltest marine maintenance tool. It is optimized for marine outboard and inboard calibration and parameter setting and provides deep coverage of most major brands of marine engines.

Simply go through the diagnostic menu to get first-hand guidance on calibrating marine engines and instruments and advanced solutions for any issues that you might face. These include the electronic control module (ECM), engines, steering, powertrain, and more. You can also carry out other complex procedures with our Jaltest diagnostic software. These include calibrating trim and control levers, carrying out cylinder cut-out tests, and setting parameter instructions. You can also record sea trials with 90 minutes of data on the engine with up to 24 measurements.

The Jaltest marine calibration software offers deep coverage for a variety of functions, irrespective of whether it is troubleshooting marine outboard and inboard or jet ski parameter settings. The user-friendly and intuitive diagnostic menu offers advanced troubleshooting options that keep your marine engine in peak performance mode. 

You can set various parameters such as the engine, electronic module, instrument cluster, powertrain, steering, and more. You can either select “all” and check the calibration and parameter settings for every function and equipment or calibrate and set parameters for only those systems and components that have deviated from standardized benchmarks.

Moreover, in addition to marine calibration and parameter setting provisions, the Jaltest software provides live technical and maintenance data and information in real-time so that you are constantly updated about the health and functioning of its systems and components. You are also backed by detailed wiring diagrams that make troubleshooting and calibrating tasks very easy.

It is also worthwhile to mention certain other facets of the Jaltest marine diagnostic software. You can go to system technical data in the diagnostic menu and check several metrics. Under cylinder cut-out, you get to check injectors and ignition coils, idle speed, acceleration sensors, and oxygen probes as well as do compression tests. Similarly, each aspect offers you various options to keep your boat engine in peak performance mode. 

Ghost Trolling Motor Calibration

The Lowrance Ghost freshwater trolling motor allows anglers to fish longer, run faster, and move in closer without driving away the fish. Ghost has a path-breaking brushless motor with the most power and the longest runtime among all the trolling motors on the market. Use our Jaltest diagnostic software for highly optimized ghost trolling motor calibration to get the most out of your vessel.

Why should you choose Ghost trolling motor calibration? This activity, more specifically bow offset calibration ensures accurate autopilot and anchoring performance by compensating for the boat’s magnetic field and local deviations.

Optimized calibration with our Jaltest calibration software is important as it helps the trolling motor to function correctly with its anchor and autopilot features. Calibration is even more critical as the Ghost uses sensors to determine the boat’s position and heading. Calibration makes sure that these sensors are aligned with the Earth’s magnetic field and the specific magnetic environment of the boat. 

The bow offset trolling calibration compensates for the offset between the bow of the boat and the location of the trolling motor’s compass sensors. This is why both Ghost trolling motor calibration and marine compass calibration are so important. 

How do you carry out Ghost trolling motor calibration? 

First, you should find an area that is calm with little to no wind. Next, deploy the motor. Access our Jaltest marine calibration diagnostic software and navigate to the calibration menu. You will be guided through the calibration process seamlessly while probably rotating the boat in a circle. If the performance of the autopilot is not up to the mark or does not meet your expectations, you should repeat the Ghost trolling motor calibration process. 

Read more about the procedures for marine engine calibration.

Garmin Autopilot Calibration 

After Ghost trolling motor calibration, let us go into details of Garmin autopilot calibration to get a better idea of the overall marine calibration process. 

The GPS Heading is not an accurate indicator of heading at low speeds though it can be trusted at high speeds. However, it shows the boat’s absolute motion including the impact of the wind, currents, and tides. The magnetic heading of the Garmin Autopilot only shows which direction the bow is pointing.

If the heading from the autopilot appears to be off, verify that all connected chart plotters and the autopilot controller have the same North Reference. Now, carry out marine compass calibration and Set North procedures again. 

This can be done with our Jaltest marine calibration software. Follow the on-screen directions and check the configuration guide while performing the compass calibration. During this activity, keep the boat as flat and steady as possible. During calibration keep the boat evenly loaded so that it does not list any way during the procedure. 

For the Set North process, there should be a large stretch of water before you. A calm surface is necessary for setting North. Start driving your boat at cruising speed in a straight line downwind and in the same direction as the current. While using the Jaltest software at this stage for marine calibration, continue to drive in a straight line while following the on-screen directions of our software.

Types of Marine Calibration Services

The first is on-site calibration services that you can perform with the Jaltest marine calibration diagnostic tool. You can calibrate equipment and instruments directly on the vessel. This ensures that you do not face any downtime and that any issues are quickly resolved without waiting for certified engineers to come on board. This is crucial also for maintaining valid certification of equipment. 

The next is calibration of gas supply that tests and calibrates gas detection instruments. Suppliers offer several options of flow rates and gas mixtures that are customized for the maritime industry, providing accurate calibration of multi-gas detectors. 

Finally, there are automated calibration solutions that are a result of advanced automated technologies that are being incorporated into equipment calibration services. You can monitor the health of the systems and components of the vessel remotely and carry out calibration activities from the shore. 

The Jaltest Marine Calibration Optimized Software 

While going into marine outboard or inboard calibration, it is necessary to understand the differences between the two. Outboard engines are typically seen in small vessels and are mounted on the transom. Hence, if you are into jet ski parameter setting, you will be dealing with outboard parameter setting specifically. Inboard engines, on the other hand, are fitted inside the hull and are seen only in large boats or yachts.

There is also a difference in how you connect to the motor of the outboard or inboard for marine engine troubleshooting. For inboard engines, our Jaltest software is connected through a cable to the engine while for outboard engines, the connection is via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Apart from this method of connectivity, there is not much to choose from for boat motor calibration when it comes to inboard or outboard engines.

Summing Up

The importance and significance of marine calibration cannot be overstated, given that it concerns not only safety issues but performance also through accurate equipment measurements. Regular calibration should be a proactive measure for cost-effective marine operations and being compliant with safety guidelines. 

Hence, investing in top-of-the-line marine diagnostic software such as Jaltest is always a smart move to keep your fleet operating without downtime. Our tool has cutting-edge and user-friendly features that offer guidance through live technical data and wiring diagrams.
Additionally, unlike other software in this niche, Jaltest is easy to download and use without complex configuration and setup processes. Simply install and connect the software to the onboard computer and you are ready for advanced diagnosis and solutions. 

We also provide three updates to the software every year to enable you to keep abreast of technological innovations introduced in the maritime industry.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is a member of the Knorr-Bremse group. They are among the leading developers and suppliers of active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components in North America. Their target products are medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, buses, tractors, and other commercial vehicles only. 

A pioneer in this field, Bendix is committed to delivering optimized solutions for improved vehicle safety, performance, and overall operating cost. It all started in 1924 with the launch of Bendix Corporation, initially engaged in the manufacture of automotive braking systems. In 1983, Bendix Corporation became a subsidiary of Allied Corporation which later merged with Honeywell in 1999.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems became a member of the Knorr-Bremse group in 2002 after its acquisition. The Bendix brand of light and medium-duty brake products is manufactured by MAT Holdings, Inc.

Let us check the company’s product details.

• Air Brake Systems and Components: Bendix is a leading supplier of air brake systems and components for trucks, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles. 
• Active Safety Technologies: The company develops and supplies advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other safety technologies.
• Vehicle Dynamics Systems: Bendix offers solutions for vehicle dynamics, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
• Air Supply and Air Management Solutions: They provide components and systems for air supply and management in commercial vehicles.
• Steering Solutions: Bendix offers steering gears, columns, and systems for commercial vehicles.
• Trailer Solutions: They supply trailer ABS, lightweight air disc brakes, spring brakes, and slack adjusters.
• Wheel-end: Bendix offers solutions for wheel-end components.

While the company has a large product mix, that is mainly directed at commercial vehicles and trailers, the Bendix diagnostic tool is also a leader in its class. 

The Functions Of the Bendix Diagnostic Software

As we have seen from the brief history and products of Bendix, their efforts are largely channeled towards safety systems in commercial vehicles such as trucks and trailers. These are very complex systems more so in today’s complex vehicles where the safety components are increasingly interconnected. Hence, it is essential that you know precisely what to check and where to check whenever a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) pops up. 

What is DTC that checks the health of vehicle systems and warns drivers of any malfunction? Every modern vehicle today is fitted with an onboard computer with a display screen that is tucked below the dashboard on the driver’s side. Whenever a fault occurs with any system or component, a warning light flashes on the screen along with a DTC typically in an alpha-numeric format.

The light conveys a simple message – some fault in your truck requires attention and needs to be checked before any minor issue becomes a major problem leading to prolonged downtime. The first response to an indicated electronics problem might be to remove or replace components. But at times, components are not an issue, and it is here that the Bendix commercial vehicle system diagnostic software needs to be run to understand what is wrong with the vehicle and take quick corrective action.

When you are running the software by connecting the laptop to the onboard computer of the vehicle, there are several things that will show up. You will get a system view of what is wrong with the key vehicle components especially if more than one component indicates the presence of the same active fault codes. 

In many instances the DTCs are temporary in nature that is, by fixing a minor issue like a loose wire or clearing accumulated debris, the indicator warning lights will be deactivated. These fault codes are typically cleared within a few driving cycles but if not, the matter must be investigated further with an optimized Bendix diagnostic tool. It will bring the faulty truck back on the road and in good performing condition as quickly as possible. 

Before diagnosing a fault, it must be remembered that the various systems of a commercial vehicle are connected with one another. Multiple control units (ECUs) share necessary information over the J1939 network. For example, automated transmissions must get essential information from the engines if they are to run at peak operating efficiency.

Hence, before assuming that an active fault code in an advanced system means that there is a malfunction in the system, you must ensure that you are using a tool that gives overall visibility of the entire system and components. One such tool is the Bendix Acom diagnostics software which shows the fault codes of the entire vehicle.

It is interesting to learn what Brian Screeton, Bendix supervisor – Technical Service Training has to say in this regard. “A tool that shows you an active DTC on the engine retarder, for instance, tells you that you need to troubleshoot that issue first, because it may be the cause of your adaptive cruise control DTC. In fact, we recommend technicians always troubleshoot any active engine faults first because of the way they impact other system faults.”

When the ACom diagnostics software is used, it automatically identifies and collects all fault codes from Bendix electronic control units on the vehicle, regardless of whether the DTCs are active or inactive. These include critical vehicle systems such as the engines, transmissions, and more.

The advantage of using the Bendix diagnostic tool is that you get precise information about what is wrong with the truck instead of wasting time falling back on guesswork from a prepopulated list of components. 

Read more about the Bendix commercial vehicle system. 

The Need for An All-Round Diagnostic Software

As we have seen, modern trucks have complex systems that are interconnected. While Bendix provides specialized components, there are several others that are not from this brand but act as a critical part of running those from Bendix. Hence, to check on the overall health of a truck, you need diagnostic software that includes all systems and components. This is where our Jaltest diagnostic software for commercial vehicles comes in very handy.

The Jaltest maintenance tool is ideally suited for a wide range of commercial vehicles and offers advanced and cutting-edge solutions. It provides maintenance data, vehicle data, injector coding, VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger), and more. Even when a component has to be changed, the software offers replacement guides and will help you navigate through the process so that optimized resolutions may be implemented.

Additionally, there are several maintenance solutions that are handled by our Jaltest software. You can actuate body components, calibrate VGT and code injectors, calibrate transmissions, get wiring diagrams, technical information, component replacement instructions, repair times, and more. From simple fault code clearance to complex ones such as forced regens, system checks, parameter settings, calibrations, and others, the Jaltest software has you covered.  

When it comes to resolving fault codes of heavy or medium-duty trucks and semi-trucks in combination with the Bendix ABS diagnostic tool, Jaltest is a leader in the field. This is because diagnosis is made easy through live technical data and information along with detailed wiring diagrams to pinpoint the location of the fault. 

With the tool, you can set parameters for critical activities like speed limits and idle speeds, code injectors, and bleed braking systems for all types and makes of semi-trucks. Also available are system scans such as after-treatment and other resolutions for antitheft, brakes, electronic control modules, engines, hybrid systems, safety, and transmissions.

Capabilities of the Bendix Diagnostic Software

The Bendix diagnostic tool is an all-inclusive diagnostic tool that covers all Bendix electronic systems and ECUs. It offers support for Bendix ABS, Bendix ESP, Wingman Fusion, SmarTire, Intellipark, GSBC, GSAT and many more. 

To get the best out of the Bendix diagnostic software, integrate the OEM tool into the Jaltest software for a seamless experience. This allows former ACom PRO subscribers an easy upgrade since Bendix ACom diagnostics replaces it as of September 1st, 2024 provided the Jaltest license is active. If you need to renew your ACom PRO license, you must purchase the new ACom AE license as the previous Bendix Acom diagnostics tool is no longer available. 

Here are some of the key benefits of the amalgamation of the Jaltest and the Bendix commercial vehicle system software.

• You can generate Bendix OEM DTC reports for comprehensive diagnostics and access Bendix-exclusive service data sheets and technical information for accurate and reliable maintenance.
• Get expanded coverage with an OEM interface since Jaltest users won’t need to purchase any additional adapter to work with Bendix ACom when using the Jaltest v9 Link.
• Additionally, ACom AE enables parameter modifications on trailers, supports SLC25 anti-collision systems, GSBC, GSAT, and end-of-line trailer testing. 
  

Bendix Trailer ABS Diagnostic Tool

Trailers play a major role in the commercial vehicle landscape in the USA and one of the critical systems connected with trailers is the anti-lock braking system (ABS), It is an electronic system that ensures that a trailer is stable and steers well while braking. For example, if hard brakes are applied especially on wet and slippery roads, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up.

When the auxiliary circuit is first powered on, the ABS runs a self-check and the status light comes on after 3 to 5 seconds. If that does not happen, it indicates a fault that must be identified with the Bendix trailer ABS diagnostic tool. 

Summing Up

With the Bendix diagnostic tool, you can carry out full system scans periodically to check the health of the systems and components such as the Bendix active safety technologies, vehicle dynamic systems, air supply and air management solutions, steering solutions, trailer solutions, and more. Any fault even of a temporary nature is thereby quickly identified and the fault cleared before it becomes a major problem. 

This preventive maintenance program undertaken at regular intervals will keep your commercial vehicles on the road without downtime and get maximum performance from them.

The other side of preventive maintenance is scanning by symptoms where a specific fault with the Bendix commercial vehicle system is detected and cleared.

Either way, the Bendix diagnostic tool is a must-have software for owners of commercial vehicles with Bendix systems and components.