The Importance of Tractor Troubleshooting With Optimized Diagnostic Tools

We're thrilled at Mechnician to introduce Jaltest Diagnostics 25.1, the newest, most sophisticated iteration of our highly acclaimed multi-brand diagnostic tool. We're your go-to Jaltest dealer, here to make sure you know all about what this top-notch update has in store for your workshop.

What's new in Jaltest 25.1

The 25.1 update revolves around user experience, compatibility, and efficiency. Here’s what to look forward to:

• New, intuitive interface to facilitate easier navigation
• Broader coverage of newer vehicle makes and designs
• Improved diagnostic functions on various systems and brands
• Enhanced technical data, directed diagnostics, and troubleshooting steps

Whether you are performing commercial vehicle, farm equipment, or construction equipment work, this update guarantees you've got access to new tools and information.

Ready to Upgrade?

You don't have to miss out on Jaltest Diagnostics 25.1's complete potential.

You will get notified after May 1 in your software when it is time for you to update.  
If you need assistance updating please call tech support 1-800-975-1865

Download the official update document here to see all new features and improvements.

Download the document and be the first one to learn about them

• Jaltest Commercial Vehicle (Update)
• Jaltest Agricultural Equipment (Update)
• Jaltest Off-Highway (Update)
• Jaltest Material Handling Equipment (Update)
• Jaltest Marine Equipment (Update)

Need assistance updating or do you have other questions? Contact Jaltest support at 1-800 975-1865 or  customersupport@jaltest.com

Not yet part of the Jaltest family?

Get started with a free demo and experience the difference for yourself!

REQUEST A CUSTOM DEMO VIDEO   CONTACT US (888) 624-2240

In this post, we will explore the various intricacies and capabilities of the Jaltest semi-truck scan tool as well as the commercial and medium-duty truck scanner and diagnostic tool.  

But first, what is the difference between a semi-truck, and others such as heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light commercial trucks?

A commercial truck or a heavy to medium-duty truck is a straight truck with the whole vehicle resting on a single chassis. A semi-truck, on the other hand, has two distinct parts, the cab and the trailer connected via a fifth wheel. The straight truck is easier to handle than a semi-truck due to its single chassis. 

However, though driving a semi-truck requires greater driver expertise, it is more versatile as it can carry loads not only heavier than straight trucks but of various configurations also as the load rests on an open trailer and is not boxed in. The initial investment on semi-trucks is substantially higher than on straight trucks but this is more than made up by higher load-carrying capacity per trip. 

Functions of The Jaltest Commercial Truck Scanner  

Our Jaltest commercial truck diagnostic tool is optimized for over 100 makes of semi-trucks and trucks. These include Kenworth, Paccar, Mack, Freightliner, Allison, Peterbilt, Cummins, Detroit, Bendix, Volvo, International, and more. Hence, the benefit here is that with one software, you can diagnose a mixed fleet of trucks without the need to invest in various diagnostic tools. 

The Jaltest commercial and semi-truck diagnostic software allows you to perform maintenance activities and undertake resolutions to complex issues. Hence, not only can you ensure that any minor malfunction is quickly solved before it becomes a major issue but can also troubleshoot problems with all major systems and components such as the engines, brakes, hydraulics, transmissions, body computers, and more. 

Our Jaltest semi-truck diagnostic software identifies the fault codes of the vehicle, interprets them, and carries out resolutions that are no less than dealer-level servicing. Since problem identification and resolutions are done on the premises instead of waiting for the dealer’s certified engineers, precious time is saved in getting the truck back on the road again.    

It is essential here to elaborate on what are fault codes. It is mandated by law that all vehicles, construction, material handling equipment, and farm machinery must have an onboard computer called the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). It tracks and monitors the various electronic systems and components and the overall health of the vehicle. Whenever a problem arises, it is shown on the display screen of the onboard computer as a fault code.

Our semi-truck computer scanner works through sensors placed throughout the vehicle. These process the data in the software and then send output signals to actuators that perform set actions. The warnings are sent as fault codes, generally in alpha-numeric format, and are seen on the onboard computer display panel placed below the dashboard on the driver’s side. 

Whenever a fault code is seen, connect our semi-truck scan tool to the onboard computer. It will read the fault code, interpret it, and recommend corrective solutions. Temporary fault codes generally go away within a few driving cycles but if they persist, the software will handhold you through more complex solutions till the fault codes are cleared. 

Cutting-Edge Capabilities of Jaltest Commercial And Semi-Truck Scan Tool 

When you use the Jaltest commercial truck diagnostic scanner there are several options that make sure that all systems and components come under the ambit of fault code clearance. When the warning lights start flashing on the onboard computer screen, connect our semi-truck scan tool to check the fault code, what it stands for, and how to resolve the malfunction. You need to scan by symptoms to understand what the fault is and how to rectify it at the earliest possible time.

Once you go for fault code clearing, you will be offered a host of solutions such as maintenance data, vehicle data, injector coding, VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger), and more. This data can be monitored live in real-time so that you get updated information about the health of the vehicle and the precise nature of the fault. You will also be advised on the mode of dealing with faulty components and whether they should be replaced or repaired. 

Our Jaltest commercial truck scanner has an edge over others in this niche and is a cut above our competitors primarily because of the large range of functions embedded in the software. For example, you can actuate body components, calibrate VGT and code injectors, calibrate transmissions, get wiring diagrams, technical information, component replacement instructions, repair times, and more.

Moreover, you can calibrate systems and set parameters to get the best performance from your vehicle under specific running conditions. All trucks, whatever their capacity or configuration have systems calibrated and parameters set during manufacture to perform under standard driving conditions. 

However, your truck might need to run under completely different conditions, and hence you need to alter the settings to get the most out of your vehicle. Under these circumstances, our semi-truck scan tool has a critical role to play. You can configure systems and set parameters for engines, hydraulics, transmissions, and more to get optimized performance from your vehicle. 

You can bank on the Jaltest commercial truck diagnostic scanner for resolving any issue, starting from simple jobs like fixing a loose wire to more complex tasks such as forced regens. 

Read more about commercial truck diagnostic software. 

Forced Regens and Jaltest Commercial Truck Diagnostic Tool

It is mandated by law that all diesel engines have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) through which emission gasses are passed and released from the vehicle. The DPF captures soot and particulate matter and the cleaned gas is put out. However, if the truck does not run at high speeds, soot will accumulate in the DPF as the temperature of the exhaust gasses is not sufficient to burn away the soot.

This results in the DPF getting clogged with soot and particulate matter, thereby lowering the running efficiency of the truck. Drivers need to rev the engine more to get power from the engine leading to lower fuel efficiency and added stress on the engine.

When passive regens are incapable of keeping the DPF clean, forced regens must be taken up. You will be guided in this activity by the Jaltest semi-truck diagnostic software and you have to simply follow the instructions in the software. 

Forced regens entail running the engine on high rev for about 40 minutes, an action that raises the temperature of the exhaust gas and burns away the accumulated soot. You will be handheld by our diagnostic tool and informed about the rev of the engine required ranging from High to Very High and the duration that it has to be run.

Forced regens is a very critical activity in the maintenance of diesel engines as left unattended, soot buildup might cause the engine to seize up and go into limp mode in extreme cases. 

Features Of The Updated Version Of Jaltest Truck Diagnostic Tool  

The latest version of our Jaltest semi-truck scan tool has several cutting-edge features that make it a leader in this field. It is also in sync with the technical innovations constantly being made to the systems and components of commercial trucks.

Here are some examples of the advanced capabilities introduced in our commercial truck diagnostic software.       

• Displays the battery voltage and configures the fault code display during the system scan function
• Restarts the connection when communication is lost with systems in different sections of the application
• Configures measurement groups in the data recorder function. 

This makes the Jaltest Commercial and semi-truck scan tool a powerful medium to keep your trucks on the road without breakdowns. 

Summing Up 

For fleet owners of commercial trucks of any category, our Jaltest maintenance software is a must-have. Carry out various functions to ensure optimum performance and efficiency. Our software is easy to download and does not require any elaborate configuration or setup process. Simply download the software to your laptop, plug it into the onboard computer and you are good to start fault code analysis and rectification.

Before going into the various aspects of the Case IH code reader, a brief overview of the Case IH company will help us know about their products and how the Jaltest fault code reader helps keeps them on the job. 

Case IH is a leader in the agricultural machinery niche with a wide range of products including combines and harvesters, tractors, hay, and forage equipment, planting and seeding systems, sprayers and applicators, and more. Case IH, an American company was founded in 1985 but later merged into J.I. Case with the present owners being the American-Italian corporation CNH International.

Even though manufacture and distribution of agriculture equipment forms the foundation of Case IH business, the company also provides optimized customer support to farmers and commercial operators. This done through sale of spares and dealer-level servicing through a large network of distributors and dealers in North America. 

The quality, ruggedness, and dependability of Case IH equipment is unmatched and this has led to awards galore being conferred on it by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

A special mention must be made here of the Case IH Magnum and Maxxum Series tractors that are universal powerhouses. It will help to analyze later in this post the various facets of the Case Magnum fault codes and Case Maxxum 125 fault codes. 

The Magnum series tractors are high-tech machinery with the capability to configure precision farming functionality, tractor systems, and connectivity with integrated solutions without a drop in power or performance. The Maxxum series offers powerful 4- or 6-cylinder engines from 125 to 150 hp. The Maxxum 150 tractor is the smallest and lightest tractor in the industry with a six-cylinder engine of this power output.

We will now go into the details of the Case IH code reader to explain how our Jaltest Case IH diagnostic software helps maintain your Case IH agricultural equipment in peak performance mode without downtime for breakdowns.

What Are Fault Codes On Case IH Farm Machinery

Why is having our Jaltest Case IH code reader so important when you have a fleet of this company’s farm machinery? 

Every modern vehicle or equipment has an onboard computer. It tracks the health of all systems and components onboard and warns users of any malfunction through fault codes. These codes are specific to the make and model of the equipment and are related to the systems such as engines, transmission, brakes, hydraulics, and more. Here are a few examples of Case Magnum fault codes related to the engine.    

• 3001: Foot Throttle Sensor ‐Signal Not Plausible.  
• 3002: Foot Throttle Sensor ‐Signal Above Range Max.  
• 3003: Foot Throttle Sensor ‐Signal Below Range Min.  
• 3004: Foot Throttle Sensor ‐ No Signal ‐ Error  
• 3006: Coolant Temperature Sensor ‐Signal Not Plausible (Compared with Engine Oil Temperature)

Now, in case of a malfunction, one of these Case IH Magnum fault codes will show up on the display of the onboard computer, typically tucked away below the dashboard. 

This is where the Jaltest Case IH code reader comes into the picture. Once a fault code is shown, connect the Jaltest diagnostic software to the onboard computer and you can see the specific fault code along with the interpretation on the laptop. At this stage, when you want to clear the fault code, the software will handhold you through the resolutions needed to get your equipment back on the job in the earliest possible time. 

The fault codes, also known as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are either temporary or permanent in nature. When a minor malfunction appears and goes away within a few driving cycles, it is generally temporary in nature. However, if the fault persists, more complex action is required to clear Case Magnum fault codes.  

The Functions of the Jaltest Case IH Code Reader 

The Jaltest diagnostic software is optimized to clear fault codes across the complete range of Case IH farm machinery. Hence it can be used to troubleshoot issues and clear Case Magnum fault codes, Case IH Maxxum 125 fault codes, Case IH Puma fault codes, and other models. 

There are two primary functions that can be carried out with the Jaltest Case IH diagnostic tool. In the software menu you can either choose full system scans which is preventive maintenance or scans by symptoms when you have specific faults to deal with. 

Preventive maintenance or a full system scan must be carried out periodically to ensure that all systems and components of your agricultural machinery are working as they should and that any minor issue does not later become a major problem.

On the other hand, you have scanning by systems to detect and so away with specific fault codes. Here, you will be helped by technical information and data in real-time as well as detailed wiring diagrams of the faulty system or component. It will help you to understand the precise location of the fault for better and accurate corrective action that will not be less than what is offered by dealer servicing or certified engineers. 

For instance, our Jaltest Case IH code reader will inform you whether a particular fault code is related to the central computer, electronic module, climate HVAC, hydraulic system, engine, instrument cluster, power take-off, powertrain, and more. With this information, the software will quickly guide you through the whole troubleshooting process to get your farm machinery back on the job again. 

Our Jaltest fault codes clearance tool can perform a wide range of system checks. These include the cylinders test, high-pressure test, engine brake, Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), throttle valve electric actuator for the exhaust engine brake, and more.

Moreover, the software is optimized for the Case IH Series Steiger, Magnum, Maxxum, Puma models, and more. Whether it is troubleshooting Case IH combine fault codes or for tractors, harvesters, sprayers, or any other type of agricultural equipment, you can be sure that the Jaltest software is optimized for it. 

Read more about the Jaltest Case IH equipment troubleshooting.

Case IH Engine Troubleshooting And Forced Regens

Among the engine fault codes for Case IH equipment that necessitate immediate action is cleaning out a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) for diesel engines. A DPF in diesel engines traps soot and other particulate matter that otherwise would have been released into the environment along with emission gasses from the engine. When the DPF gets clogged with soot accumulation, the performance of the engine drops substantially, and in severe cases, the equipment might even go into limp mode. 

This phenomenon of clogged DPF typically occurs in diesel engines that work for short durations as in agricultural machinery and not long haul as in interstate trucks and buses. The reason for this is that in short-haul operations, the temperature of the exhaust gasses does not arise enough to trigger passive regens that would burn the soot away.

When a fault code related to a clogged DPF pops up, our Jaltest Case IH software tool will guide you through the process of forced regens. Typically, the procedure is to run the engine at a high rev for around 40 minutes so that the exhaust gas temperatures rise to eliminate the soot and particulate matter buildup. Our diagnostic tool will guide you through the required engine rev, from High to Very High, and the time required based on the extent of the soot buildup. 

Forced regens can be carried out on all models of Case IH agriculture equipment such as the Case Steiger, Case Magnum 420, Case IH axial flow 9250/7150, Case Puma, and more.

Summing Up

The Jaltest Case IH code reader is a highly optimized software to keep your fleet of Case IH farm equipment in perfect running condition. Whether it is clearing Case Magnum fault codes, Case IH Maxxum 125 fault codes, Case IH Puma fault codes, or any other, we have you covered. 

Regardless of Case IH combine fault codes clearance or for tractors and harvesters, the only tool you will ever need is the Jaltest diagnostic software. You can be assured that your machinery will always be on the job and not suffer breakdowns during the peak harvesting season.   

MHE or Material Handling Equipment refers broadly to a wide range of machines that are used to move, store, and control materials and products during manufacturing and distribution processes. They are used to handle products during a part of their life cycle, from loading and unloading to storage and transportation.

Equipment that falls into this category includes forklifts, conveyors, cranes, hoists, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and more. They are used in several industries including manufacturing, warehousing, retail, construction, and logistics.

If you have a fleet of Material Handling Equipment, your goal would be to ensure that they are regularly on the job without downtime and that you do not face any logistical nightmares. For this, you need the Jaltest MHE diagnostic tool that identifies any minor problem with your equipment through fault codes and troubleshoots them if they become a major issue that might lead to downtime.

Now, what are fault codes that are tracked by our Jaltest MHE diagnostic software? 

Every modern vehicle and material handling or construction equipment has an onboard computer (OBD) known as the Engine Control Unit (ECU). It continuously tracks and monitors all systems and components and in case of any malfunction, sends out warning signals in alpha-numeric format called fault codes or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). 

These are seen on the display screen of the OBD, generally tucked away below the dashboard. Whenever a fault code appears, connect our Jaltest material handling diagnostic tool to the OBD and get the interpretation of the code, know what is wrong with the equipment, and be guided through rectification solutions. Your MHE will soon be back on the job again through resolutions that are no less than what is offered by dealers or service engineers.

So far as the Jaltest forklift troubleshooting tool is concerned, it is good for a wide range of make and models of equipment. You can carry out several diagnostic and maintenance processes, from simple to complex activities on well-known brands of forklifts such as Caterpillar, Toyota, Hyster, Yale, and more. Further, our tool works equally well for all forklift brands regardless of the propulsion mode – diesel, electric, or LPG.

What makes our Jaltest material handling scan tool a leader in this niche is the cutting-edge features that are incorporated into it. You get a user-friendly diagnostic menu that handholds you through resolutions for any issue, helped along by live technical and maintenance information provided in real-time once you connect the software to the OBD of your material handling equipment. Moreover, you get detailed wiring diagrams for all systems and components, helping you to locate the faults for easy diagnosis.   

Technical Information About The Jaltest Forklift Diagnostic Tool 

Forklifts are the workhorse of material handling equipment and the Jaltest material handling scan tool greatly focuses on this piece of equipment. It provides important and critical information about the health of your forklifts that helps you to take quick action through the Jaltest MHE troubleshooting scan tool. 

You get a host of data while diagnosing the state of your forklifts. This includes information about high engine coolant temperature, very low injection rail pressure, or whether the injector cylinder resistance value is out of range. Data at this level was previously available at the dealer-level only. 

Other technical data that you get is linked to maintenance activities carried out on various systems. You can set mast parameters, read fault codes, scan control levers for any issues, and check steering sensors. You can also actuate components that include the mast raising solenoid valve, the mast tilt control solenoid valve, the swing lock solenoid valve, and others.

In short, our Jaltest MHE tool provides all information and problem solutions that keep your forklifts in peak performance mode through live data obtained from their onboard computers. The Jaltest tool ensures that any fault-clearing activity is done directly from the diagnostic menu, making for a seamless experience. 

However, to use the Jaltest forklift maintenance tool to its optimum capability and get the maximum service from it, you need to use the password of your forklift. You should access the forklift service password menu, reset the master factory password, and get the required password code. Once this is received, others should be allowed access to it only on a need-to-know basis so that your forklift operations are secure.          

Read more about forklift fault codes here. 

Clearing Fault Codes With The Jaltest MHE Troubleshooting Tool

With our Jaltest MHE diagnostic software, troubleshooting faults is a seamless activity. Our tool provides two options, namely “full system scans” and “scanning by symptoms”. 

In the first instance, you can carry out scans at fixed periods as a part of maintenance activity. Any temporary fault codes will be detected and swift action taken through the Jaltest tool before they become a major issue. Usually, these types of fault codes get cleared automatically in a few driving cycles but if not, “scanning by symptoms” has to be initiated.

This is usually a more serious issue and might require complex fault clearance processes. Here, our Jaltest material handling diagnostic scanner guides users through a user-friendly menu to quickly understand the fault by the symptoms and take corrective action. 

Now let us understand how fault codes are cleared with our Jaltest material handling diagnostic software. 

First, turn the ignition to ON but do not switch on the engine. The display panel of the OBD computer will be powered on and the fault code related to a malfunction will be shown on the screen. Now, connect the Jaltest MHE diagnostic tool to the onboard computer and the fault code will be shown on the software laptop along with the actions required to clear it.

This process is regardless of whether you are using the Jaltest forklift or lift truck diagnostic tool (it holds good for any other material handling equipment too). The benefit here is that you do not have to wait for certified engineers to turn up and can get your material handling equipment back on the job sooner as the resolutions are done on the premises only.

If you are troubleshooting the diesel engines of your MHE, combine the Cojali diagnostic tool with the Jaltest software for excellent results.

Jaltest Forklift Diagnostic Tool and Forced Regens

Whenever a fault code is registered that is related to the engine of your forklift or any other material handling equipment, extra caution must be exercised and immediate action should be taken to clear it. One of the complex fault-clearing actions that is specific to diesel engines is forced regens. 

Every diesel engine has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that traps soot and particulate matter from emission gasses before they are released, making for a cleaner environment. When engines run continuously at high speeds this excess soot buildup is burned off. However, at lower speeds and in stop-go-stop work as in forklifts and other material handling equipment, the soot is retained in the DPF, requiring forced regens to be carried out.

When the DPF is clogged, extra pressure is put on the engine, reducing its performance and efficiency. In worst cases, the equipment might go into limp mode. If the fault code related to this malfunction shows up on the OBD, connect the Jaltest MHE diagnostic software to the equipment and follow the instructions. 

Forced regens usually entail running the engine at high rev for around 40 minutes. The increase in temperature of the emission gasses burns away the soot buildup. 

Summing Up

Our Jaltest MHE scanning software is an optimized tool that keeps your fleet of material handling equipment in high operating mode without downtime. It is a user-friendly tool and unlike other software in this niche, does not require any elaborate configuration or setup procedures. Simply download the software, connect with the OBD of your MHE and you are ready for fault-clearing activities. 

We also issue three updates to our software every year to ensure that it is in sync with technological innovations made by brands to their material handling equipment.