Brett Edkins, Technical Manager at Eclipse Diagnostics, explains how to identify and correct an aftertreatment fault on a Volvo FM V4.
The Problem
A Volvo FM V4 has an ACM (Exhaust gas treatment system) warning light on the instrument panel and has failed to clear as well as putting the vehicle into inducement (Derate) mode. As a result of this the vehicle has had to be brought into the workshop so the engineers can use the Eclipse Jaltest diagnostic tool to help identify and rectify the fault within the vehicle.
Initial Assessment
The engineer will firstly make an initial diagnosis of the vehicle by carrying out a full system scan with the Eclipse Jaltest diagnostic tool this will allow him to look at all fault codes in each system weather they are present or historic in the diagnostic memory and these fault codes may be able to assist us with the cause of the exhaust gas aftertreatment fault.
There is one active fault code which is an exhaust gas aftertreatment fault but it is active in the engine ECU. The code which is present is P207F FMI 9A and this fault code is referring to a reductant quality fault which could be due to all sorts of problems. This fault code could be due to the quality of the AdBlue being incorrect or a blockage within the AdBlue system or even an exhaust leakage.
Jaltest Analysis
The Jaltest software can take the fault analysis on the vehicle right down to the component as well as being able to show the necessary wiring diagrams, operation diagrams and measurements for the specific vehicle.
So in this case the engineer will be able to access the fault code troubleshooting and will then be able to follow step-by-step instructions of how to diagnose the fault and repair it. The engineer will then be able to carry out system checks of the AdBlue system and also view live measurements to look at sensors and sensor voltages.
For any wiring faults the engineer comes across, they can also look at wiring diagrams and be able to get extra information which will explain how to check appropriately and what readings are need for each sensor.
Correcting the Fault
First of all the engineer would do step one of the fault code troubleshooting and that is to check the urea concentration of the AdBlue and this can be done by viewing the measurements. In this case the urea concentration was perfect.
The next step for the engineer is to go to step two of the troubleshooting which is to carry out an AdBlue dosing test to check for any leaks or blockages and this can be carried out with the Eclipse Jaltest diagnostic tool. They will be able to carry this out in system checks and this will activate the pump allowing AdBlue to flow through the pipes. They will be able to see what comes out in a certain amount of time and will be able to compare it to manufacture specifications.
In this instance the engineer carried out an AdBlue dosing test and found they were getting no AdBlue fluid through the lines. The engineer firstly inspected the lines and determined there was no leaks or broken pipes and the other options were either an AdBlue pump failure or the lines were blocked.
The engineer firstly disconnected the AdBlue line from the injector and upon inspection they found the injector to be clogged which would be why no AdBlue was coming out of it. Then the engineer was able to carry out another AdBlue dosing test and this time the engineer had the correct amount of fluid come through the pipes.
As a result of there being an exhaust gas aftertreatment fault, it has put a mileage countdown on the dash and also put it into the inducement mode. The Eclipse Jaltest diagnostic tool has the ability to get it out of inducement mode and get rid of the mileage countdown and this has to be done by carrying out a SCR system reset of inducement mode.
Once the engineer has carried this out they are able to road test the vehicle and ensure there is no lack of power or other faults within the vehicle.
If this was the first time that the engineer had carried out the procedure then the industry leading Eclipse Vehicle Technical Support service is available to assist. This unique service is offered by Eclipse to all customers and can either assist the engineer in the problem solving process or utilise the remote assistance service.
Every Eclipse Testpad Extreme Pro PC is installed with Eclipse Assist software which allows the Eclipse Technical Support team to remotely access the customers Eclipse Testpad Extreme Pro PC via internet.
The team, with the customer’s agreement, can access the customer Testpad and assist with vehicle related support. This service allows the Eclipse Specialist to virtually sit next to the customer and see what the customer can see on screen, whilst taking control.
Eclipse looks after its customers
Eclipse has developed its business around the core philosophy of customer support from when the system is first purchased and throughout its life. That support begins with the software which is updated three times a year to reflect new models and more information as it becomes available and continues with the Eclipse support services.
A range of features and services are available including a comprehensive training package which also includes full training programmes held at the Eclipse Training Centre and cover from the Technical Support Service.
The Technical Support Service is a key part of the overall Eclipse package and together with Jaltest and the Eclipse Testpad Extreme+ sets them apart from others, helping to ensure that they remain the leading supplier of true multi-brand diagnostic software for all commercial vehicles.
About Eclipse
Eclipse is the largest supplier of multi-brand diagnostic products in the Commercial Vehicle aftermarket, with their innovative Eclipse Testpad Extreme Pro running Jaltest software helping many businesses to improve vehicle and machinery performance.
There are more than 3,000 Eclipse Jaltest packages in use covering a wide range of commercial vehicles at customer locations both in the UK and internationally.
Identifying faults on many modern commercial vehicles is increasingly difficult given the rising levels of technology employed by manufacturers across all aspects of the vehicles including trailer units.
This increasing technology imbedded in vehicles means that users are having to adopt increasingly sophisticated equipment to enable their engineers to maintain performance and effectiveness in the workshops and when out on remote call-outs.
The Eclipse Jaltest package has all the requirements to address the technological advances and as an example, the analysis of a Volvo FM V4 model shows how the Eclipse Jaltest package is becoming the go-to diagnostic solution for the commercial vehicle industry.
