october2021 - 12

tear that is going to add additional stress to that
transmission. We're going to look at the output
shaft and make sure that we don't see any seepage
there-that we don't have unnecessary movement
and play up and down. "
He also said they inspect airlines to ensure good
routing and that no kinking is present, nor that
there is any presence of moisture.
" These automated transmissions are constantly
starving for air pressure-you have to have a good
air system on that truck to operate at its optimal
performance, " Lucero explained. " We're also looking
for any kind of fatigue on fittings, looking to
make sure linkages are properly attached and not
binding and are lubricated properly. "
Beyond the AMT itself, fleets will need to ensure
that the electrical and air systems are up-and-running
as spec'd.
" Whether electrically shifted or pnematically
shifted, data links have an important role in AMT
operation, " Saholsky stated. " When not functioning
properly, data links can cause undesirable vehicle
launches and shifting issues after launch. Many
new vehicles have an extremely high bus load on
the data link, which can cause error messages if
any of the electronic control units are improperly
functioning or if the physical wiring of the data
link has been compromised. "
Saholsky said that because newer vehicles in
recent years have incorporated two different Baud
Rate data links-250,000 and 500,000-previous
issues surrounding this aspect of the system have
been reduced.
Battery maintenance is crucial for electrically
shifted AMTs, Saholsky reminded. Beyond monitoring
and maintaining the battery itself, fleets
should monitor the electrical system on a regular
basis-staying mindful of warning signs like
corrosion, wire chafing, and loose connections-
which will affect AMT performance.
It is most likely that a shop is already equipped
and tooled to handle AMT servicing. Though, there
are considerations to keep in mind that may ease
services and boost productivity.
" In general, there are no specific tools or equipment
needed given that the basic design is the
same as manual, with the addition of a virtual
driver in the software for the transmission electronics, "
Agebrand said. " Unique tools may exist
on electronics and diagnostics depending on the
OEM, but because electrification of certain components
is occurring across the whole truck, there is
really no difference between manual and AMTs
in this sense. "
" There are different types of equipment that
make life easier, " Lucero offered. " In a lot of our
facilities, we have the luxury of having full truck
lifts. We can lift the truck in the air to be able to
drain fluids or pull the transmissions out if we
need to. "
Diagnostics
It comes as no surprise that diagnostic software
can help pinpoint AMT issues; but fleets should
be aware of the different avenues of diagnostic
services available to help maintain these systems.
TranSource leverages Mack GuardDog Connect
to stay on top of Mack mDrive diagnostics.
12 Fleet Maintenance | October 2021
» The advantages of AMTs are not fully realized
without attentive and adequate maintenance.
TranSource
" It'll give us a lot of information... It goes
through the Uptime Center, which will route that
truck and that information to the closest dealer...
Mack GuardDog Connect has a lot of value to it, "
Lucero claimed. " It's constantly scanning that
truck, and then if there's over-the-air programming
that can improve [vehicle performance], then
it'll try to do that first, of course, but it monitors
everything on that truck and tries to optimize the
uptime of that vehicle. "
Lucero explained that this information helps
users make the most informed decision of when
and where to service a vehicle, maximizing
ever-valuable uptime.
Volvo's Agebrand attested to iShift's remote
diagnostic capacity.
" The complete powertrain has full remote diagnostics
and telematics support in a Volvo truck, "
he said. " It is an 'iPhone on wheels,' and these kind
of features and services will continue to develop
for future products. "
TranSource also uses ASIST/Fleet from Decisiv
as part of their diagnostic maintenance program.
Lucero said that the specifically AMT-related
things to look for when scanning a vehicle
includes any active codes such as a shift denied,
a neutral issue, or codes related to shift patterns.
" What we have found, though, is we don't generally
see fault codes that are active like that when
they're coming in for preventive maintenance on
the automated transmissions, " he said.
Lucero said generally the reason the truck was
brought in, either by tow or under its own power,
was because the system " has given them a symptom,
whether it's stuck in neutral, or it won't shift,
or it's sluggish, or not pulling properly. "
When it comes to Eaton transmissions, Saholsky
explained the in-shop and remote diagnostic capabilities
available through ServiceRanger 4 and
IntelliConnect, respectively.
" An AMT is a more technologically complex
transmission, " Saholsky related.
" Up-to-date
diagnostic software is essential. Eaton's PC-based
diagnostic software is called ServiceRanger 4.
Every AMT has a fault code hierarchy which helps
technicians quickly identify the faults that are
most important. For instance, if a technician sees
a range of high and low fault numbers, the tech»
Eaton's Endurant HD automated transmission.
Eaton Cummins
nician can address the lower fault code number
before moving up to the next highest number. "
Having a diagnostic system provide a plan of
attack when servicing a vehicle in bay is advantageous;
it is also helpful to have a diagnostic
approach before the vehicle reaches a shop.
" With an AMT, a computer is essentially
deciding when to shift gears and perform clutch
actuations, " Saholsky said. " If the transmission
system fails to perform as expected in the field,
the ability to connect, diagnose, and repair from
a remote location can help get the vehicle back
up and running much faster. Eaton's remote diagnostics
tool, IntelliConnect, helps monitor system
performance, recognize fault codes, and initiate
fault code action plans so fleets can better avoid
catastrophic failures and costly downtime.
" IntelliConnect remote diagnostics technology
is a suite of connected solutions designed to
improve a fleet's uptime and efficiency and reduce
the total cost of ownership, " Saholsky continued.
" IntelliConnect provides near real-time monitoring
of vehicle fault codes, prioritizes the critical
events, and provides accurate and comprehensive
action plans created by Eaton's technical experts.
These features can help increase fleet uptime by
reducing unplanned downtime and providing
quicker repair diagnosis. "
Among IntelliConnect's newest feature set is the
ability for users to monitor all vehicles associated
with their fleet or view specific vehicles selected
for a " Watch List " based on make or model, engine
make, and even transmission model, Saholsky
explained. IntelliConnect is included with every
Eaton Cummins automated transmission.
To read about the lubrication needs of AMTs,
visit: FleetMaintenance.com/21238197.
For related content go to
FleetMaintenance.com/equipment
http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21238197 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/equipment
october2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of october2021
