Did you know that you can address Peterbilt light problems early on to spare you from expensive consequences in the future?
Not many people may be aware of this but lighting problems in Peterbilt vehicles are not unusual. This ends up becoming a violation considering the fact that these issues with the light draw unnecessary attention to the vehicle.
Even if you have your truck parked, yet the lamp is acting up, it is a sign of being poorly maintained. When it is stopped because of such a lighting issue, expect a thorough and intensive roadside inspection.
Hence, it is important to keep your vehicle checked for such lighting problems. We’ll discuss these tips to spare you from roadside inspection because of light problems. Let’s get started.
Peterbilt Light Problems – What You Can Do
When your truck is stopped for a full inspection, you can expect this to take you from 30 up to 50 minutes long. Moreover, it can be anxiety-provoking for drivers, in addition to some unnecessary expenses.
There are lights that become quite problematic without showing early signs. Thus, you may want to do the following to prevent these light issues with your Peterbilt truck that will also spare you from inspection by traffic enforcers.
1. Do some spring cleaning
During the frigid months, your truck is subject to issues with lighting and electrical systems. The on-going freeze and thaw cycles that happen in the winter, along with the corrosive road spray that your vehicle is subject to can wreak havoc to your truck.
Hence, you should do some spring cleaning before getting your truck back on the road after a heavy snow. Wires that tend to hang down from the correct runs on the external portion of your truck are vulnerable to ice buildup. When ice continues to accumulate, this extra weight tugs on the wiring, which then results to loose, frayed, or severed connections. It also leads to stress on the splices. When not addressed correctly and early on, your truck can undergo lighting problems.
Do keep in mind that salt, dirt, and water, as well as several other types of road contaminants and debris can get into the connector and the lamp itself. Hence, this creates an electrical route that increases the process of corrosion.
The best way to deal with this issue is by keeping your connectors secure. Tuck away dangling wiring into the run. Then, secure it with a plastic tie wrap to prevent ice from dislodging it. You should also inspect drip loops – they must not be in an area where less visible ice is likely to build up.
2. Check on older equipment
Do keep in mind that older equipment in your truck can be more prone to issues as corrosion has more time for it to set in. Then the connectors will end up getting loose as time goes by and causing light fixtures to become damaged.
There are also small cracks that can form in both the outer and inner insulation of the cable that’s been constantly flexed. Abrasions will eventually form as it contacts relentlessly to metallic surfaces. When there is a breach in the wire’s protective surface, this will cause road chemicals and water to get into the electrical system and cause problems with the light.
Moreover, older housing of lamps that have undergone abuse throughout the years due to harsh chemicals can cause breakage and cracks in the lens or housing. Moisture will then set in, which will corrode the wire connectors and terminals. As a result, these housings would require a replacement, which can be a more expensive fix, as compared to preventing these issues from setting in.
3. Clean the lenses.
Another thing to note is that lenses should be kept clean to make sure the light fixture is protected. However, it is not advisable to use harsh chemicals such as alcohol, acetone, or any type of abrasive and caustic compounds that can further harm your vehicle.
The best cleaning materials to use include lukewarm water and gentle dishwashing soap. These would suffice for removing grime and dirt from the lights’ lenses without causing harm to the vehicle or the light itself. Make sure water does not get inside the housing, which is why you should avoid spraying water directly to the electrical connections or lights of your vehicle.
And if you need to replace a damaged lamp, check to make sure the connector and conductor are both free from corrosion and are clean. If not, then you are risking the performance and lifespan of your lights. This is way using a dielectric grease on your bullet connector plugs is the best way to go, yet steer clear from sealant or grease, as well as modular connectors that are silicone-sealed.
4. Look for voltage issues in the tractor
The tractor is the source of energy required for your truck’s electrical system to perform well, which includes your lights. Thus, it is a good idea to inspect for low-voltage issues or bad connections on the tractor.
A seven-way type of socket circuit checker, as well as a plug circuit checker should be helpful in inspecting for any electrical continuity. It may not indicate the voltage at the socket, yet it will let you know whether the cable is connected properly and sending power to your trailer circuits.
Any old grease needs to be cleaned out and be sure there is no corrosion.
5. Make sure the voltage is regularly checked.
When you check for live circuits, you can simply use your continuity tester and poke this into the socket. However, never pierce any wire insulation with your problem. The only thing to note about it is that it does not say anything about the circuit’s voltage. You need to check the voltage on a regular basis to make sure your vehicle operates within a safe and optimal range.
If there is a drop in the circuit’s voltage, this could be due to a poor wire gauge or corroded wire. Repair and splice the wire the right way to address this problem. Do keep in mind that the wire gauge is very important, so you need to use the right stranded copper wire with the correct size, as well as connectors that are gauged properly.
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Bottom Line
Peterbilt light problems arise due to poor maintenance and issues that are left unaddressed. This is why it is best to implement these techniques to prevent problems from setting in, which could lead to further and greater issues, as well as unnecessary massive expenses.