Truck diagnostics: The cross-brand guide to multi-brand diagnostics

Lorry diagnostics has changed fundamentally in recent years. In the past, an experienced mechanic used his ears, hands and a multimeter to isolate faults. Today, however, highly networked control units, encrypted communication protocols and software stacks take centre stage. Workshops need a resilient diagnostic infrastructure for this - for two target groups in equal measure: Free commercial vehicle workshops, that serve a broad range of brands, as well as OE workshops that strategically open up to the multi-brand, to be able to comprehensively serve the mixed fleets of their existing customers. In the Alltrucks network, the common basis for truck diagnostics via multi-brand diagnostics is the Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics based on KTS Truck V3 with deep Bosch and Knorr-Bremse integration - customised for all common commercial vehicle manufacturers. The EU Regulation 2018/858 ensures access to manufacturer-specific repair and maintenance information (RMI). For safety-relevant systems (immobiliser, key/PIN access), SERMI certification is also mandatory. In technical terms, commercial vehicle diagnostics is also based on the ISO 14229 (UDS - Unified Diagnostic Services), which standardises the diagnostic protocol on CAN and Ethernet buses.

At the same time, new technologies are opening up enormous opportunities - from systematic fault code evaluation and structured analysis of workshop history to ADAS calibration modules. Modern diagnostics also increasingly include ADAS calibration after each relevant intervention. Alltrucks has also developed a comprehensive catalogue for multi-brand diagnostics. Alltrucks Technical Support set up. In addition, the Alltrucks VINcat parts requirements can be researched via the VIN; the Knorr-Bremse OCT (Online Configuration Tool) also integrates the trailer configuration. This creates a solution without system breaks, on which the entire technical ecosystem in the network is based.

Truck diagnostics is the systematic reading and interpretation of electronic control unit data in commercial vehicles. It combines hardware access via OBD or gateway with diagnostic software. This enables the identification of mechanical, electrical and software faults before costly repairs begin.

The core of modern truck diagnostics via multi-brand diagnostics in Alltrucks partner workshops is Alltrucks multi-brand diagnostics based on KTS Truck V3. This is precisely its character as a common basis: a consistent interface to which the six components of Alltrucks Technical Support can be seamlessly docked. This is the practical difference to the parallel operation of several individual systems. If you want to delve deeper, you can also find out more in the article on Reduce throughput times Further information.

Alltrucks' multi-brand diagnostics cover all common commercial vehicle manufacturers - including MAN, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, Scania, Volvo, Renault Trucks, IVECO, Ford Trucks and other European and Asian manufacturers. The decisive factor here is not the mere brand coverage, but the depth of the diagnostic functions. Reading and deleting error codes is only the basis - more relevant are actuator tests, calibrations, parameterisations and software-based service releases. For trailer and brake system work, partner workshops also have access to the Knorr-Bremse OCT and PIN authorisations (Bosch PIN 2 Trailer, Knorr-Bremse PIN TEBS 4) via Alltrucks.

The Alltrucks multi-brand diagnosis is an ideal solution for mixed fleets. Strategic addition to OEM tools. It is also a clear expansion path for OE workshops that want to offer their existing customers with mixed fleets additional multi-brand service. For manufacturer-specific software updates or in-depth control unit parameterisation, on the other hand, the Direct OEM system access (incl. SERMI obligation) is important. It is used in the Alltrucks context via Pass Thru (J2534) cleanly integrated. Let us work together to find the right mix of Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics and OEM access for your business - just get in touch.

Structured incoming diagnostics on the day of acceptance has become an integral part of efficient workshop processes. The Alltrucks network has a Structured order acceptance at the centre: defined checklists, clear roles and clearly coordinated handover points from acceptance to order management. When the vehicle is received, the workshop also reads the fault codes via Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics and compares them with the driver's log and service history.

The benefits are manifold: the workshop decides which spare parts to order and which diagnostic workstation to reserve on the day of acceptance. Via the Alltrucks VINcat (spare parts catalogue) the parts requirement can also be researched via the VIN - the actual procurement then takes place via the workshop's usual parts channels. The advance information is available in good time for planned workshop visits. This means that spare parts can be organised and the mechatronics technician can start the repair without having to wait. If used regularly, the time savings add up to a relevant capacity gain.

The structured incoming diagnostics are based on a standardised acceptance process: a defined workstation, up-to-date Alltrucks multi-brand diagnostics and a fixed sequence from fault code scan to live data evaluation and documentation in the order system. For the workshop, this therefore means: process discipline, up-to-date software and trained personnel who interpret diagnostic data and translate it into a repair order. The certification as an Alltrucks multi-brand system technician and the Alltrucks training courses also qualify the team along this process chain.

The next evolutionary step in truck diagnostics is the systematic analysis of multiple fault codes in context. Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics combines the analysis of fault codes, live data and service history; the Alltrucks Technology Forum („Partner helps partner“, forum-alltrucks.com) also brings the experience of other partner workshops to bear on the same symptoms. If you have any questions, please speak to the Alltrucks Technology Team - via the technical hotline, the help desk or directly in the technical forum.

A concrete example: A semitrailer tractor shows the error codes P0299 (boost pressure too low) and P0401 (EGR flow rate too low). An unstructured diagnostic approach would check both systems separately. A systematic evaluation of both codes in conjunction, on the other hand, points to a defective vacuum line as the most likely cause that affects both systems simultaneously - a diagnosis that may already be documented as pattern recognition in the Alltrucks Technik Forum.

Systematic fault code analysis is no substitute for a qualified diagnostician. Rather, it is a tool that increases the hit rate for initial diagnosis and speeds up troubleshooting. It is also particularly valuable for workshops that serve a wide range of brands and cannot keep a specialist on hand for every brand.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are omnipresent in new commercial vehicles: emergency brake assistants, lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control and cornering assistants are standard. After every intervention on the windscreen, bumper, axle geometry or relevant add-on parts, a ADAS calibration This is a work step that requires specific diagnostic functions and calibration equipment.

Alltruck's multi-marker diagnostics integrates the ADAS calibration functions into the diagnostic workflow. In combination with a suitable calibration device (target board, laser alignment), the workshop performs the calibration as an integrated work step. However, coverage in the heavy-duty segment depends on the OEM and the calibration equipment available; specific calibration obligations and intervals are also always based on the specifications of the respective vehicle manufacturer.

The ramp-up of the Electric commercial vehicles poses new challenges for diagnosis. High-voltage systems with voltages of 400 to 800 volts therefore require special safety protocols, trained personnel (at least high-voltage qualification level 2S according to the applicable national occupational safety regulations, derived from EU Directive 2009/104) and customised diagnostic functions. Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics integrate HV diagnostic functions that address the status of the battery, inverter, charger and electric drivetrain.

It therefore makes strategic sense for workshops to prepare for HV diagnostics in good time. It also includes personal protective equipment, insulated tools and staff training as part of the Alltrucks training programme.

The Pass Thru technology supplements Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics for manufacturer-specific work. Via the standardised J2534 interface (or manufacturer-specific protocols), the workshop accesses OEM backends using the pass-thru method - for software-based recalls, ECU updates and safety-relevant parameterisation. The scope of functions and supported control units depend on the manufacturer and require active OEM access; SERMI-relevant access also follows the current certification specifications.

Pass Thru is used per session and is therefore a usage-dependent addition to Alltruck's multi-brand diagnostics (KTS Truck V3). The combination is therefore intended as a strategic addition for mixed fleets - relevant for independent workshops as well as for OE workshops with a multi-brand strategy.

Alltrucks' technical support ecosystem is built around multi-brand diagnostics. Alltrucks multi-brand diagnostics, together with the comprehensive support system, form the common basis in the network and thus simplify processes and increase productivity - no system breaks, an all-in-one solution, convenient in everyday workshop life. The following services are grouped around the common diagnostic basis as interconnected elements: