A commercial truck is a big investment, so it’s no surprise that they sometimes encounter problems. Even if your truck is new and you’ve been diligent about maintenance, things will go wrong eventually. It’s part of the business. Fortunately, most issues can be resolved with tools and knowledge that any truck owner can access. Whether your truck is used for business or personal use, there are a few tips and tricks you can try when things go wrong. They might not solve your problem outright, but they’ll help you troubleshoot faster and more efficiently so you get back on the road sooner rather than later. And that’s always a good thing! Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems and their solutions.

Problem: No Start or DTC

If your diesel engine won’t start, you’re in for a long day. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the first thing you should do is check the battery. A bad battery can cause a no-start condition, so you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. If you don’t have a battery tester, you can also try jump-starting the engine with another vehicle. While this may seem like an obvious solution, remember that you’re dealing with an extremely high-voltage system and should never attempt this without turning off both vehicles, using proper grounding, and wearing the proper protective gear.

If your truck computer won’t display DTCs for your problem, you may need to perform an inspection. DTCs are diagnostic codes that help identify problems with your engine, transmission, or other major systems. If your computer isn’t displaying any information, you may need to remove the cover of your engine to inspect the sensors. If the sensors are faulty, they could be responsible for the no-DTC issue.

Problem: No Power To Tire Speed Sensor

If your truck won’t slow down when you apply the brakes, the speed sensor on your drivetrain is probably faulty. Speed sensors are fairly common problems, especially on trucks that don’t have an automatic transmission. If you don’t have an automatic transmission, you’re responsible for monitoring your speed. This can be a safety hazard if you’re driving on a busy road and don’t realize you’ve reached a dangerous speed.

If you don’t have an automatic transmission, the best way to monitor your speed is to have a friend or family member ride shotgun and keep an eye on the speedometer. If you’re in a long-haul situation, you may want to invest in a satellite navigation system. These are not only helpful for long-distance drivers, but also help keep you from falling asleep at the wheel.

Problem: Checking The Fuel Filter

If you smell fuel in your exhaust, it’s likely that your fuel filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. Fuel filters are fairly inexpensive parts, but they’re also easy to overlook. Make sure to change your fuel filter every 30,000 miles or so to help ensure that your fuel has the best chance of burning efficiently.

Problem: Checking The Coolant Temperature

If the coolant in your engine is above the recommended temperature, it’s an indication that your radiator is failing. This could be an issue with your cooling system, or it could be a sign of a more serious problem. If your coolant is above the recommended temperature, you’ll need to replace your radiator before it fails completely.

Problem: Checking The Oil Level

If your oil light comes on, it’s a warning that you’re running low on oil. Unfortunately, you won’t know how much oil you have left until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to check the oil level on a regular basis. For most drivers, the best way to check the oil level is with a dipstick. It’s best to check the oil level before you start your journey, and then again at the midpoint of your trip.

Problem: Checking The Transmission Fluid

If you start hearing a loud grinding sound when you’re driving, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is low. This is a fairly common issue, and it’s important to change your transmission fluid as soon as possible. If you don’t have the right tools, you can actually do this with a broom and baking soda. Just be careful not to get it too close to the fan or fan belt.

Problem: Checking The Battery Voltage

If your engine won’t start, it may be the result of a faulty battery. If your battery is low, you may be able to jump-start the engine with a portable jump-start battery. You can also try using a battery charger to fully charge the battery.

Problem: Checking The Ignition System

If your engine won’t start and the check engine light doesn’t come on, your ignition system may be at fault. The best way to check the ignition system is to plug your truck into a power source and turn the key to the “on” position. If the truck doesn’t start, it’s likely that the spark plug or spark plug wires are faulty.

Problem: No Power To Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it may be a sign of a faulty thermostat. A thermostat is a small device that controls the flow of refrigerant in your air conditioning system. The device can fail for a variety of reasons, such as frost buildup, corrosion, or a faulty sensor.

Problem: No Power To Heater

If your heater suddenly stops working, it could be a problem with your control board. The control board is responsible for sending power to the appropriate system in your truck. If the control board is faulty, the truck won’t start. The best way to confirm if the control board is faulty is to check the circuit breaker box for a blown fuse.

Problem: No Power To Lights

If your lights suddenly stop working, it’s likely that the fuses in your fuse box are blown. Unfortunately, you can’t just put in new fuses and have them work. Fuses need to be replaced every few years to prevent them from overheating and blowing.

Problem: No Power To Horn

If your horn suddenly stops working, it could be a problem with your fuse box. If the fuses are blown, you can replace them or simply replace the entire fuse box. If the fuses are still intact, they may be corroded and will need to be replaced.

Problem: No Power To Wi-Fi or GPS

If your Wi-Fi or GPS suddenly stops working, you may have a faulty