Shut Down for ABS Light?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Flyin' Eyeball, May 3, 2008.

  1. Flyin' Eyeball

    Flyin' Eyeball Bobtail Member

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    Mar 22, 2008
    Austin, Tx
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    Does anyone know if DOT will shut down a truck for an ABS light on the dash? my company has a trailer that has the ABS light on and the mechanics from our leasing agent come up with all of the excuses in the world to not fix it. some other driver went and took the wires off the trailer so that the trailer light would not give any excuse to be pulled over, which i know is a big no no. another mechanic from another leasing company told me that the worst that would happen is a warning if DOT got into the cab and saw the light on the dash, but i doubt this fella will testify in court to this statement. should i refuse any loads with this trailer and push the bossman to get out of this lease, or not worry about it? even the owners' manual is vague on the subject. i HATE this stupid trailer!!!
     
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  3. goin2fast10

    goin2fast10 Light Load Member

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    Where I want to be
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    It's not a big deal. But I would make sure it is documented to whoever you drive for if you're really concerned about it. The chances of being "cited" for it depends on the DOT persons mood and your attitude if stopped or questioned.

    It doesn't have an adverse effect one way or the other. It simply means the brakes don't pulse, which is what ABS does.
     
  4. Lurchgs

    Lurchgs Road Train Member

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    Denver, CO
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    Myself, I think I'd refuse the trailer. Sure, the regular brakes still work - but the trailer does NOT function to manufactured specifications. If the ABS fails while I'm on the road, no big deal. But I'm very unwilling to *start* a trip with a known ABS failure.

    Of course, I'm saying this while I'm sitting in my computer room - Mr Armchair Quarterback supreme.
     
  5. HardlyWorkingNeverHome

    HardlyWorkingNeverHome Heavy Load Member

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    Hamden,CT
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    It just means one of the sensors are out of whack. The brakes wont pulse but still work. Personally, I preffer a trailer without abs especially when mt. It is not a shut down condition but I guess you could get a fix it ticket if an inspector where in a particular bad mood.
     
  6. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Baltimore, MD
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    Shut down for an ABS light being on?

    That, to me, is unheard of. I don't think you'll have a problem there.
     
  7. Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    Lehigh Valley, PA
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    ABS is not a requirement for out of service. As long as the brakes work, you are good to go by law.

    Mark
     
  8. 24valve puller

    24valve puller Medium Load Member

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    N.E. Oh
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    That will not keep your dispatchers very happy if you refuse a trailer with nothing wrong. If it is a sensor they would be wasting money to worry about fixing it before they bring it in to put brakes on it. Mine just passed a federal inspection today and they don't work
     
  9. Lurchgs

    Lurchgs Road Train Member

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    Denver, CO
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    The issue isn't (in this case) about inspections, though that's what the OP was asking. I was stating that, in MY book, this qualifies as 'busted gear' to be fixed. It's absolutely a degradation in the safety capabilities of the overall system. Just because it's no worse than (say) 80% of the other rigs out there doesn't mean it's safe.

    It's a round version of a seatbelt. And I for darn sure won't drive a truck with a busted seatbelt
     
  10. ziggystyles

    ziggystyles Road Train Member

    Well Id be fubared too if they took a look at my truck. The trailer ABS light never comes on from what I have seen, but the yellow and red lights come on, on the corner of the trailer in the front. Then occasionally I will get a trailer ABS warning in the tractor. I wouldnt even know where to begin and like others said, as long as the brakes work, youll be fine.
     
  11. Native Dancer

    Native Dancer Heavy Load Member

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    Having ABS working on one part of a tractor/trailer and not on the other can lead to problems when braking under adverse road conditions. With ABS when you let off the brake pedal a little you lose all braking and must re-apply brake for more pressure. If the wheels lock up on the non-ABS unit and you let off on the brakes you lose all braking on the ABS unit.
     
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