seriously?

What idiot told you that? You signing its been fixed is the only "proof" that has ever been needed by the dot.

 

You can sign it and state you fixed it yourself.

But, you better have logged that it as on duty not driving.

 

If you are having to clear it with them doesn't that mean they are paying for it? If so let a certified mechanic fix it.

Curious why you didn't notice it at the beginning of your 10 hour break? Whether you do a pretrip or post trip or both is redundant. But at the close of the business day is when you certify the vehicle was last certified safe to operate.

I guess what I'm getting at is you could of prevented an unnecessary delay by waiting to the start of your day to find the problem.

You are also allowed to drive to the nearest repair facility if you can safely do so. If your belt is still turning but no alternator charging I would say one can safely drive easily a half hour on 4 batteries if not more. How are you sure the alternator died? A bad tensioner and the belt could be slipping giving the appearance the alternator was bad. While your motor is turning 750 rpms the alternator could be turning 500 rpms which is not enough to generate 14V. I would of replaced the belt and tensioner and retested the alternator.

It's in 396.3 I believe the company has to keep records of repairs for like a year. You have to give them something in case of an audit. Find you a form to use as a record of repair just like a shop does with a work order. Purchasing parts doesn't show what truck it went on. For all the company knows is you have a well stocked garage at home. I'm sure there is a form on the internet you can print off. Another thing the DOT might look at if something happens is this guy qualified as a mechanic? They look at someone being a mechanic as someone that is certified or has at least one year work experience turning a wrench. Have you been working on diesel equipment 1 year? Get in a fatality and they'll look at this stuff. CYA!

Another thing you can do is take pictures of before, during and after. They can't argue that.

 

Who is the "he" that your speaking of? I dont believe there is a law that says you have to be a qualified mechanic to change an alternator and tensioner. I know many guys including myself that are far more competent than what I have seen in some shops. As long as it is fixed properly I dont think its any of there concern how it got fixed, except for brakes in some circumstances.

 

boy do some people over think things

 

the guy owns his own truck, its his. and I have never ever logged on duty when I am repairing my own equipment. so its perfectly fine for him to repair his own equipment.

on the vir there is a blank to sign that all reapairs have been made.


remember there can sometimes be to much information.

what I would have done was went on personal conveyance going to get the part and while I repaired it.

 

If he is going to sign that he repaired the item, it is not done by magic.

Yes, I own my own truck. If I repair it on the road, and not noted it on the inspection, then it is just done by magic. If I noted on the form, then I show that I was on duty.