Written by the Motorplex Team
Offering fleet inspections and fleet repair services in Auburn and Spokane, WA.
For businesses preparing to transfer or reassign older vehicles, a professional inspection and service is essential. It ensures the vehicle is in top condition, is safe for the next user and helps prevent unexpected issues down the line. In this article, we’ll share the details of a fleet vehicle inspection and service we did in our Auburn fleet service centre.
Preparing Fleet Vehicles for a Safe Transition
When a 2018 Chevy W4500 came into the Motorplex by FleetEasy, Auburn location, it was booked for a courtesy inspection and a brake inspection ahead of a fleet transfer. The vehicle appeared to be in decent shape, so our technicians got to work on the inspection to confirm it.
The technicians removed all wheels and completed a full brake inspection. They found that the rotors, drums, pads, and shoes were wearing normally. There was still plenty of life left in the system, with approximately 10mm of shoe material in the rear and 12mm of pad material in the front.
However, as with many well-used fleet vehicles, the deeper inspection revealed a few issues that could have caused problems if left unchecked.
Small Issues Can Turn into Big Problems
During the inspection, the team identified a screw lodged in the rear right inner dual tire, an easy fix, but still an issue. We also noted that both the transmission and engine oil were overfilled. While it might seem minor, overfilled fluids can lead to increased pressure, leaks, and long-term engine damage.
But the most interesting issue came during quality control. After the service was completed, a technician discovered the battery was dead. It was time to dig a little deeper and find out why the battery kept dying.
We noticed that the rearview camera screen wasn’t powering down when the truck was turned off. That raised concerns about a possible parasitic drain. The team disconnected the backup camera and ran a parasitic draw test. The result showed a draw of just 18.8 milliamps. This is well below the 100 milliamps typically considered a concern. So, the camera wasn’t the main issue.
Looking closer, the technicians discovered that the camera wiring had been poorly spliced into multiple systems under the dash. This kind of setup can lead to inconsistent electrical problems and unreliable performance.
Thorough Fleet Repair in Auburn
As the inspection continued, the team uncovered additional wiring concerns. They found unused and improperly connected wires, removed a faulty brake controller, and resolved ABS and braking system warning lights. Plus, the lift gate and interior box light weren’t working at all. These problems were all culprits for the battery issues.
The team ran new wiring, restored functionality, and ensured everything was working as it should. Finally, they recharged the battery and recommended monitoring it overnight to confirm there were no further drain issues.
This job is a great example of why professional fleet repair is so important, especially when dealing with older vehicles. Our team works together to troubleshoot tricky issues, find the root of the problem, and ensure the vehicle is good to go.
Trust Motorplex for Reliable Fleet Repair in Auburn
Motorplex takes a proactive approach to fleet repair. We inspect the little details to create the full picture, ensuring every vehicle is safe, compliant, and ready for the road. We help fleet managers and owners extend the life of their vehicles, reduce risk, and ensure their fleets work for them, not against them!
Book your fleet inspection or fleet repair service.