Technical data

14
Air Brake Charging System Troubleshooting
1.0 Oil Test Card 
Results
Not a valid test.
Discontinue using this test. 
Do not use this card test to diagnose compressor 
"oil  passing"  issues.  They  are  subjective 
and  error  prone.  Use  only  the  Bendix Air 
System Inspection Cup (BASIC) test and the 
methods described in this guide for advanced 
troubleshooting.
The  Bendix
®
  BASIC  test  should  be  the 
definitive  method  for  judging  excessive 
oil  fouling/oil  passing.    (See Appendix A, 
on  page 27  for  a  flowchart  and  expanded 
explanation  of  the  checklist  used  when 
conducting the BASIC test.)
Symptom:  What it may indicate:  What you should do: 
How to use this guide:
Find the symptom(s) that you see, then move to the right 
to  find  the  possible  causes  (“What  it  may  indicate”)  and 
remedies (“What you should do”).
Review the warranty policy before performing any intrusive 
compressor maintenance.  Unloader or cylinder head gasket 
replacement  and  resealing  of  the  bottom  cover  plate  are 
usually permitted under warranty. Follow all standard safety 
procedures when performing any maintenance.
Look for:
Normal  -  Charging  system  is  working  within 
normal range.
Check  -  Charging  system  needs  further 
investigation.
Bendix
®
BASIC Test
WARNING! Please READ and follow these instructions to 
avoid personal injury or death:
When working on or around a vehicle, the following general 
precautions should be observed at all times.
1.  Park  the  vehicle  on  a  level  surface,  apply  the  parking 
brakes, and always block the wheels.  Always wear safety 
glasses. 
2.  Stop  the  engine  and  remove  ignition  key  when  working 
under or around the vehicle. When working in the engine 
compartment, the engine should be shut off and the ignition 
key should be removed. Where circumstances require that 
the engine be in operation, EXTREME CAUTION should be 
used to prevent personal injury resulting from contact with 
moving,  rotating,  leaking,  heated  or  electrically  charged 
components.
3.  Do  not  attempt  to  install,  remove,  disassemble  or  as-
semble a component until you have read and thoroughly 
understand the recommended procedures. Use only the 
proper tools and observe all precautions pertaining to use 
of those tools.
4.  If the work is being performed on the vehicle’s air brake sys-
tem, or any auxiliary pressurized air systems, make certain 
to drain the air pressure from all reservoirs before beginning 
ANY work on the vehicle.  If the vehicle is equipped with 
an AD-IS
®
 air dryer system or a dryer reservoir module, be 
sure to drain the purge reservoir.
5.  Following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pro
-
cedures, deactivate the electrical system in a manner that 
safely removes all electrical power from the vehicle.
6.  Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended pressures.  
7.  Never  connect  or  disconnect  a  hose  or  line  containing 
pressure;  it  may  whip.  Never  remove  a  component  or 
plug unless you are certain all system pressure has been 
depleted.
8.  Use only genuine Bendix
®
 replacement parts, components 
and kits. Replacement hardware, tubing, hose, fittings, etc. 
must be of equivalent size, type and strength as original 
equipment and be designed specifically for such applica
-
tions and systems.
9.  Components  with  stripped  threads  or  damaged  parts 
should be replaced rather than repaired. Do not attempt 
repairs requiring machining or welding unless specifically 
stated and approved by the vehicle and component manu-
facturer.
10. Prior to returning the vehicle to service, make certain all 
components  and  systems  are  restored  to  their  proper 
operating condition.
11. For vehicles with Antilock Traction Control (ATC), the ATC 
function must be disabled (ATC indicator lamp should be 
ON) prior to performing any vehicle maintenance where 
one or more wheels on a drive axle are lifted off the ground 
and moving.










