Common Kenworth Truck Breakdowns & Repair Tips
Although you can never predict when your Kenworth truck may have a problem, there are several frequent problems that often result in breakdowns on the road. Here are the top 10 reasons for breakdowns and what you can do to reduce your risk.
A Dead or Damaged Battery
Breakdowns are often caused by battery problems. Your Kenworth truck may have a dead or deteriorated battery if it:
- Has difficulty starting the engine
- starts more slowly than normal
- when you turn the key, it won't start.
- As you're driving, the red battery warning light is shown.
Regular driving is necessary to keep your battery charged, but short distances often lack the necessary energy. Occasionally charging the battery overnight might help it last longer. You may do this by utilizing a trickle charger, which gradually charges your battery.
But keep in mind that batteries only last for around five years on average.
Alternator issues
Your Kenworth truck's electronics are powered in part by the alternator since, without it, the engine cannot charge the battery. The stored energy in your battery may let your electronics continue for a while, but if your alternator fails, your battery will ultimately run out of power.
Although there isn't a set procedure to maintain an alternator, you should stop and seek help if you discover that the Kenworth truck's power isn't what it should be, as shown by dim headlights, sluggish wipers, or flickering dashboard lights.
Wheel or tire damage
One of the most frequent reasons for breakdowns is a flat tire brought on by a puncture. There isn't much you can do if an invisible pothole or piece of road debris damages your wheels or tires other than to stop and look for damage.
Poorly maintained tires, however, are more susceptible to problems. Regularly check your tires to ensure they are filled to the proper pressure and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. While you're at it, keep an eye out for wear patterns. Your wheels may not be correctly aligned if your tires are worn unevenly. Whether your new Kenworth truck has a spare wheel, check to see if it's in as good of shape as the other four, and place your jack and any locking wheel nut keys with it so you can use them in an emergency.
An electrical issue
The electrical system in your Kenworth truck is made up of several circuits that regulate everything from the music to the headlights. Burned-out bulbs, flawed wiring, blown fuses, and general wear and tear are all causes of problems.
Even while you can use a multimeter and some detective work to find the source of the problem, you may want to see an expert if the problem is not as evident as a blown bulb. A skilled technician can do a thorough study of the electrical system and provide advice.
Alarms and keys
Because of central locking, it's now more difficult to lock your keys in your Kenworth truck, but it's still doable. Many individuals are forced to ask for assistance when they can't get into their own Kenworth trucks due to alarms and immobilizers, which are becoming more advanced than ever.
Modern Kenworth truck keys sometimes come with a microchip that is intended to prevent Kenworth truck theft, which is another excellent reason to keep a second key someplace secure in case you lose yours.
Fueling error
You're not the only one who has ever put the incorrect fuel in their Kenworth truck. Every year, thousands of distracted drivers experience a misfuelling catastrophe. The sooner you react, the better, whether you unintentionally put gasoline in a diesel Kenworth truck. You'll likely just need to have the fuel emptied out and replenished if you don't start the engine.
Things become a bit trickier if you've started the engine or travelled any distance after misfuelling. Getting the fuel drained out and the system cleaned may help in certain situations, but in others, mechanical damage may occur, and more work may be needed.
Cables for the clutch in manual autos
Every time you shift gears in a manual Kenworth truck, the clutch cable is put under tension. Don't dismiss any changes you sense in the clutch's feel when you step on it. Bring your Kenworth truck to a shop so it may be inspected. If the cable breaks while you're driving, stop in a secure location and call for roadside assistance.
A diesel particle filter (DPF) issue
In order to reduce dangerous exhaust emissions, diesel engines are equipped with a specific filter that catches dust and tiny soot particles and burns them off. The DPF filter in your diesel Kenworth truck may get clogged if you often make short trips in it. Diesel Kenworth trucks need a nice run every now and then to "regenerate" and clean the filter. A weekly trip along the highway for a reasonable amount of time should prevent the DPF from clogging.
The starter
Starter motors now have to work harder than ever due to stop/start technology. Despite being strong and resilient, they sometimes falter. It's most likely a starting motor issue if your battery is good, but the engine won't start when you press the stop/start button. The greatest approach to prevent starting motor issues, as well as the need for home start assistance, is via routine service and maintenance.
Excessive heat
Sitting in heavy traffic may lead to overheating, particularly in warm weather. To ensure that your coolant system is operating as it should, keep a constant watch on your coolant level and fan. You have an issue if the temperature warning light illuminates. The level of modern coolant systems shouldn't need to be topped up between maintenance, but if it has, you may have a leak that has to be investigated.
Final words
Now you have a clear idea of how to deal with common Kenworth truck breakdowns. Keep these in mind and act accordingly, and you will never have to deal with any frustrating issues again.