A poor diagnosis can cost thousands. Are you sure you’re diagnosing your machines correctly?
In construction workshops or on-site, a misdiagnosis can be far more costly than the breakdown itself: unnecessary parts replacement, extended downtime, project delays, and even safety hazards for workers.
Today’s construction machinery — excavators, loaders, aerial lifts, dumpers — are packed with electronics, sensors, and control units. A simple engine warning light can hide a multitude of causes. That’s why it’s critical to avoid the most common mistakes when diagnosing faults.
👉 Here are the 5 most frequent mistakes made by construction mechanics — and how to avoid them using a technical tool like Jaltest INFO Web OHW.
❌ Mistake #1: Relying solely on field experience
“I know this machine, it’s probably the injector.”
Tempting, but even a common fault can have a different root cause depending on the machine’s electronics, wear level, or engine version.
🔧 Example:
On a Caterpillar 320D excavator, a loss of power could be due to:
- The fuel pressure sensor
- The turbo actuator solenoid valve
- Or simply… a corroded ground connection on the ECM
🎯 Best practice: Always read fault codes with a diagnostic tool, then check the precise technical procedures, like those provided by Jaltest INFO Web OHW.
❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring electrical or hydraulic schematics
“I’ll just disassemble and test each component one by one.”
That’s a major time-waster — especially if the fault is wiring-related. On some machines, circuits are interconnected: a hydraulic failure may stem from an electronic module issue.
🎯 Best practice: Use a clear, interactive wiring diagram to visualize:
- Signal flow paths
- Sensor power supply routes
- Exact part references and locations
✅ Jaltest INFO Web OHW provides up-to-date technical schematics for all major construction brands: Caterpillar, Komatsu, JCB, Volvo CE, Liebherr…
❌ Mistake #3: Replacing parts without testing
“Let’s just replace the sensor and see if it works.”
Swapping components without technical confirmation is like shooting in the dark. It can be expensive for the customer — and hurt your professional credibility.
🎯 Best practice: Always check expected values (voltage, resistance, signal) using a multimeter or diagnostic tool.
✅ Jaltest INFO Web OHW delivers reference values by sensor, model, and brand to avoid guesswork.
❌ Mistake #4: Skipping calibration or learning procedures
“I replaced the part, but the fault is still there!”
Some components need to be reprogrammed, calibrated, or reset after replacement — like position sensors, EGR valves, injectors, etc.
🎯 Best practice: Always verify if a post-repair initialization or learning procedure is required.
📌 Jaltest INFO Web OHW includes step-by-step calibration procedures and operating conditions (e.g., warm engine, idle speed, no load).
❌ Mistake #5: Working without an up-to-date technical database
“We have the manuals, that’s enough.”
A PDF downloaded three years ago won’t reflect Stage V regulations or recent OEM updates. Working without up-to-date data puts you at risk of error at every step.
🎯 Best practice: Use an online technical database that’s always up to date and accessible from anywhere.
💡 With Jaltest INFO Web OHW, you get:
- The latest technical sheets
- Manufacturer-approved procedures
- Exact part references
- Search by error code, symptom, or component
✅ Conclusion
A great mechanic isn’t the one who knows everything — it’s the one who uses the right tools.
In construction, where each machine is worth tens or hundreds of thousands of euros, diagnosis should never be improvised.
Avoid these 5 mistakes, train with the right tools, and adopt smart solutions like Jaltest INFO Web OHW to boost your efficiency, profitability, and professional credibility.
📩 Request a demo now at: https://agridiaginfo.co.uk/free-trial/
