ELYRIA, Ohio — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has released two software applications to help fleets and technicians train, diagnose, repair, troubleshoot and recalibrate components comprising its antilock braking, traction and stability systems. Both tools are available in CD-ROM format.

The Bendix ACom Diagnostics 5.3 software is a Microsoft Windows-based program that interfaces with the vehicle and reduces steps in the troubleshooting process and directs the technician straight to the diagnostic trouble code for an efficient repair. It covers current and most earlier generations of both tractor and trailer ABS applications from Bendix, including the most recently released Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with ESP electronic stability program.

A separate tool, the Bendix ABS Repair and Diagnostic CD, serves as a reference for training technicians about Bendix ABS and how to use various tools, including ACom Diagnostics, to troubleshoot the system. The CD includes information and tips on all current as well as most earlier generations of Bendix tractor ABS applications.

“In addition to designing and building world-class antilock braking and stability systems, we feel it’s just as important to support our customers after the sale throughout the life of the product,” said Kevin Romanchok, product line director, electronics, Bendix. “These robust, easy-to-use software tools illustrate our commitment to helping customers keep their vehicles on the road and get the maximum performance from their Bendix antilock braking and stability systems.”

The Bendix ACom Diagnostics 5.3 program builds upon successful past versions of the software by adding full functionality to support ABS-6 Advanced with ESP. It provides additional insight related to the quantity and type of stability events, detailed diagnostic trouble codes, information on how to repair trouble codes, and enables recalibration of steering angle and yaw acceleration sensors after repairs are made.

As with past versions of the Bendix ACom diagnostic tool, the software’s primary benefit is a diagnostic trouble code window that clearly spells out the status of the system. It describes the code, where it’s located, which connector pins to check and concise instructions for addressing the trouble code. It also includes a link to the online Bendix repair manual, with step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting.

The software is compatible with Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP operating systems, and supports the following Bendix electronic control units: EC-17, Generation 4 and 5, EC-30, EC-60 (standard, premium and advanced), A-18, MC-30 and the trailer antilock braking TABS-6 unit.