Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Inspection
What is tested
Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Inspection tests scheduled servicing, condition checks, fault diagnosis and record keeping. Expect daily and periodic checks, filter and fluid changes, torque checks and logical fault finding.
Core rules
- Daily checks: engine oil, coolant, fuel, tyre condition, lights, brake function, hydraulic leaks and safety guards. Periodic service follows the manufacturer's interval in hours, not just calendar time.
- Use the correct filter and fluid specification. Record hours, parts, adjustments and faults so trends can be spotted.
- Diagnose by symptom and system: confirm the complaint, check the simple causes first, then test in a logical sequence. Do not replace parts without evidence.
- Inspection includes leak paths, hose condition, wiring damage, loose fasteners and structural cracks. Torque critical fasteners to specification with a calibrated wrench.
- After service, run the machine, check for leaks, test controls and complete a pre-delivery or handover check.
Worked example
A tractor produces black smoke and loses power under load. The reasoning is that black smoke indicates incomplete combustion from too much fuel or too little air. Check the air filter restriction indicator first, then intake hoses for collapse or leaks, boost pressure if turbocharged, and injector spray pattern. A dirty air filter is a common, low-cost cause; replacing the injection pump first would be guesswork.
Traps
Skipping the daily walk-around, using an incorrect filter that bypasses dirt, and ignoring small leaks that become major failures. Another trap is resetting a fault code without repairing the cause, or recording service hours incorrectly so the next interval is missed.