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2025
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These 4 troubleshooting methods helped truck drivers out of a tight spot
In the golden autumn of December, the warm sunshine shines on the season of fragrant and abundant harvest. After a year of hard work, it is finally the time to reap the rewards. It is also the happiest moment for the farmers. At the same time, it is the period when truck drivers have the most plentiful supply of goods, with truckloads of melons, pears, peaches, and other fruits being transported to every corner of the country, reaching countless households.
When trucks are on the road, minor malfunctions are inevitable. If you cannot accurately identify and fix the issue yourself, hiring someone for repairs on the road will not only be costly but also delay delivery time. Accurately diagnosing the problem can save a lot of time. Below, the editor has analyzed several common minor issues that occur on the road, and would like to share them with fellow truck drivers.

▎Reasons and Troubleshooting Methods for the Clutch Suddenly Becoming Unpressable While Driving
Many vehicles experience a situation where the clutch pedal suddenly cannot be pressed during normal driving, making it impossible to shift gears and causing the vehicle to be unable to move.
First, check whether the push rod of the clutch slave cylinder has come off the fork groove. If the push rod is out of place, the clutch pedal will not be pressable. If it's not a push rod issue, remove the inspection cover under the transmission to check whether the clutch release bearing is burned out or damaged, or if the bearing retaining clip has fallen off. Damage to the release bearing can cause the clutch disc and pressure plate to not disengage properly.
Next, check whether the screws connecting the clutch release fork and its mounting base are loose or broken. Any of these issues can cause the clutch pedal to suddenly become unpressable.

▎Clutch Start Shaking
When troubleshooting this issue, it is best to start from the simple problems and move toward the more complex ones, checking step by step from the outside in. First, check whether the engine front and rear mount pads are damaged.
Generally, if the front engine mount pad is damaged, it can be seen from the fan blades at the front of the engine. For example, if you occasionally hear a 'scraping' noise when the vehicle starts to accelerate, and lifting the cabin reveals marks where the fan blades have rubbed against the radiator, it can be basically determined that the engine mount pad is damaged.
After ruling out engine mount pad issues, consider whether the clutch disc, pressure plate, or release bearing has problems.
For many vehicles, after replacing the clutch disc, there may be a 'rattling' noise at idle, which disappears when you press the accelerator or clutch. This is usually due to problems with the clutch disc's torsion springs, so it is important to use parts from a reputable manufacturer to ensure quality.

▎Why is the pressure-limiting valve causing unstable fuel rail pressure?
When driving on the highway, if you suddenly feel a lack of power when accelerating, it is often due to a worn spring inside the pressure-limiting valve, which can lead to insufficient vehicle power, unstable fuel rail pressure, and various other issues. Modern vehicles all have a speed-limiting function that is usually lifted after the normal break-in period, but some vehicles that have been used for several years may suddenly experience speed-limiting issues as well.
No matter how much you press the accelerator, the engine speed only goes up to 1500 RPM, and replacing the pressure-limiting valve with a new one does not solve the problem. In fact, there are many causes for a vehicle to be limited in speed.
First, consider whether the engine's control unit is stuttering during operation, or if aging wiring causes faults that easily trigger speed limitation. Secondly, the fuel rail pressure sensor or the connector wiring may malfunction and also lead to speed-limiting. Lastly, consider whether the replaced pressure-limiting valve might have quality issues.
The above is just a brief analysis of some possible causes. For specific situations, it is best to have a professional mechanic inspect and repair the vehicle.

▎Why does the steering make a 'buzzing' noise when a heavy truck turns?
Many vehicles have no problem turning the steering wheel when empty, but once fully loaded, the steering can become very heavy, sometimes even impossible to turn without pressing the accelerator, accompanied by a 'buzzing' sound. This is mostly caused by a power steering pump that is low on fluid or has poor oil supply, resulting in heavy or stiff steering.
When adding power steering fluid, be sure to check the filter inside the reservoir. If it has been clogged due to not being replaced for a long time, replace the filter as needed. If the power steering pump and fluid are fine but the steering wheel is still very heavy, a professional mechanic should inspect whether there is an issue with the steering gear.
▎Editorial Note:
Regularly check your vehicle, learn more, ask more questions, observe more, and talk with experienced mechanics. Continuously improving your knowledge and skills will make maintaining and driving your vehicle much smoother.