Inspection Bulletin 2013-02 Antilock Brake System Inspections Flowchart

Currently, while following the ABS inspection procedure (U.S. Field Reference) flow chart for newer trucks/buses and then newer towed units, the reference guide flow chart does not address a situation where an officer may encounter an ABS lamp on a towed unit that cycles on and off as required but the lamp illuminates while the service brakes are applied. However, this scenario is addressed in the CVSA 2013-02 ABS Inspection bulletin at step 7 and states that in this instance, when the ABS lamp illuminates while the service brakes are applied, the ABS system is operating on the back-up system and this is a violation that should be attributed to the power unit.

Currently, an officer/inspector can follow the CVSA inspection procedure flow chart for a post 3/1/1997 (3/1/1998) truck tractor/truck/bus and then a power unit manufactured 3/1/2001or later and then continue to a trailer/DC manufactured 3/1/2001 or later, encounter an ABS lamp on a towed unit that cycles on and off as required but illuminates while the service brakes are applied and NOT record the violation since this scenario/information is not contained within the flowchart.

I would like to request that the flowchart include the following information: If while inspecting newer power units and towed units (dates as previously described, when you go straight down the flowchart), if the ABS lamp illuminates on the towed unit with the application of the service brake, the ABS system is operating on the backup braking system and this constitutes a violation of the ABS. It would also be prudent to include that in this instance, the violation should be attributed to the power unit rather than the trailer/DC.