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ABS Troubleshooting for Powered Asset Gateways (AGs)

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When you install a compatible Asset Gateway (AG) on your trailer using cable CBL-AG-BABS or CBL-AG-BPLC, you also gain real-time visibility to any activation of the trailer ABS fault lamp. If you experience issues during or after installation, reference the following topics to troubleshoot the issue.

Common Installation Issues

The following issues are the most commonly encountered installation issues. For issues not covered here, email support at support@samsara.com or submit a Support request.

Asset Gateway or ABS Loss of Power

If you experience intermittent trip history data, the symptom may be caused by a loss of power to the AG or ABS. To troubleshoot, first, obtain a voltmeter. Then use the following steps to troubleshoot the issue.

ABS_power_loss.jpg

  1. Test truck power:

    1. Walk to the front of the trailer and locate the 7-way cable connecting the truck to the trailer.

    2. Disconnect the 7-way cable while keeping it connected to the truck. Use a voltmeter to test voltage, validating that the truck provides power to the trailer. Use the following pin out guide as a reference (center pin is the ABS power).

      7-way_pinout.jpg

      1. Ground (White)

      2. Tail/Running Lights (Brown)

      3. Clearance/Side Markers (Black)

      4. Auxiliary / ABS Power (Blue)

      5. Left Turn / Hazard (Yellow)

      6. Right Turn / Hazard (Green)

      7. Stop Lamps (Red)

    3. If less than 9V is detected, there may be a blown ABS trailer fuse or a faulty ABS trailer electrical circuit. Consult a professional for further testing.

    4. If the voltmeter detects voltage greater than 9 volts, reconnect the 7-way cable and proceed to the next step.

  2. Test trailer power:

    1. Locate and disconnect the Samsara cable from under the trailer.

    2. To validate that the trailer provides power to the AG, use a voltmeter to test voltage between Ground (pin 1 / white) and ABS Power (Pin 4 / blue).

    3. If voltage reads greater than 9V, contact Support or continue to the next step if no power is detected.

    4. Inspect the wires from the 7-way port to the 5-pin ABS port near the rear axle for damage or one or more disconnected wires. Connect or replace wires as appropriate.

    5. Open the junction box at the front of the trailer and test the connections to ensure they receive power when the 7-way cable is plugged in.

Unable to Locate 5-pin ABS Connector

To locate the 5-pin connector, start at the ABS unit mounted under the trailer. Follow the wiring harness toward the front of the trailer, keeping in mind that there may be multiple connectors along the way. If you encounter a connector that doesn’t match the 5-pin, continue tracing the cable until you find the correct one.

The connector may be tucked inside the trailer frame, so use tools like a flashlight, mirror, or forward-facing phone camera to help navigate hard-to-see areas.

Tip

For specialty trailers, such as tankers, the 5-pin connector may not be present, and a junction box may be used instead, as shown in the following image. In these cases, we recommend a standard installation without ABS visibility using cable SKU CBL-AG-BPWR. To request a cable swap, see Cable Exchange Process.

Junction.jpg

ABS Connector Identification

Not all 5-pin connectors look the same. Wiring harness suppliers may produce unique versions, often overmolding the connector. The following are some common types of 5-pin connectors:

  • Bendix TABS-6 Basic ABS Units:

    Bendix_TABS-6_closed.jpg
    Bendix_TABS-open.jpg

    • Commonly found on Utility trailers, the 5-pin Weather-Pack connector is attached directly to the ECU, often behind a door.

    • These trailers may also have an inline connector upstream of the ABS unit, which often has 4 pins and a different shape.

  • Chained ABS Modulators:

    Trailers may have multiple ABS modulators connected with 3- or 4-pin connectors, branching off the main ECU connector. The following table illustrates some common ECU connectors.

    Note

    Trailer ABS systems are often referred to by the number of modulators and sensors, such as 4S/2M (4 Sensors, 2 Modulators).

    • 18-pin ECU connector (4S/2M with diagnostic)

      18-pin_ECU_Connector.jpg

      1. 2-Pin Additional Wheel Speed Sensor Connectors (SAL and SAR)

      2. 5-Pin Power and Indicator Lamp (POWER/WL)

      3. 3-Pin Modulator 2 (MOD2)

      4. 4-Pin Diagnostic

      5. Auxiliary (Optional)

      6. 3-Pin Modulator 3 (MOD3) (Optional)

    • 8-pin ECU connector

      8pin.jpg

      1. Constant Power

      2. Ground

      3. Gio 1

      4. Power Out

      5. J1708

      6. J1708

      7. Warning Lamp

      8. Stop Lamp Power

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