Stralis is an automatic winner
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This was a bit of a trip down memory lane. It's quite sobering to think that the original Stralis was launched more than 11 years ago, although it's unusual to find an early example still in front-line service. Old Ivecos are often with their second or third owner after a decade, and are rarely in as good condition as this example.
Iveco made a bold move in 2002 by making the ZF AS-Ironic automated gearbox a standard fitment across the range. Over the years, we have only seen a handful of manual transmission Stralis. This early confidence paved the way for other manufacturers to follow suit. Iveco and ZF had worked closely for some time, with early semi-automatic and then automatic versions available in Eurostar tractors and Eurotrakker rigids. This co-operation gave Iveco a head start with the technology and the Cursor engine range was designed specifically to work with automated gearboxes. This
process has continued and, as a result, we feel the engine/transmission match in the new Stralis Hi-Way has the edge over many competitors that use the ZF transmission. One of the biggest problems with modern trucks are recurring electrical problems that invariably show as warning lights on the dash, often not serious enough to stop the vehicle from working, but can be difficult to rectify. These complicated electronic control systems constantly monitor the operation vehicle, which is vital to
achieve optimum performance. But at times, these systems can be too sensitive: for example, slight changes in fluid levels can trigger a series of warnings that will eventually bring the truck to a standstill if continually ignored.
Iveco has used this type of system for many years and at times electrical issues have been a major source of complaint. Often failure to repair a simple fault, or lack of understanding from the driver and the workshop can make matters worse. This operator has considerable experience of the electrical system on a Stralis and has found that the optional factory-fitted Electronic Trailer Interface system (ETI) goes a long way to eliminating several problems that can be caused by incompatibility between the tractor and various trailers. The control unit is mounted on the rear wall of the cab and monitors the current flow between tractor and trailer.
Like most modern CANbus electric systems, the Stralis has compatibility problems with a trailer that has either additional electric equipment or extra lighting, such as the interior lights on a box trailer. If the truck electrics are not pre-programmed to identify this new demand for power, it shuts off supply. The ETI unit prevents this from happening, unless it senses a potential fault, and has a series of reset buttons that are easy to operate from the catwalk.
Iveco isn't the only manufacturer that suffers from trailer incompatibility issues. The increasing use of LED lighting is causing lots of problems with mixed fleets, and making ETI a standard fitment on Stralis might be a good move. With Vosa roadside checks taking a keen interest in any warning light on a truck dashboard, operators have a lot to lose by ignoring these persistent faults.