New to range: September 2026 - New products at a glance

Electric tailgate actuators sit right in the overlap between comfort electronics, body systems and practical diagnostics. These systems are designed to open and close the tailgate automatically, while the control unit continuously monitors position and load so it can recognize end positions and detect obstacles during movement

• “Tailgate does not open or close automatically” — start with a visual and functional check, then look at supply interruption, blown fuse, wiring damage in the harness area and connector issues before condemning the actuator
• “Tailgate stops and reverses” — treat this as a possible anti-trap response and inspect for mechanical blockage or excessive actuator load
• “Movement is jerky or uneven” — inspect the actuator, hinge condition and any signs of deformation after previous damage

This is a clear diagnostic-first job. Begin with a visual and function check, read the fault memory, review parameter values and then narrow the fault down with targeted electrical testing. After actuator or control-unit replacement, the system must be reinitialised so the control unit can relearn the upper and lower end positions

• Read out stored faults and use them to separate actuator, wiring and communication issues
• Check live parameters such as tailgate position, actuator current draw and motor direction to spot implausible behaviour
• Use wiring diagrams to trace signal paths between control unit and actuator when narrowing down interruptions or voltage losses
• Reinitialise the system after actuator or higher-level control-unit replacement so incomplete opening or closing complaints do not come back as repeat jobs

Compressors remain a key workshop topic for both cabin comfort and wider thermal management. It’s recommended a system-level view, linking compressor work to pressure checks, electrical checks and full thermal-management diagnosis rather than assuming the compressor is automatically the failed part

• “No cooling” or “poor cooling” - first confirm whether the compressor is being activated, then compare system pressures before condemning the unit

• “Noises occur when the A/C system is activated or when the compressor is engaged.” - inspect mounting points, brackets and surrounding drive components before deciding the compressor itself is faulty

• “Intermittent cooling performance” - check electrical connections, supply and control side as part of the first diagnostic pass. Depending on the system, checking refrigerant charge and system pressures may also be useful when investigating intermittent cooling performance.

Compressor-related work is a clear diagnostic-first job. Faults should be read out and verified through system checks, and on electrified applications the wider thermal-management strategy also needs to be taken into account.

• Read out stored faults before replacement and use them to guide the next checks

• Verify supply, connector condition and relevant control signals before fitting parts

• On EV and hybrid applications, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s safety instructions for high-voltage systems

NOx sensors and NOx catalytic converter systems play an important role in modern exhaust-gas aftertreatment. Depending on the vehicle, NOx sensor data can be used by the engine or SCR control system to manage emissions and, on SCR-equipped diesel vehicles, calculate the required AdBlue® dosing. Sensors may be positioned upstream and downstream of the SCR catalytic converter so system performance can also be monitored.

• “Engine warning light is on” — read out the exhaust-related fault memory first, but do not assume a NOx-related code automatically means the sensor itself has failed.
• “SCR warning appears in the instrument cluster” — inspect the complete system, as faults in dosing, wiring, power supply or other SCR components can affect the operation of the SCR system.
• “Reduced performance or increased fuel consumption” — use fault codes and live data to narrow down whether the issue sits with the sensor, SCR system or a wider engine-management problem.
• “NOx sensor or exhaust aftertreatment fault keeps returning” — inspect the exhaust tract, catalytic converters, wiring and connectors first. If the NOx sensor is removed, inspect the sensor head for contamination or damage and consider causes such as increased oil consumption or incorrect mixture formation.
• “Sensor communication fault” — check the plug connection, power supply and CAN communication before replacing the sensor.

NOx faults are a strong example of why emissions work should start with diagnostics rather than parts replacement. Begin with a visual inspection of the exhaust tract, then read the relevant fault memories and check power supply, wiring and communication. Depending on the vehicle, a replaced sensor may also require component adjustment or adaptation before the repair is complete.

• Read out the engine and exhaust-aftertreatment fault memories first.

• Check connectors, power supply and CAN communication before condemning the sensor.

• Review live values from upstream and downstream sensors where the system uses both.

• Follow vehicle-specific procedures for adaptation or component adjustment after replacement where required.