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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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Customer Service: 800-562-5012 / Technical Support: 888-562-5012
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TEC
The use of solvents which are not compatible with polycarbonate will result in the
softening, crazing, and/or cracking of the plastic part. This is especially true of
polycarbonate lamps & mounting bases which may be under stress in their normal
applications.
The following solvents/cleaners MUST NOT be used
with polycarbonate:
Trichlor
Acetone
Triclene®
Methyl Ethyl Keytone
(MEK)
MIBK
Toluol
Benzol
Gasoline
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Texize-8006, 8129, 8758
Liquid Cleaner - 8211
Agitene®
Ajax®
All Liquid Detergents
Pink Lux® (phosphate
free)
Diversol®
Lemon Joy®
(phosphate free)
Kleenol Plastics
Lestoil®
Lysol®
Stanisol Naphtha®
Oils
Questions as to compatibility of other specific materials should be directed
to the manufacturer and/or the Truck-Lite Corporate Laboratory.
The following solvents/cleaners are
compatible with polycarbonate:
Mild soap and water
Mineral Spirits
Hexane
VM & P Naphtha
Varsol No. 2
#1 & #3 denatured
alcohol
Freone TF & TE-35
Ethanol
10% Sol Bon Ami®
Dirtex®
2% Sol. Reg. Joy
Heptane
White Kerosene
Methyl, isopropyl & isobutyl
alcohols
Lacryl® PCL-2035
polycarbonate cleaner
Petroleum Ether/65 degrees C
boiling point
• Never use a test probe to pierce wire insulation when troubleshooting lighting complaints. Wicking action takes place
which causes moisture to travel along the wire strands and corrode critical connections. If probing a harness or wire is
necessary, make sure the puncture is properly sealed.
• To correct voltage problems, discover the real cause. Under-voltage often is caused by poor electrical connections. To
correct under-voltage, don’t just turn up the voltage — find out what caused the under-voltage problem.
• Many discarded lamps are still in good condition. Play detective when solving lamp problems. First, test with either
a meter, power supply, or battery. Our 97100 tester is an excellent tool for this. Then if you desire, open the lens on a
discarded lamp and examine the bulb. It will tell you why it failed. For example:
• A bulb with stretched or broken filaments was subjected to vibration.
• A yellowish, whitish or bluish glaze on the bulb indicates a rupture in the bulb glass envelope.
• A dark metallic finish indicates old age.
• A black, sooty bulb indicates a poor seal in bulb.
Test all lamps one more time before you discard them. Truck-Lite’s warranty department reports that up to 20
percent of all lamps sent back are still in good operating condition. The ones that aren’t working can be turned
over to your lamp supplier.
• All lamps will live longer if they run cool. Dirt on the lens increases the heat, so keep them as clean as possible. Other
people can see your rig, and that is one of the purposes of the lighting system – to be seen.
Certain lighting products
generate heat. Care should be taken to avoid contact with flammable materials.
• Treat the electrical system as you would the chassis. Lubricate sockets, pigtails, battery terminals and connections with
NYK 77 “non-conductive” anti-corrosion compound. The purpose of the sealant is to totally encapsulate and protect
against corrosion and water.
• Inspect for improper ground connections. This is a major cause of lamp failure, especially when the trailer is used for
a ground. When lamps are grounded through the lamp housing, make sure there is a clean connection (i.e., metal-to-
metal). Also, a fifth wheel ground strap may be used for added protection on the chassis ground system.
• Look for loose, bare or unsupported wire, and fixtures. Harnesses and wiring should be on the underside of top frame
members rather than on the bottom where dirt and road splash collect.
• Always replace wiring, trailer light cables, and harnesses with an equal or heavier gauge of wire than was used in the
original specifications. If you don’t, you may cause unnecessary problems.
• On older trucks, you should never crank the truck when any lights or accessories are on. Also, never leave markers and
hazard lights on when parked against a dock. Melted lenses are a sure sign that the vehicle has been parked against the
dock while the lights were on.
• Inspect the grommets that house the lamps. As they age,
they eventually will deteriorate from sunlight, ozone and harmful chemicals. New grommets restore shock protection,
security and improves appearance.
Cleaning Materials
Tips To Prolong Equipment Lighting