Community Forums

Gumby · 04-21-2010, 09:50 PM

The engine brake on my '04 Dynasty (ISL400) won't activate and I'm having problems getting it fixed. Worked fine last August but when when we left WI for 2 months in Feb. and March it would not activate. I took it to Beaudry's RV (a Monaco dealer) in Tucson and after I left it for a day they said they couldn't scope the Cummins. Later spent two days at Rocky Mountain Cummins in Phoenix and they said there were no problem codes with the engine and I should bring it to a Monaco dealer. They did recomend Massey (?) Truck in Phoenix but we were tired of sitting around repair centers or being homeless for the day(s).
We have the high/low switch on the side panel (which tests OK) and a foot switch. I tested the foot switch and it appeared to be working. I called Monaco and they also recomended Massey who I called. A very knowledgeable Tom ? said it most likely (90%) was the foot switch and they will test good with a VOM meter but not work under load. Ordered a new switch from Monaco and it was defective (2 of the 6 microswitch contacts are open), not only did the brake not work, but the cruise would not work untill switch was unplugged. Now waiting for new switch to try.

Has anyone had engine brake problems and what was the cure? There is a relay/cuircuit boad in the front run panel but Massey said they never had to replace that.

Happycarz · 04-22-2010, 05:54 PM

I had to replace that foot switch twice on my last motorhome. I bought the first on from Monaco and the second from Graingers.
It's no fun when the switch dies.

Twomed · 04-22-2010, 10:16 PM

Happy I don't have the foot switch. Have driven one quiet a bit, and engagement always seems to be a question mark. Maybe you can get it changed to just the dash switch activation??

Good luck, sounds frustrating.

Happycarz · 04-23-2010, 12:17 AM

My current coach came with the dash switch. I also installed a foot switch so I can engage the e brake without having it downshift. Sometimes I just want to slow a little bit. Or, on a downhill I can select the appropriate gear, and then use the pedal as needed to turn it on/off to maintain the desired speed.

Mike Canter · 04-23-2010, 06:12 AM

A foot switch is so much better than a dash switch. It is so much more logical to push a foot switch to slow down that have to move and use a dash switch.

Eaglesview · 04-23-2010, 08:48 AM

Have had foot switch on two coaches. No problems. Would not do without.

walt2137 · 04-23-2010, 06:50 PM

I think what Gumby is talking about is a Two-Stage Jacobs Engine Brake and not a Pac Brake and I have no Idea what the fix is.

Gumby · 04-24-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walt2137

I think what Gumby is talking about is a Two-Stage Jacobs Engine Brake and not a Pac Brake and I have no Idea what the fix is.

You're right Walt. Right now I don't care if I have a switch on the armrest or foot pedal, I just want it to work. I was asking what problems and the fix others have had i.e. relays, cuircuit board, etc.
Thanks

Twomed · 04-25-2010, 09:02 AM

I assume...you know where that gets you, that have checked the fuse and relay??? Front Run Box (FRB) outside under driver seat, board lower middle right side, has seven relays and three fuses in the middle of the relay grouping. The middle 15 amp fuse should be marked ENG Brake. This is on my 06 ISL with two stage Jake, yours may be a little different.

Good Luck

Gumby · 05-22-2010, 01:30 PM

The problem with the engine brake turned out to be the foot switch as Tom at Massey's Diesel in Phoenix had told me on the phone. There are 4 wires that my switch connects to, a common, (1) that is normally closed which allows the cruise to activate, and (2) that are normally open which when closed activate the engine brake. Even though the foot brake microswitch tested OK with a VOM it didn't work under load. I hooked up a 2 pole 2 posistion switch (on - off -on) switch and the cruise works in one on posistion and engine brake in the other on posistion. I ordered the micro switch from an electronics firm, 2 for $35.00. Monaco wanted $160.00 for the whole switch.
Massey's Diesel and RV told me over the phone what was wrong for no charge what Beaudry RV in Tuscon, and Rocky Mountain Cummins in Phoenix couldn't find in 3 days between them.