Community Forums

Gregge46 · 12-03-2014, 06:06 AM

We just purchased a 2008 Itasca 39W. Workhorse rear engine Chevy. Parking brake system is automatic engage with the Allison transmission is placed in park. That works, can release the brake by manually pushing in the button, but brake failure light comes on. Everything works fine but jacks will not go down as they sense the emergency brake is not set. Any suggestions? Dealer unable to figure out.

Full.Monte · 12-03-2014, 07:35 AM

And welcome to the world of Auto park brakes. I have the J71 auto park brake on mine, but I don't think you have the same model. I suggest you Private Mail Oldusedbear. He's the expert on auto park brakes and spends a lot of his time helping out people with problems. His name is Roger and he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

UFO Pilot · 12-03-2014, 03:38 PM

The parking brake on the UFO Chassis is a totally different animal, I don't believe Roger can help you. There are a few UFO owners on here who experienced parking brake problems, maybe one of them will be along soon to help you out. I haven't experienced any problems with mine so I can't offer any help.

Se if a moderator can help by changing your topic to include UFO Chassis.

Fred and Bonnie · 12-03-2014, 03:47 PM

Check here, this owner may have the same issue.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/2008-...-a-222780.html

Fred

gbs2320 · 12-05-2014, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregge46

We just purchased a 2008 Itasca 39W. Workhorse rear engine Chevy. Parking brake system is automatic engage with the Allison transmission is placed in park. That works, can release the brake by manually pushing in the button, but brake failure light comes on. Everything works fine but jacks will not go down as they sense the emergency brake is not set. Any suggestions? Dealer unable to figure out.

Your dealer needs to contact the service people at Brazelsrv.com. They should be able to help them figure it out. The brake system on the UFO chassis is similar to that on many school buses. It is the HPB (Hydraulic Power Brake) system from Meritor/Wabco. To check out the cause of the Brake Failure light you need to hook up the Meritor "Toolbox" Software to the deutsche connector port under the dash near the steering wheel. Meritor brakes (air and hydraulic) are on many trucks and school buses so most truck shops have this software. A Workhorse service center and all International Brand truck service centers have it and should have experience with this system - especially the International Truck service centers since this system is very similar to that on many school buses with the International brand chassis. The HPB system is composed of two major pieces - the HCU (hydraulic compact unit) and the ECU (electronic control unit) for the UFO chassis. The HCU can be bought separately but currently (unless things have changed) is only available with the HCU. The ECU for the UFO chassis is different from the one used in every other application so it is important to get the right one if you need it. If you just need the ecu ask Brazels if they can rebuild yours maybe it just has a bad diode. Your UFO is a great running and handling chassis. Parts are available from Workhorse parts (call Uptime Parts). You will enjoy it.

51chevy65 · 05-14-2015, 07:56 PM

It has been a long winter and i have exsperenced a similar porblem.
It turned out tha my break light switch mounted on the bottom of the master cyclinder was my problem. I removed the 2 screws holding the switch, 3mm allen and found water rust and a drop or two of brake fluid came out. I very carefully took apart the micro switch and cleaned with contact cleaner. put back together and now everthing work as should.

Prior to the fix i had no brake lights, my park brake was hard to get released at times and on ocassion rear lights would flash like 4ways where on but where not

edgray · 05-16-2015, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51chevy65

It has been a long winter and i have exsperenced a similar porblem.
It turned out tha my break light switch mounted on the bottom of the master cyclinder was my problem. I removed the 2 screws holding the switch, 3mm allen and found water rust and a drop or two of brake fluid came out. I very carefully took apart the micro switch and cleaned with contact cleaner. put back together and now everthing work as should.

Prior to the fix i had no brake lights, my park brake was hard to get released at times and on ocassion rear lights would flash like 4ways where on but where not

THANK YOU for this info about your UFO brake issue. I've made this post to help make your solution more visible. Ed

51chevy65 · 05-16-2015, 08:39 PM

I had a local automotive/small truck shop do the diagnostics check on my coach. Snap-on owns the program and they had a newer diagnostics tool. The tool ckecked all working components and only found a code for the break light switch. i had no lights flashing on the dash. I also talked with a Meritor Rep who also helped with on line manual. PDF allowed me to print the manual and the local shop used it to help with the diagnostics.