Does Engine Brake Activate Brake Lights

[ahicks]

Good question!

[Crabby Mike]

Remember, like headlights in the rain, those brake lights aren't for you, they're so the other guy can see you. My brake lights come on with the Jake (I can see them at night in my rear camera), and I can't imagine why anyone would not want that. When the Jake comes on, it can slow me down pretty quickly, and I see no reason to keep that a secret form the guy riding my a$$.

[olddog1943]

I would say they should not come on unless you actually are braking. A 'jake brake' has nothing to do with the friction material or the air system....it is merely using the exhaust valves of the engine to slow the engine and thus the coach.

[ahicks]

Originally Posted by olddog1943

I would say they should not come on unless you actually are braking. A 'jake brake' has nothing to do with the friction material or the air system....it is merely using the exhaust valves of the engine to slow the engine and thus the coach.

The point is, with jake or exhaust brake engaged, the coach IS slowing? Not sure what method I'm using to do that is relevant? The guy in back of me will soon be aware he's going to have to do something similar, or be prepared to wear a size 14 HR for a hood ornament?

This logic has as much merit as using a turn signal to pass by my way of thinking. No you don't have to. Is it a good idea? Yes, I think so - in the spirit of safe driving and keeping those in back of you informed. To allow them information about what I'm doing to use or ignore as they see fit. Pretty much the same as the information gained from the use of turn signals?

[Wayne M]

Originally Posted by JamieBoyle

Thanks everyone for the input. DR4Film summed it up pretty well. Overwhelming response though.

Yes he did!

[palehorse89]

Why don't semi's brake lights come on when they use thier engine brake? Why are diesel Coachs for the public to buy and drive set up to have brake lights with engine brakes???????

[mccsix]

Freightliner school says lights come on on xcr chassis, when eng brake system is activated. There is a slight delay in the lights after you can feel the brake working so that momentary lifting of the throttle doesn't instantly activate the lights. Computer can be programmed not to light, but there is a liability issue when you get rear-ended.

[Sky_Boss]

To answer OP...Yes, my brake lights come on when the EB is activated.

As to my opnion...naaaa, no need to go there...it doesn't matter nor does it answer the question.

[Moonrover]

Originally Posted by Crabby Mike

Remember, like headlights in the rain, those brake lights aren't for you, they're so the other guy can see you. My brake lights come on with the Jake (I can see them at night in my rear camera), and I can't imagine why anyone would not want that. When the Jake comes on, it can slow me down pretty quickly, and I see no reason to keep that a secret form the guy riding my a$$.

I'm with you on that, Mike. When I'm decelerating I want to be seen like an over decorated Christmas tree on a dark night. The tail gator behind probably appreciates the heads up.

[Cat320]

My brake lights come on when the engine brake is activated, and that's what the Spartan manual says they should do. To me that makes sense, as far as drivers behind me are concerned, I'm slowly, so the brake lights should come on.

[huntnski]

[QUOTE=Sky_Boss;1643661

As to my opnion...naaaa, no need to go there...it doesn't matter nor does it answer the question.[/QUOTE]

Now Don you know your opinion matters, but like mine, not always followed!

[gemini5362]

I believe some of the previous posters had the right Idea. I know it is how I tell if mine is working. Drive your MH at night if you have a rear view camera that is on all the time ( versus only being on when you are in reverse) If your brake lights come on when the jake brake activates you will know it pretty quickly. Whether they should come on at night is subject to your personal opinion it is your coach

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by sdennislee

At night I can see them come on in the rearview camera

Same here.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by palehorse89

Why are diesel Coachs for the public to buy and drive set up to have brake lights with engine brakes???????

Why not?