Community Forums

Switt · 08-18-2015, 10:34 AM

When driving our new Ventana Le 4044 home from dealer when we turned exhaust brake on engine light comes on then goes off when turned off. Is this normal or is there a problem?

_____________________
Sam & Tobe
2016 Vantana LE 4044
2014 CRV

Jager · 08-18-2015, 10:38 AM

Problem. Why should the engine light come on when you have the exhaust brake on? Mine sure doesn't.

mel s · 08-18-2015, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switt

When driving our new Ventana Le 4044 home from dealer when we turned exhaust brake on engine light comes on then goes off when turned off. Is this normal or is there a problem?
Sam & Tobe
2016 Vantana LE 4044
2014 CRV

Switt
Are you sure what you think is an "engine light" is not a "Exhaust Brake ON" light?
What does the ownes manual for your 2016 Vantana LE 4044 have to say about the indicator light you are seeing?
Mel
'96 Safari

Switt · 08-18-2015, 11:41 AM

Mel
DW drove coach home Friday and thought it was engine light. She says it was probably exhaust brake light. Getting use to a Dp after three gas coaches. Still have a lot to learn. Doesn't help that Tom Johnson removed Cummins and Freightliner books but now they're Camping World go figure.

Sam & Tobe
2016 Ventanna LE 4044
2014 CRV

Freestyle21 · 08-18-2015, 07:40 PM

It could be the exhuast brake light. Mine only comes on when I let off the fuel pedal.

Pexring · 08-18-2015, 07:56 PM

I've owned my first DP for only a few months and haven't yet had the nerve to try the exhaust brake. The previous owner said he never used it either. If an exhaust brake hasn't been used for years, can suddenly using it open up issues of moving parts going bad because the parts haven't been used in awhile?

Kind of like a pressure relief valve on a water heater. If you don't use it for years, then suddenly open it, most likely the valve will leak from then on.

Any good links for understanding and using exhaust brakes?

KenNJ · 08-18-2015, 08:13 PM

I honestly cannot imagine not using my exhaust brake. When you are heading down a steep hill, while its raining, the exhaust brake vs the foot brake is a much safer option in my view. I use my gas pedal with my exhaust brake on low as a means to maintain my speed, increase my speed but also as a means to slow down the coach. I almost never use the brake foot pedal during normal driving. The exhaust brake is made for use so I think you will be fine using it. Give it a try, if nothing else your brake pads will love you if you use your exhaust brake more often.

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TwoCorners · 08-19-2015, 05:16 AM

I agree completely with Ken. My exhaust brake switch is on, in the low position, constantly. No need to turn it off, it's useful in the majority of driving circumstances.

Kend51 · 08-19-2015, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoCorners

I agree completely with Ken. My exhaust brake switch is on, in the low position, constantly. No need to turn it off, it's useful in the majority of driving circumstances.

X2.

mel s · 08-19-2015, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freestyle21

It could be the exhuast brake light. Mine only comes on when I let off the fuel pedal.

Mine only comes on if the exhaust brake switch is ON and I apply the service brakes, (press the brake peddle).
Mel
'96 Safari

GaryKD · 08-19-2015, 07:02 AM

Hi Pexring,
The exhaust brake is to be used only on dry pavement. Consider contacting the engine manufacturer for correct usage of the exhaust brake.

Go ahead and use the exhaust brake on your next trip. If it works, great, if not have it repaired. Going down a steep incline with no exhaust brake can be a hazardous activity.

My exhaust/engine brake is used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never using it or leaving it on all the time, both actions can be hazardous to the service brake pads.

BPINE · 08-19-2015, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi Pexring,
My exhaust/engine brake is used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never using it or leaving it on all the time, both actions can be hazardous to the service brake pads.

Am I reading this correct? why would leaving the exhaust brake on all the time be hazardous to your brake pads. I leave mine on all the time in all conditions been doing that for 25 years never a problem and a set of front pads lasts me over a 125,000 miles.
Especially on an exhaust brake it is good to use it every time the motor is run to keep the butterfly from sticking. The only time I turn it off is when it is slowing me down to much.

cwg · 08-19-2015, 07:47 AM

I agree with Gary. During a factory tour this spring Mike O'Neil from Spartan Motors said that it should not be used constantly as it will glaze over the discs and hurt the braking system. Nor should it not be used also... better to use it in the applications when descending steep hills. Never using it may allow it to not function when needed.

PushedAround · 08-19-2015, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Never using it or leaving it on all the time, both actions can be hazardous to the service brake pads.

Not to pile on here, but this make absolutely no sense. I know that not using it will create additional pad wear, and of course riding the brakes down a hill can create overheating problems, but I need to know how using it will hurt the brakes. BTW I have 40 years of racing experience and I know a lot about brakes.