trans retarder

[red tractor]

I have a 98 Foretravel with a 3060 trans with retarder. It does not feel like the retarder is doing very much. I have the joy stick applied full on. It does engage the retarder and shifts the trans down, but very little retarding. Any help would be appreciated, also the abs light stays on all the time so don't know if that is a contributing factor

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by red tractor

I have a 98 Foretravel with a 3060 trans with retarder. It does not feel like the retarder is doing very much. I have the joy stick applied full on. It does engage the retarder and shifts the trans down, but very little retarding. Any help would be appreciated, also the abs light stays on all the time so don't know if that is a contributing factor

Red, I've seen the info on the trans retarder option in my Allison Manual, and seen the comment on other posts , that they are a rare, expensive option. Is the retarder on your coach working in conjunction with an engine brake of any kind ?Are you new to the coach ? Did it ever work ?
Abs light may be related in some way, could be as many as 3 fuses in the ABS system. Any idea what brand of air brake system your chassis uses ?
Chassis type, engine , air brake manufacturer, any more info on your coach that you can post will help get the answers that your looking for.
You my want to put the Abs light question into a Class A discussion post.

[Steve Ownby]

Red,

Foretravel is one of very few coach builders to use the Allison retarder so there is not much experience out here in motorhome land to draw on. I would call Foretravel's customer support and see what they can tell you. My understanding is that the retarder is very powerful but increases transmission fluid temps quickly.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Red,

Foretravel is one of very few coach builders to use the Allison retarder so there is not much experience out here in motorhome land to draw on. I would call Foretravel's customer support and see what they can tell you. My understanding is that the retarder is very powerful but increases transmission fluid temps quickly.

The retarder does raise the trans fluid temps, enough that Allison considers it's use to be "extreme duty" and requires more frequent fluid changes. I'd sure be running TranSynd in it if it was mine.

[Skip426]

Red; a note out of my Allison Operators Manual. Printed 07/98
Note: The retarder is automatically disabled ( and the lockup clutch is disengauged) whenever the ABS is active. However in case the ABS system malfunctions, it is recommended that the retarder enable switch, if present, be disabled.
No clear reason given, MHO, if the torque convertor clutch won't engage when the ABS is out of commision, then the engine isn't helping slow the coach.
Second note; Low fluid level is a common cause for retarder performance complaints.
Looks like the first step is to get the ABS working properly.

[red tractor]

Thanks Skip, will check those things tomorrow