Community Forums

Roadking · 02-21-2009, 01:59 PM

Ok, please don't flame me on this, but is there a way to cause the brake lights to only come on when the foot tredle/brake pedal is applied and not come on when only the exhaust brake is activated? This would cause the brake lights to function similar to the way a semi-truck functions. I have read the posts about the "latch mode" but my understanding is this affects the way the exhaust brake functions and does not affect the brake lights. I have read a fuse can be removed in the rear bussman box on some chassis, but I have not been able to locate a rear bussman box in my MM chassis. Any ideas?

RickCA55 · 02-21-2009, 03:34 PM

On our 2002 Dutch Star/Spartan MM chassis I removed a relay in the electrical box in front of the drivers firewall. I was told to do this by Spartan.

You might call Spartan and ask them.

It worked well for us.

Rick 2002 DSDP 3852, Spartan MM, Cummins ISC 350, '98 TJ Toad

http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb317/rickca55/

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2090792

KIX · 02-21-2009, 05:06 PM

Roadking, the bussman box on your UA is on the firewall forward of the engine. Best way to access is under bed remove the access panel. I think it's gray in color but I don't have a great memory either.

AFChap · 02-21-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

cause the brake lights to function similar to the way a semi-truck functions.

Is that really how the brake lights on semi's function??? I've noticed running down long hills that many semi's are showing brake lights while coasting -- I always assumed from their speed and not noticeably slowing that it indicated their jake brake was functioning...

The way my toad is set up, with a Roadmaster Brakemaster braking system, when just the exhaust brake is applied the normal brakes lights come on on the coach, and just one on each side of the toad. When I press the brake pedal hard enough to trigger the Brakemaster, that adds the third brake light on the toad -- enough for those behind to notice that more braking is happening.

Even with that, I would be interested in knowing if there is a simple way to stop brake light activation with the exhuast brake (since our exhaust brake does not brake the coach all that much like a true Jake brake will). My preference would be to have a switch I could trip in the cockpit, as I do sometimes combine manual downshifting with the exhaust brake in city traffic and might want to brake lights to be working then. If you contact Spartan and get a good answer (probably the best place to go!), please come back and share it with us!!

RobRV · 05-25-2012, 04:32 PM

There is a Diode that can be pulled which will deactivate the Brake Lights on the E Brake! In My 1998 it is located directly below the E Brake relay in the Compartment ahead of the Battery Compartment!

Mr_D · 05-25-2012, 04:49 PM

On our 2002 DSDP/Spartan the center brake light bar is the only one that comes on when using the exhaust brake. When I use the service brakes they all light up.

powerboatr · 05-25-2012, 04:53 PM

I have to ask why would you not want the brake lights to come on when your slowing down using the engine brake? my engine/exhaust brake slows us pretty fast. just curious

Midniteoyl · 05-25-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerboatr

I have to ask why would you not want the brake lights to come on when your slowing down using the engine brake? my engine/exhaust brake slows us pretty fast. just curious

Ditto

LA-HODAG · 06-05-2012, 12:02 PM

Not sure why O.P. asked, but I can see the benefit on steep downgrades. When the engine brake applies brake lights, it stops the flashers from flashing. I would like flashers on when I'm creeping down the mountain at 40mph. Is there an alternate way to allow the flashers to function with brake light active? On my coach the turn signals/flashers are totally different light fixtures than the brake lights, so I never understood why application of brakes affects flashers anyway.