Community Forums

JamieBoyle · 07-14-2013, 03:52 AM

When I apply the engine brake on my 2006 Gulfstream Tour Master T40 with Freightliner chassis do the brake lights come on?
it only makes sense that they do but I have a difficult time checking.
There is a light that comes on on the dash that says "engine brake on" so it seems like it would be an easy thing to engineer to also have the brake lights activate.

brandonklink · 07-14-2013, 04:59 AM

Typically no they don't.

Bago40 · 07-14-2013, 05:09 AM

I've had two Freightliner XC chassis coaches and the brake lights are activated by the engine brake. So when you see the light on the dash come on, the brake lights also go on.

Route 66 · 07-14-2013, 05:42 AM

It's a programmable function, so you would need someone to follow you or a service center to check it with their test equipment.

coolhand108 · 07-14-2013, 05:50 AM

I drove truck all my life and never had a vehicle that brake lights came on with a jake brake

papa&susu · 07-14-2013, 05:50 AM

Mine does don't know if it is a good idea or not

WesinRockies · 07-14-2013, 06:06 AM

Mine does not, someone told me that they can be programmed. I like that it does not, if I need to warn someone behind me I tap the Brake or use I ICC switch.

huntnski · 07-14-2013, 06:59 AM

Mine come on when I use the "engine retarder". Fleetwood Discovery.

ChasA · 07-14-2013, 08:23 AM

My brake lights come on with the exhaust brake. Verified by my wife while she was following in the car.

Ed-Sommers · 07-14-2013, 08:56 AM

If they are used correctly (maintain downhill speed without braking), the brake lights should not be engaged.

Ed

ahicks · 07-14-2013, 09:04 AM

I spend a lot of time running with trucks mile after mile, following the same one many times for quite a while? It would appear to me that they can be either way as well, or maybe they can control that function with a dash switch? When you see brake lights on some of them when going down a hill, there's such a subtle change in their speed I just assumed their brake lights were being engaged by their exhaust brake.

joeplazek · 07-14-2013, 09:29 AM

Some do ,,,some don't. Pro's and Con's for both. Best thing to do is have someone follow and you only apply the engine brake at a predetermined location.

joe

Skip426 · 07-14-2013, 10:35 AM

Mine do , and how I found out was , as slowing on a long grade I went to put on my flashers and the buzzer was on steady, not intermittent.
Try your 4X flashers then touch the brakes, if the flashers stop, you can use that as an indicator for operation during exhaust brake operation.
This would only work if your brake light and turn signals share a common bulb, like mine do.
Others have posted that only the center high mount brake light operates with the exhaust brake , so having someone follow you may be the only true test.

Dr4Film · 07-14-2013, 10:46 AM

There is no common ground on this one.

One size does NOT fit all.

Each owner needs to do their own investigation as to how your specific coach is wired and operates.

My Exhaust Brake operation and how the lights work are completely different than others and it won't help you one bit to explain to you how mine works.

I happen to prefer how mine works. It is logical with common sense and it's going to stay that way.

Dr4Film ----- Richard