Community Forums

jimfryar · 01-02-2014, 07:25 AM

I have a 2014 Newmar Dutch Star on a Freightliner Chassis. I noticed driving home yesterday that everytime the engine brake engages a "green" light on the dash lights up. Is that normal or does that mean I have a problem with the engine brake?

spinn · 01-02-2014, 07:45 AM

I believe that it's normal, just a visual indicator. My coach does the same. As you probably know when the engine brake engages it also lights your center brake light.
Have fun-Steve

Rick carson · 01-02-2014, 01:21 PM

I asked same question when I got mine. It is an indicator light letting you know it is activated. Comes on when you let off accelerator until your speed drops below I think 5 mph.

Randy125 · 01-05-2014, 12:42 PM

I did not know the center brake light came on with exhaust brake activation. Is that a freigtliner or coach manufacturer thing?

spinn · 01-05-2014, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy125

I did not know the center brake light came on with exhaust brake activation. Is that a freigtliner or coach manufacturer thing?

I don't have an answer for that only know that mine does (08 Essex-Spartan k2). I would guess that it is a standard thing as it gives vehicles behind you notice.

Steve

Mr_D · 01-05-2014, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy125

I did not know the center brake light came on with exhaust brake activation. Is that a freigtliner or coach manufacturer thing?

It's the same on our 2002 DSDP 4090 Spartan chassis, don't remember about the 2000 DSDP 3865 on FL chassis though.

FIRE UP · 01-05-2014, 03:17 PM

Well Gang,
I've confirmed it several times with friends traveling behind me that, when the exhaust brake comes on in our '04 Itasca Horizon with the C-7 330 CAT, ALL THREE brake lights come on. And, when I get behind them, all of their brake lights come on with their exhaust brake. Most of their units are Fleetwood, either Discovery's or, a Providence or two. I think it's a manufacturers choice on this one.
Scott

moisheh · 01-05-2014, 04:09 PM

You can have the ECM programmed so that the exhaust or engine brake only come on when you apply the foot brake.

FRR2EYW · 01-05-2014, 04:34 PM

The brake lights coming on is a Freightliner thing. We talked about it a lot at Camp Freightliner. Some people didn't want the brake lights coming on (Why?). Some people didn't want the engine brake engaging unless they stepped on the brake pedal. I personally was introduced to engine brakes on fire trucks 25 years ago when there was no on-off switch. I just learned, like everybody else, if you want to coast, just leave your foot lightly on the accelerator pedal.

Randy125 · 01-06-2014, 06:48 AM

I would love to know if mine is coming on with exhaust brake activation. If so then it would be on coming down mountain passes which really not that desirable. I hope mine is a brake light and not a deceleration light.

moisheh · 01-06-2014, 07:19 AM

Randy: Why do you not want the engine brake on when going downhill? Thanks

Randy125 · 01-06-2014, 08:07 AM

I use my exhaust brake for deceleration coming down mountain passes to stay off the brakes so they don't overheat absorbing all that energy from steep grades.

spinn · 01-06-2014, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy125

I would love to know if mine is coming on with exhaust brake activation. If so then it would be on coming down mountain passes which really not that desirable. I hope mine is a brake light and not a deceleration light.

Randy it probably does, on my coach it is only the center brake light that comes on. The rest of the brake lights only come on when the service brake is used. Anyone coming up from behind may change lanes faster it'd they see the light on. For me, I think, it is a good thing, but that is only an opinion

Steve