Auxiliary Engine brake activates brake lights

[FRR2EYW]

I have brought this up on other threads discussing this. You assume a liability when you modify safety features installed by the manufacturer. If it performs the way the manufacturer built it, they get sued. If you modify it, you get sued. Way too many people are looking for some of that "free money".

[hogdriver]

Originally Posted by FRR2EYW

I have brought this up on other threads discussing this. You assume a liability when you modify safety features installed by the manufacturer. If it performs the way the manufacturer built it, they get sued. If you modify it, you get sued. Way too many people are looking for some of that "free money".

Not necessarily so. Spartan said it was an option to illuminate the brake light when using the jake brake. Don't "lawyer up" when you don't know. Next time you follow a semi using his jake brake watch for his tail lights.

[AlKat]

Originally Posted by PushedAround

They should set up our coaches the way that they do the commercial Busses. Have a set of ambler lights that activate when using the compression (or exhaust) brake, and have the regular red lights for actual braking.

Larry, I agree with the above setup, I am also one that doesn't like the brake lights coming on when using the exhaust brake. Especially when going down a long grade, I believe it's annoying to the drivers behind you and gives the impression you are constantly riding the brakes! JMO.....Al

[spinn]

On our coach only the high mounted tail light comes on with the engine brake, all lights come on with the service brake

[Gasman 2]

Originally Posted by spinn

On our coach only the high mounted tail light comes on with the engine brake, all lights come on with the service brake

That sounds like a good way to do it.
What chassis is your Essex built on.
Thanks for your input.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by Cruzer

Most service brake issues are caused by lack of use rather than overuse. A typical example is your ABS system. If you never use it the odds of it actually working when you eventually need it are pretty good that it won't work. Ideally you would purge the ABS valves before starting the coach. You do that by leaving the key off, holding the brake pedal down with decent pressure, then turning the key to the ON position without starting the engine. You will hear six pops in sequence as each ABS valve purges itself. Then shut the key off and continue to start the engine.

Mark, I find that interesting. Do you know if this purge method is a Spartan thing or is it common on a chassis that uses air brakes?
Thank's,
Pat

[spinn]

Originally Posted by Gasman 2

That sounds like a good way to do it.
What chassis is your Essex built on.
Thanks for your input.

Spartan K2

[spinn]

Originally Posted by Cruzer

That is very true. Your service brakes are designed for 325,000 miles. You won't wear them out. The problem is when they start to get hot they release a layer of gas from the adhesives in the shoes or pads. The gas forms a boundary layer between the drum and if they are just "warm" (as far as brake m go) the gas forms a glaze on the linings. If you use them hard you'll heat that gas and allow it to dissipate and your linings won't glaze. The best thing you can do is leave the engine brake off and use it for descent control on grades. I do leave it on when cruising down the interstate just in case I have to do a panic stop and need that extra braking power. However, if I'm heading to an off-ramp I reach over and switch it off.

Most service brake issues are caused by lack of use rather than overuse. A typical example is your ABS system. If you never use it the odds of it actually working when you eventually need it are pretty good that it won't work. Ideally you would purge the ABS valves before starting the coach. You do that by leaving the key off, holding the brake pedal down with decent pressure, then turning the key to the ON position without starting the engine. You will hear six pops in sequence as each ABS valve purges itself. Then shut the key off and continue to start the engine.

Mark, thank you for the ABS valve test procedure.
Steve

[two-niner]

Amazingly, our 2012 Winnebago Tour has two high mounted engine brake lights.

All rear lights come on with the service brakes. This is not new stuff.

[Gasman 2]

Originally Posted by two-niner

Amazingly, our 2012 Winnebago Tour has two high mounted engine brake lights.

All rear lights come on with the service brakes. This is not new stuff.

I don't think the question is about if this function is new, but some don't like the fact that the brakes lights function when the engine brake engages. Makes you look like a rookie riding the brakes all the way down long downgrades.

Sorry but that's the way I look at it.
I think the proper name is "stop lights" not " brake lights".

My engine brake is pretty strong but it will never stop my coach, slow yes stop no.

[two-niner]

It's about the same as...check engine light.

[shunter6]

If you have a cummins engine get your cummins shop to program the aux brake for LATCH MODE.

You will then be able to leave aux brake on, coast down a hill and aux brake will not activate until you mash brake.

[Cruzer]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

Mark, I find that interesting. Do you know if this purge method is a Spartan thing or is it common on a chassis that uses air brakes?
Thank's,
Pat

I asked that when at the Spartan Academy. I didn't get a firm answer on how FL does it. Big Mike suspected that they did, at least in the recent years but he couldn't say for sure. Generally once a manufacturer comes up with a good idea, everyone else copies it fairly soon. That's how the RV industry works. It's really a matter of programming the SCM and ABS modules to do that. FL uses their own a different logic controller but probably the same ABS module so they most likely could do it if they wanted to but not sure if they did. The best way, if you ever get in a FL chassis, is try it and see.

[Gasman 2]

Freightliner use these ABS purge valves on there heavy duty truck line and I would imagine Custom Chassis would also use them.

It may be a requirement under FMCSA part 393.