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If your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary brake, follow the instructions provided in the auxiliary brake owner's manual. Failure to follow the instructions during wet or slippery conditions could reduce vehicle control and result in personal injury or death. |
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Auxiliary brakes should not be used as a primary or service brake. The vehicle's service brake must be used in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. |
Certain exhaust brakes are approved for use on these engines. Refer to the Truck Engine Application and Installation Guide or see your Caterpillar dealer for more information. For information on the specific exhaust brake that is installed on your vehicle, refer to the information that is provided by the OEM of the vehicle.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) of this vehicle may interrupt the operation of the auxiliary engine brake during the actuation of the ABS. Compression brakes and exhaust brakes are typical examples of auxiliary engine brakes. For information on the operation of the ABS, refer to the literature that is provided by the OEM of the vehicle.
The exhaust brake provides additional braking in order to slow the vehicle on grades and curves. The exhaust brake is useful when a reduction of speed is necessary, but a long application of the service brake is not desired. Controlling the slowing or downhill speed of a vehicle by using the exhaust brake results in reduced wear on brake linings and brake drums. A reduced wear on these components helps to save the service brakes for emergency stopping requirements.
An exhaust brake generates the maximum retarding effect at the engine's maximum rated rpm. As the engine rpm decreases, the performance of the exhaust brake also decreases. For maximum available retarding, the operator should select a gear which will provide the desired road speed at the highest allowable engine rpm.
To maximize the benefit of the exhaust brake, the exhaust brake should be used whenever the operator wants to slow the vehicle. The exhaust brake should be kept in the ON position during all normal operating conditions.
The operation of any vehicle under slippery conditions requires caution. This is also true when a vehicle with an exhaust brake is operated. As a general rule, start with the exhaust brake in the OFF position and ensure that the vehicle maintains control through natural retardation. Then activate the exhaust brake at the lowest power setting. Increase the power setting as conditions improve.
Operating the Exhaust Brake
The exhaust brake is controlled by a switch on the dashboard. Before starting the engine, ensure that the switch is in the OFF position.
After the engine is started, turn the switch to the ON position. The switch may stay in the ON position during engine operation. The exhaust brake will only activate when no fuel is supplied to the engine. The exhaust brake will help to slow the vehicle when no pressure is applied to the throttle pedal or to the clutch pedal.
The exhaust brake may be programmed to one of three modes:
- "COAST"
- "LATCH"
- "MANUAL"
The "COAST" mode and the "LATCH" mode require the Cruise Control switch to be in the ON position. The "COAST" mode and the "LATCH" mode do not require the Cruise Control to be active. In the "COAST" mode or the "LATCH" mode, the exhaust brake is activated by the service brake. Using the service brake will deactivate the Cruise Control. However, the service brake does not turn the Cruise Control to the OFF position.
In the "MANUAL" mode, it is not necessary to depress the service brake in order to activate the exhaust brake.
If the "Cruise Control ON/OFF" switch is in the OFF position, the exhaust brake will activate regardless of the service brake.
"COAST" Mode
If the exhaust brake is programmed to "COAST" and the Cruise Control switch is in the ON position, the exhaust brake will activate when the service brake is depressed. In the "COAST" mode, the braking power is provided by both the service brake and the exhaust brake.
The exhaust brake will deactivate when the service brake is released.
"LATCH" Mode
If the exhaust brake is programmed to "LATCH" and the Cruise Control switch is in the ON position, the exhaust brake will activate when the service brake is depressed.
The exhaust brake remains active when the service brake is released. The exhaust brake remains active until the throttle pedal or the clutch pedal is depressed, or the engine speed drops below 900 rpm.
"MANUAL" Mode
If the exhaust brake is programmed to "MANUAL", the exhaust brake will activate regardless of the service brake or the position of the Cruise Control switch.
The exhaust brake will turn off once the engine exceeds 900 rpm during acceleration. Once you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal, the exhaust brake should turn on again within 0.25 seconds. The exhaust brake will only activate when no fuel is supplied to the engine. The exhaust brake will activate when no pressure is applied to the throttle pedal or to the clutch pedal.