Operating Characteristics

When you remove your foot from the accelerator, and the upper half of the exhaust brake switch is pressed in with the amber LED illuminated, the exhaust brake is applied. The following conditions should exist if the brake is operating properly:

• A slight change in the sound of the engine may be noticed when the exhaust brake is applied.

• Exhaust smoke should appear as normal.

• Engine temperature should remain in the normal operating range.

• Road speed usually decreases when the exhaust brake is applied during a descent. When the vehicle is carrying a heavy load or the grade is extremely steep, the driver may need to apply the service brakes occasionally.

• Do not expect a retarding effect similar to sudden hard application of the service brakes. The exhaust brake retards the vehicle with a smooth braking effect.

• During a descent, the tachometer usually shows a drop in rpm depending on the grade and the vehicle load.

• Depending on the grade and vehicle load, you may or may not feel the retarding force acting against your body when the brake is applied. The retarding force of the brake may not always be noticed, but it is actually preventing the vehicle from going much faster.