Engine brake won't turn off.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by SlugLife, Apr 30, 2014.

  1. SlugLife

    SlugLife Light Load Member

    Truck in question is an '09 Freightliner Columbia.
    The truck does fine in the low gears. Toggle switch in the off position. And i'm pretty sure it's the high setting that it's stuck on.
    Wondering if anyone else had experienced this. I tried to explain it to the overnight shop guys but he want getting it. This is a temp truck until mine is fixed and he doesn't see this as an issue more as a minor annoyance

    However, the issue is I can't shift gears with engine brake on. Especially with a heavy load. He'll even with a light load. And it's becoming dangerous.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

    1,105
    817
    Apr 2, 2014
    Tennessee
    0
    Check your fuse panel diagram. There will be a fuse that is marked Engine Brake. Pull it out until you get back to a shop and get it checked or if its pretty easy to get the dash off where the brake switch is, just take it off and pull the plug off the jake brake.
     
  4. SlugLife

    SlugLife Light Load Member

    I'm checking the fuse box under the dash cover on the passenger side and I don't see a fuse marked engine brake. Did sound like a promising idea but doesn't seem to be a fuse in that location for it. I've also found there are 2 engine brake switch set ups. One is a single Toggle switch with HIGH Off LOW. The other set up is 2 switches. ON/OFF and HI/MED/LOW. I have the single switch set up if that makes a difference.
     
  5. Cowmobile

    Cowmobile Medium Load Member

    609
    1,233
    May 9, 2011
    The hammer lane....
    0
    Stop letting so far off the go pedal and it won't engage..
     
    Caterpillar Cowboy Thanks this.
  6. SlugLife

    SlugLife Light Load Member

    There is a problem with the system that I'm asking about.
    The engine brake shouldn't engage when the switch is off no matter where my foot is.
     
  7. 12 ga

    12 ga THE VIEW FROM MY OFFICE

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    That is right, I hardly ever turn my Jake off, only when going to do a lot of city driving.
     
  8. SlugLife

    SlugLife Light Load Member

    I'm asking about fixing the truck, not adjusting my driving to compensate for a mechanical/electrical problem.
     
  9. Cowmobile

    Cowmobile Medium Load Member

    609
    1,233
    May 9, 2011
    The hammer lane....
    0
    You said it was a temp truck anyway, I just gave you the simplest way to make it a non issue if you or the mechanics can't or won't fix it, but, whatever it's not my problem...
     
  10. 12 ga

    12 ga THE VIEW FROM MY OFFICE

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    Oct 21, 2013
    Central Michigan
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    Attitude is everything, especially with a mechanic.
     
  11. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    3,176
    11,086
    Dec 11, 2010
    West Monroe, La
    0
    Get a bigger hammer...
    Or, you could drive through one of those little towns that have a "No Engine Brake" ordinance. When you see that city kitty let off the pedal & let'er rip. When he gives you a ticket, take it (& your DVIR) to the DM & tell him you been trying to get this fixed with no luck, so its the company's baby. It will promptly get fixed.


    I'm sorry. I know I'm not helping you solve the problem. I shouldn't have been making jokes when your trying to get a legit problem solved.

    Good Luck my friend..
     
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