Jake brake problem

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by txviking, Jul 21, 2009.

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  1. Jul 21, 2009 #1
    txviking

    txviking <strong>Trucker Geek</strong>

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    I'm having a problem with my jake brakes. Stage 1 doesn't do anything; stage 2 and stage 3 both feel like they're engaging stage 2 (no difference between them.) Any idea what the likely culprit is for this, and what I'd look at to fix?

    I'm wondering if it could be something as simple as a defective switch, but I'd rather have some input before I go replacing parts at random. How do I best diagnose this?
     
    txviking, Jul 21, 2009
    txviking, Jul 21, 2009
    #1
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  3. Jul 21, 2009 #2
    cat from the valley

    cat from the valley Medium Load Member

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    knowing the type engine would help us
     
    cat from the valley, Jul 21, 2009
    cat from the valley, Jul 21, 2009
    #2
  4. Jul 21, 2009 #3
    Elvenhome21

    Elvenhome21 Heavy Load Member

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    stage 1 should be just 2 cylinders on a 3 stage so if a solenoid for those 2 cyl is having a problem then you wont have anything more then 4 cyl working which would act like stage 2 even if you have the third stage on because the stage 1 cyl arent engaging.
     
    Elvenhome21, Jul 21, 2009
    Elvenhome21, Jul 21, 2009
    #3
    Baack and cetanediesel Thank this.
  5. Jul 21, 2009 #4
    The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    The engine is a 3406E set at 550HP. to the op, i am sorry if i provided the wrong information.

    KH
     
    The Challenger, Jul 21, 2009
    The Challenger, Jul 21, 2009
    #4
  7. Jul 21, 2009 #5
    05chopper

    05chopper Light Load Member

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    Good call! Do you have the rocker covers off should be a i/d of what type brake your have on a tag. A lot of the time it could be the switch with the covers off double check the slave setting. the solenoid should have a button on the top of it.while its running depress each solenoid with a red rag this will mechanically activate the brake.Broken springs under the allen headed bolt tin cover CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS TOO.
     
    05chopper, Jul 21, 2009
    05chopper, Jul 21, 2009
    #5
    tommygun58 Thanks this.
  8. Jul 22, 2009 #6
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF

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    Broken or loose wire.


    A former truck of mine did the same thing. I found out after it was no longer mine
    a mechanic found a wire issue.
     
    Brickman, Jul 22, 2009
    Brickman, Jul 22, 2009
    #6
  9. Jul 22, 2009 #7
    txviking

    txviking <strong>Trucker Geek</strong>

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    Caterpillar 3406E. Serial starts with 6TS if that matters.
    927K miles on engine, and it's completely stock 475HP.
     
    txviking, Jul 22, 2009
    txviking, Jul 22, 2009
    #7
  10. Jul 22, 2009 #8
    txviking

    txviking <strong>Trucker Geek</strong>

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    Haven't taken the covers off yet.
     
    txviking, Jul 22, 2009
    txviking, Jul 22, 2009
    #8
  11. Jul 22, 2009 #9
    05chopper

    05chopper Light Load Member

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    With out cats ET I would check under valve cover area first check by activating each solenoid.This will tell if you need to check electrical wiring back to the ecm then to the brake switch then to the control dash brake switch.
     
    05chopper, Jul 22, 2009
    05chopper, Jul 22, 2009
    #9
  12. Jul 22, 2009 #10
    txviking

    txviking <strong>Trucker Geek</strong>

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    I will try checking the solenoids. I was aware of this problem when I bought the truck, and we DID hook up a CAT Electronic Technician computer to it. The ECM is showing no related codes (in fact, it shows no codes period -- clean bill of health.)
     
    txviking, Jul 22, 2009
    txviking, Jul 22, 2009
    #10
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