96 Pete 357 Jake Brake Switch

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Lowboy456, Feb 13, 2022.

  1. Lowboy456

    Lowboy456 Light Load Member

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    Hi I was wondering if someone can tell me where to get a jake brake switch for this Dump truck.
    It has a dual stage brake.

    The factory switch was off on the lowest position, one jake in the middle and both jakes in the top position.

    I think I can make an on on on 3 position 6 term switch work by running nothing to the lowest position, jake 1 to the center and use some jumpers to make both jakes work in the 3rd position.
    These Jakes work with 12V positive only and get ground from engine block.

    I had no idea Peterbilt would want over 300 bucks for it and not even have it available.
    I can find on off on switches all day but not this guy.

    Here is the switch I had in mind.
    Toggle switch 3 position, DPDT, On-On-On. - Steinair Inc.
     
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2022
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  3. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    If yours only runs on two positions, I would probably just use three switches.

    One is the main on-off switch that powers the other switches and you would run power to both switches from there and just run the wire from each head to each switch.

    When you flip the main switch you will either have one head or two heads activated. Or you can leave the main switch on and toggle them as you need. Very simple and inexpensive.

    You could run the switch you're talking about but it would be easier with three switches and less expensive.

    No offense to anyone with Peterbilt but man Peterbilt sucks the absolute worst for getting parts. When I briefly had that Peterbilt before I pulled the engine out and gladly chopped it up into pieces and sold the parts off, I called them for parts and they were zero help whatsoever. The best day of my life besides chopping that piece of crap into pieces was getting my Freightliner and dtnaconnect with the best parts support anywhere for any truck ever.

    And again, no offense but I hate Peterbilt and I hate their trucks and I hate their stinky Parts service and support and their crazy outrageous prices for everything.

    It actually angers me that Peterbilt would try to rape you like that. But it does not surprise me at all.

    And then some guys get upset because I say the belt buckle is expensive.

    $300 for a switch that you can buy at the parts store all three of them for probably $12.

    That sounds reasonable... of course, there's nothing reasonable or practical about Peterbilt.

    Everything about it is just more money.

    At any rate, that should inexpensively solve your problem.

    Sorry for the rant, but that's just ridiculous. And that's just Peterbilt.
     
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2022
  4. Lowboy456

    Lowboy456 Light Load Member

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    You can actually do it with 2 on/off switches but I didn't want to drill another hole in the dash and deviate from the simplicity of how it came stock with one switch.
    Someone told me that their outrageous prices on parts cover warranty on new trucks. And you know a Peterbilt ain't gonna need a darn thing until the day after the warranty expires.
    I bet that switch is not available because no one is dumb enough to buy one.
    I'd twist two wires together before I would pay that much for a switch. LOL!
     
  5. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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  6. Lowboy456

    Lowboy456 Light Load Member

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    Thanks I saw that one but that one is for a 3 stage jake and I have a 2 stage.

    The stock switch function was -
    lower position - off
    middle position - one jake
    top position - both jakes

    No grounds only 12V positive.
    Their might be a way to make that one work.

    The one I have already ordered from Napa I'm gonna have to ohm it out in each position to see what pins have continuity through out the range to see how to make it work.
    Might have to use a relay to get two on at the same time in the top position.
     
  7. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Dont bother, take old switch apart (order 2 new and take 1 apart)

    Itll give you a much more solid understanding of whats happening
     
  8. Lowboy456

    Lowboy456 Light Load Member

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    We had one ordered from Napa they sent one with the top being a momentary switch. Took it back and they sent another wrong switch.
    Now we have an on, off on switch. It has 6 terms and both sides work independent of one another.. In other words if there is nothing plugged in the middle term on one side no other terms get any signal in all positions.

    With that switch one jake works on top and one jake works on bottom but never both jakes.
    I could with a relay take a sample of one of the 12V signals to make a relay turn both jakes on at the same time but I don't want to run all that unnecessary wiring.
     
  9. RocketScott

    RocketScott Medium Load Member

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    You should be able to jumper the middle two terminals so they both have power
    Then connect one jake on one side of the switch and two on the other
     
    Lowboy456 Thanks this.
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