Anti-Lock Braking Systems; Driving On Flat, Dry Pavement; Descending A Long, Steep Grade - Detroit Diesel MBE 900 Operator's Manual

ENGINE BRAKE SYSTEM
be activated only when the engine is
in overrun. When constant rpm has
been attained, the engine brake is
automatically turned off.
Anti-Lock Braking
Systems
Vehicles equipped with Anti-lock
Braking Systems (ABS) have the
ability to turn the engine brake
retarder OFF if a wheel-slip condition
is detected. The engine brake will
automatically turn itself ON once
the wheel slip is no longer detected.
The DDEC system will deactivate
the engine brake system when the
engine speed falls below 1000 rpm
or when the vehicle slows down to
a pre-set speed, depending on MCM
programming. This prevents stalling
the engine. Engine brakes can also
be used with vehicle Cruise Control
TURNED ON.
Driving on Flat, Dry
Pavement
Use the following guidelines when
driving on flat, dry pavement:
1. If driving on flat, dry, open
stretches with a light load and
greater slowing power is not
required, place the progressive
braking switch in the LOW
position.
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DDC-SVC-MAN-0040 0704 Copyright © 2008 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
2. If you find you are still using the
service brakes, move the switch
to a higher position until you do
not need to use the service brakes
to slow the vehicle down.
3. If you are carrying a heavier load
and road traction is good, move
the progressive braking switch to
the "High" position.
4. Check your progressive braking
switch often for proper position,
since road conditions can change
quickly. Never skip a step when
operating the progressive braking
switch. Always go from OFF
to LOW, and then to a higher
position.
Descending a Long, Steep
Grade
An explanation of "control speed"
may be helpful in understanding how
to use the engine brake system while
descending a grade. Control Speed
is the constant speed at which the
forces pushing the vehicle forward on
a grade are equal to the forces holding
it back, without using the vehicle
service brakes. In other words, this
is the speed the vehicle will maintain
without using the service brakes or
fueling.
All information subject to change without notice. (Rev. 04/08)