Detroit Diesel MBE 900 Operator's Manual page 68

BRAKE FADE
To avoid injury, do not over
apply the vehicle service brakes
when descending a long, steep
grade. Excessive use of the
vehicle brakes will cause them
to heat up, reducing their
stopping ability. This condition,
referred to as "brake fade", may
result in loss of braking, which
could lead to personal injury or
vehicle/property damage or both.
Use the following guidelines when
descending a long, steep grade:
1. Before beginning the descent,
determine if your engine brake
system is operating properly by
lifting your foot briefly off the
throttle. You should feel the
system activate.
2. Ensure the progressive braking
switch is in the appropriate power
position.
All information subject to change without notice. (Rev. 04/08)
DDC-SVC-MAN-0040 0704 Copyright © 2008 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
MBE 900 ENGINE 2007 OPERATOR'S GUIDE
PERSONAL INJURY
Failure to keep the vehicle within
safe control speed limits while
descending a grade may result
in loss of vehicle control, which
could cause personal injury.
Failure to keep the vehicle within
safe control speed limits while
descending a grade may result in
vehicle or property damage or both.
3. Do not exceed the safe control
speed of your vehicle. Example:
You could descend a 6% grade,
under control only at 16 kph (10
mph) without an engine brake, but
at 40 kph (25 mph) with an engine
brake. You could not descend
that same hill at 80 kph (50 mph)
and still expect to remain under
control. Get to know how much
slowing power your engine brake
can provide. So get to know
your engine brake system before
climbing hills and do not exceed
a safe control speed.
4. Check your progressive braking
switch often for proper position,
since road conditions can change
quickly. Never skip a step when
NOTICE:
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