Compression Brake; Air Brakes; System Components - Fleetwood EXPEDITION User Manual

On The Road
Compression Brake
Important: The Compression Brake is a
vehicle slowing device, not a vehicle stopping
device. It is not a substitute for the vehicle
service brakes. Use of the Compression Brake
for vehicle downhill control and slowing
down on level terrain will allow the service
brakes to remain cool and ready for any
emergency.
OPERATION
To get the best result from the compression
brake, it is necessary to observe several simple
operating principles.
The compression brake is activated when the
following conditions are satisfied.
1. The compression brake dash ON/OFF
switch is in the on position.
2. The engine is not being fueled (foot off the
throttle pedal).
The Allison Transmission provides for optimum
retarding downshift operation when the com-
pression brake is selected. When the compres-
sion brake dash switch is turned ON and your
foot is removed from the throttle pedal, the
transmission will immediately preselect a lower
gear. The gear preselected is usually second
gear, however, your vehicle may have been pro-
grammed for either third or fourth. The trans-
mission then starts to downshift through the
gears to reach the preselect gear. Downshifting
occurs at a higher speed than is usual when the
compression brake is turned on. This allows the
compression brake to provide the maximum
retarding power.
Operation on Wet or Icy Roads
It is recommended that on wet and slippery or
icy roads that the compression brake not be left
in the automatic mode. The ON/OFF switch
should be in the OFF position.
Operation of the compression brake is recom-
mended only when you have good traction with
05-14
the road surface. Operation on wet roads should
be undertaken with extreme care and at the dri-
ver's discretion.
NOTE
I
If your transmission does not operate as described,
then it may need to be programmed. Contact your
local dealer for details.
AIR BRAKES
Your motor home is equipped with air brakes.
Air brakes are more sensitive than hydraulic
brakes. Practice stopping in a safe, unobstructed
area until you get the feel of the brake pedal.
The green needle on the air pressure gauge indi-
cates front brake system air pressure. The red
needle indicates rear brake system air pressure.
Please note that the vehicle will not move until
air pressure is sufficient to release the brake
safety springs. A dash indicator will light and a
buzzer will sound until the proper operating
pressure is reached.
System Components
Air Compressor
The air compressor pumps air into the air stor-
age tanks. It is gear driven by the motor home
engine.
Air Tanks
These tanks hold compressed air for the brake
system. They will hold enough air to allow the
brakes to be used several times even if the com-
pressor stops working. Entrapped liquid is
drained automatically from the air tanks.
Consult the Chassis Operator's/Owner's
Guide/Manual for additional information.
Air Dryer
Compressed air usually has some water and
compressor oil in it. This compressed air is
cycled through a dryer to remove air system
contaminants. Consult the Chassis Operator's/
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