Operating on Wet Slippery Pavement
Experience with the engine brake system on dry pavement is recommended before
attempting to use it on wet or slippery roads.
Operate the engine brake system on wet or slippery pavement as follows:
1. On wet or slippery pavement, start with the status in the OFF position and
use the gear that would normally be used under these conditions.
CAUTION: LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL
To avoid injury from loss of vehicle control, do not activate the
Engine Brake system under the following conditions:
• On wet or slippery pavement, unless the vehicle is equipped
with ABS (anti-lock braking system) and you have had prior
experience driving under these conditions.
• When driving without a trailer (bobtailing) or pulling an empty
trailer.
• If the tractor drive wheels begin to lock or there is fishtail
motion after the Engine Brake is activated, deactivate the brake
system immediately if this occurs.
NOTE:
On single trailers or combinations, a light air application of the trailer
brakes may be desirable to help keep the trailer stretched out. Follow the
manufacturer's recommended operating procedure when using the trailer
brakes.
2. If the vehicle is maintaining traction, turn ON the engine brakes to the LOW
position. If the drive wheels are maintaining traction and greater slowing
power is desired, move the braking position to the next highest position.
3. If the vehicle drive wheels begin to lock or there is a fishtail motion, turn
the engine brake system OFF immediately and do not activate it until road
conditions improve.
4. Check the engine brake status often for proper position (LOW/MED/HIGH)
since road conditions can change quickly. Never skip a step when operating
the engine brake system. Always go from OFF to LOW and then to a higher
position.
Gen 5 DD Platform Operators Manual
All information subject to change without notice.
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DDC-SVC-MAN-0217
Copyright © 2020 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
