IC Bus BE Series, Operation And Maintenance Manual

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Operation
• Make a full stop. Let the brakes cool, then continue down
the grade in a lower gear range.
• The common rule to follow in using the engine and
transmission to control vehicle speed is to select the same
gear going down the hill that would be required to ascend
the hill.
• The service brakes should be used to supplement available
vehicle retardation.
When descending long grades
requiring use of the brakes, short applications (5 - 10
seconds duration) should be made rather than long, lighter,
continuous applications. This minimizes temperature brake
fade.
Hydraulic Brakes
Using the Full Power Brake System
WARNING
To prevent personal injury, or death, if the brake
pressure warning indicator comes on while
driving, be aware that your stopping distance
may be significantly increased. Safely stop the
vehicle as soon as possible and have the brake
system repaired immediately.
WARNING
To prevent property damage, personal injury,
and / or death, always check and maintain
brakes in proper condition and adjustment.
Out-of-adjustment brakes could cause reduced
braking ability.
The Full Power Brake System incorporates standard braking,
Antilock Braking (ABS), Automatic Traction Control (ATC), and
the Powered Parking brake into one fully integrated hydraulic
brake system.
With the Full Power Brake system, braking
energy is stored, similar to an air brake system, resulting in
faster response times and shorter stopping distances. This is
accomplished using motor / pump assemblies that pressurize
the system by pumping brake fluid into accumulators. This is
similar to the air compressor of an air brake system pressurizing
the air tanks.
The system includes a master cylinder that provides the normal
pedal feel and transfers the pedal force, via brake fluid, to the
main components of the Full Power brake system.
NOTE: The motor / pumps will run momentarily with the
Ignition switch in the ON / RUN or OFF positions to maintain
accumulator pressure.
Therefore, whenever the brake
pedal is depressed when with the Ignition switch in the OFF
position, the motor / pumps may be heard.
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