SERIES 60 ON-HIGHWAY ENGINE OPERATOR'S GUIDE PERSONAL INJURY BRAKE FADE 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. 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. NOTICE:
Failure to keep the vehicle within safe control speed limits while descending a grade may result in vehicle or property damage or both. Use the following guidelines when descending a long, steep grade: 3. Do not exceed the safe control speed of your vehicle. Example: You could descend a 6% grade, under control only at 10 mph (16 kph) without an engine brake, but at 25 mph (40 kph) with an engine brake. You could not descend that same hill at 50 mph (80 kph) 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. 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. 4. Check your progressive braking switch often for proper position, since road conditions can change quickly. Never skip a step when All information subject to change without notice. 43 DDC-SVC-MAN-0039 Copyright © 2009 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION