Hi the previous owner to my coach installed a PAC brake foot switch. He did this by removing the exhaust brake switch out and exhaust brake on/off wires from the exhaust brake switch in the side console and connecting them with a foot switch. (see attached). From what I can gather is that in the factory configuration the exhaust brake switch connects ignition power to exhaust brake out and sensor common to exhaust brake off/on. Not quite sure what sensor common is., signal back to ecu or just ground? Others seem self explanatory.
I have grown accustom to this in that it offers more control to the application of the PAC brake to allow coasting and JUST engine braking, but I am concerned if this is the "best way" to do this. I am wondering if a better way would be to just put the foot switch in the exhaust brake out line (ECU in Manual engine retarder mode) and have the exhaust brake on the control panel engaged. Also this configuration does NOT disengage the cruse control when engaging just the pac brake foot switch. ( makes for exciting drive before you realize what is going on)
Another question that arises is: Does this impact the operation of the ECU and pac brake and is there potential engine/pac brake damage?
as I understand the factory operation of the PAC brake, you tell the engine ecu you want to use the PAC brake via the control panel switch and it has control on when it engages it or not depending on the mode preprogramed in the ECU.
What I am trying to achieve is something like the Coast mode (see attached) without having to remember to turn the cruise control ON at every startup and not inadvertently turning it off. The folks at CAT were also not clear if the cruise needed to be just on or engaged.
Please note: the engine brake diagram attached is preliminary for the c-13 chassis but it is what rev could find.
Or does it matter.
Since this is the only PAC brake equipped coach I have ever driven... Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks Jim
(yes I know...for those who love puzzles with too much time on their hands but I still don't want to blow up an engine!)
