Broken Jake Brake

[yellow jacket]

Does anyone have any idea what might have gone wrong with my factory {dealer} installed jake brake?? I can hear the click when I pull the plunger but nothing comes on. I don't hear that familiar air sound. Is there an inline fuse or maybe a disconnected air hose?

Thanks

Yellowjacket

 

[GerryDrake]

Jake failure

The only problem I ever had with mine is that in the 14 months/19K I have had it, about half a dozen times the switch did nothing. No red light, no activation. That has always resolved itself within 5 or 10 minutes. I have NO idea why. In checking the first time, I did find that there is an inline fuse very close to the driver's side battery where they connected for 12V, but the fuse and fuse holder were good.



Dealer installed Jake brakes are under the 3yr/36K warranty if that is what it comes to.



Good luck. . Gerry

 

[mgonske]

I've had three problems with mine. First, the bolts that go through the vacuum pump bracket into the pump failed, with subsequent loss of serpentine belt in the middle of Kansas. #@$%!



More recently, the shifter mounted switch quit working properly (this might be related to your problem). Pulling the switch out all the way failed to illuminate the indicator light (or cause the brake to operate); however putting a little downward pressure on the switch (a pain, because you can't just pull it out, you then have to think about it and manipulate it--and this is an early '03, which means the brake will continue to hiss while stopped at an intersection, if you don't constantly turn it off and back on) would illuminate the light and the brake would work)--obviously a case of some wear/alignment issue on the contacts. I haven't gotten around to trying to disassemble the switch yet, to see if I can fix it. Try playing with the switch a little and see if you get results.



Most recently, when I got the truck back from the dealer for scheduled maintenance (yes, I trust him), the light didn't work (actually looks like it might be missing--as if the mechanic tried switch disassembly ). Now I just have to go by the feel that I learned of when the switch has enough downward pressure. I plan to order a replacement from Cummins, but keep forgetting.