Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Exhaust Brake Stuck On

[Ted Constantine]

On the way home tonight I flipped on my BD exhaust brake while getting off a highway offramp and it would not turn off (release). I have thought for some time that it is not producing as much stopping power as it once did and it has not seen much use this winter since i have not been driving the truck and have done no towing.



It did release eventually, after a couple miles of limping. When i got home I was tinkering with it. I pushed the actuator button on the solenoid and the brake immediately engaged but would not release again. I ended up shutting the truck down with it engaged.



So how do I get it to release? Do you think this is a vacuum issue or something in the brake?



Thanks

Ted

 

[GCULP]

time to start trouble shooting, check your electrical connections at the relay, switch, and valve. Check the vacuum lines for leaks. disconnect the actuator and make sure the flapper move freely. Good luck.

 

[SnoKing]

On the way home tonight I flipped on my BD exhaust brake while getting off a highway offramp and it would not turn off (release). I have thought for some time that it is not producing as much stopping power as it once did and it has not seen much use this winter since i have not been driving the truck and have done no towing.



It did release eventually, after a couple miles of limping. When i got home I was tinkering with it. I pushed the actuator button on the solenoid and the brake immediately engaged but would not release again. I ended up shutting the truck down with it engaged.



So how do I get it to release? Do you think this is a vacuum issue or something in the brake?



Thanks

Ted

Get some carb cleaner and clean the solenoid valve. It is a common issue for it to stick after a year or two and needs cleaning. Sometimes it is the butterfly shaft on the brake itself sticking. Banks cycles there brake at each startup to help prevent this. SNOKING

 

[Ted Constantine]

Well it looks to me like it is in the spool valve. I have cleaned it in the past to try to fix a lack of retarding power. It had no effect then so I guess it is time to replace it. I will call BD in the AM and get a new valve. I am also worried about carbon build up in the brake causing the butterfly to stick. We will see. Thanks