Pacbrake problem...need advice...

[mconstable]

A couple of weeks my Pacbrake started working intermittently, need advice on where to start troubleshooting.



It is random... sometimes it works, sometimes not... sometimes it won't for a few days, then all of the sudden it will, then an hour or two later... nothing.



Any help will be appreciated.

 

[zzman]

Mine did that a while back, I think it was a bad connection on the white wire that goes into the box on the drivers side of the engine. I pushed it in real hard then it was ok.

Then I had an air leak or leaks and I thought it had started again. Tightened all the fittings and she works good again.

That's been my issues.

 

[wcjp]

Mine did this exact thing. It was a bad connection at the solenoid. The wiring goes into a black donut. I very lightly removed the insulation. Soldered the wire back to it's connection. Then covered with liquid insulation. It's been working for 2yrs now.

 

[KKaminski]

Aside from all these fixes, mine decided to puke the pacbrake compressor. It would still run, but the reed valves were so worn they allowed the circuit to reverse.

Fixed it by buying a 12 volt compressor from harbor freight and wired into the same lines as before - but this time, added a check valve. Seems to be working good, will update if I can remember.

 

[Pacbrake]

Hello, this is Chris from Pacbrake technical services. There are several things that could cause your brake to stop working intermittently. Is the compressor working? If so check the two wires that plug into the 50 pin connector at the ecm for a good connection. The throttle position sensor can also go out of calibration which can cause problems with brake activation. Give me a call at 1(800)663-0096 and I would be happy to help you.

 

[jelag]

PacBrake's instructions about pushing the 2 pins into the ecm while that connector is connected is crap... . I've gone around and around with Bill Lang about re writting the instructions to pull that connector and make sure the pins snap into place... i'm guessing that 80% of the self installed units we sell locally have this problem... and we add a sheet of paper to install in them that if you don't pull the connector and listen and see the snap than its going to give you grief... ... Bill at one time was on my side..... but they have a political machine that you can't believe...

Than it's a loose connection, and that's taking the time to sort the wiring to figure out whats up... .

Call their 800 and ask for a return call from Bill..... he understands... sometimes they tie his hands and won't let him call give me an email and I'll help... . I'm not back in the office until next week... . on vacation with the family...

 

[Matt400]

Check your spade connectors on the relays, vibrations can open them up, corrosion gets in there if you wash your underhood often. Just reseating them may be all that is needed.



The other thing is if the compressor is dying, PB has an updated unit.

 

[mconstable]

Thanks for the info guys... I'm not towing for a month, so it might be a couple of weeks until I get to it, but I'll post back what it was, so the next person having the same problem will have the info.

 

[mconstable]

Well... checked all the wires, all is good... if the compressor is going out, would it work off and on like mine is doing?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Mine stopped one day, the relay had given up (baked no doubt). You can test it by jumpering between pin 30 and 87 if I remember correctly - this should make the compressor run if all else is ok. NAPA has replacement relays (p/n AR201).

 

[TCDiesel]

PacBrake's instructions about pushing the 2 pins into the ecm while that connector is connected is crap... . I've gone around and around with Bill Lang about re writting the instructions to pull that connector and make sure the pins snap into place... i'm guessing that 80% of the self installed units we sell locally have this problem... and we add a sheet of paper to install in them that if you don't pull the connector and listen and see the snap than its going to give you grief... ... Bill at one time was on my side..... but they have a political machine that you can't believe...



Than it's a loose connection, and that's taking the time to sort the wiring to figure out whats up... .



Call their 800 and ask for a return call from Bill..... he understands... sometimes they tie his hands and won't let him call give me an email and I'll help... . I'm not back in the office until next week... . on vacation with the family...

X2... On the vacation side only 1 week? that's not enough My Pac compressor sits on the PDC on My 03 its been on the job everyday for close to 6 Years,engine mounted just shortens its life.