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Topic: Joystick/Retarder Problem (Read 862 times) previous topic - next topic

Joystick/Retarder Problem

Joystick "Off" (Zero Position), Retarder Switch "On", and as soon as I let up on the throttle, the Retarder engages; feels like Position 1 or 2.  The only way I can turn it off is with the "Master" Switch, or get back on the throttle.  This happened toward the end of a 350mi driving day.  The next day, the Retarder action was normal for about 2 hours, then the abnormal behavior recurred.  No Diagnostic Codes; transmission otherwise normal and fluid level normal.

My guess: maybe dirty connections in the body of the Joystick.  Anybody had the same thing happen and got an answer?

There is an Allison Shop South of me in Buda, and that will be my next stop, probably.

2003 U-270 w/ just over 90,000 miles.
Dan Spoor;  FTV 11082
Sold: 2003 34-ft U-270
(Sob!)

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #1 –
DH,
I am guessing that when it starts to act up, you can turn off the Retarder switch with out it coming on automaticly.
Still sounds like a switch issue. Mine will act like that is I leave the joy stick on a 1 or higher position.
on my coach the retarder is activated by air pressure on brake line.  Wonder if your switch is a mechanical arm type instead of air pressure that goes on when you move the brake pedal ?

Crazy indeed

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #2 –
Thanks, Dave.  Yes, I can kill it with the Retarder Master Switch.  But this one (and all others I have owned) will stay "off" with M.S. "On", so long as the Joystick stays in "Zero". Or "should".

Today or tomorrow I'll go out for a run and see what I have.  It may just go away!

Dan
Dan Spoor;  FTV 11082
Sold: 2003 34-ft U-270
(Sob!)

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #3 –
As I understood the operation of the retarder,joystick positions are 1 thru 6,,no zero,,,,zero is achived by turning the retarder switch OFF.
Gary & Sharon Karnes
1999 295 WTFE 3600

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #4 –
Quote from: sgkarnes –
As I understood the operation of the retarder,joystick positions are 1 thru 6,,no zero,,,,zero is achived by turning the retarder switch OFF.

I just checked the joystick on our coach. There are seven distinct positions. In the most forward position, the joystick has no effect. In the other positions, the retarder is engaged if the accelerator pedal is at the "zero" position and the coach is moving above some minimum speed. It disengages with when the accelerator is not in the zero position, either by foot pressure or cruise control.

If the retarder switch is on, the retarder is engaged when the service brake is engaged. If the retarder switch is off, the retarder is not linked to the brakes.

I don't know if the joystick with engage the retarder if the switch is off. I plan to check that out next time I drive the coach.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #5 –
Check to make sure the brake lights are not staying on, or if you have a bulb with a bad filament that is shorted, it will  activate the retarder.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #6 –
Jeez Bill, I never thought of that one about the brake light if the brake switch is stuck on, a great point.

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #7 –
Dan,
I have the exact same situation with my cruise control.  It never happens when I first start out for the day.  It starts to misbehave after three and a half to four hours of travel and will continue for as long as we continue to drive.  It is more likely to start after a short rest stop rather than as we are traveling down the Interstate.  Mine showed this behavior the first time when the coach was just a year or two old and has happened on and off even since.  I might go a year without it happening at all.  I have had FOT look at it as well as Kieth at Encore and neither could solve it although Kieth thought it could be one of three switches associated with the retarder.  A couple of times I seemed to cure it by turning off the retarder with the master switch and leaving it off for an hour, or so, and then turning it back on.  I have checked my brake lights and that is not my problem.
If you find a cure be sure and post it.
Paul
Paul
36' 2000 U320
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #8 –
We've not noticed any problems with the retarder. We have had issues with the cruise control. The cruise control issue appeared to be related to a sticky brake light switch. Jabbing and releasing the service brake a time or two while under way seemed to clear the problem immediately. The issue recurred intermittently for a couple of months, but hasn't been an issue for almost a year.

I know a brake light switch was sticky for a while. The lights would sometimes stay on after the coach was parked. A jab of the service brake pedal would cause the lights to turn off.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #9 –
The Joystick has an "Off" position which I refer to as "Zero".  I know there is also a "zero-throttle" position widely known as "Zero" and it is also an "Off" (sort of).

If the Joystick is in 1 thru 6 while cruising (throttle greater that "zero", the Retarder does not activate.  If you forget that, and start down a hill, the throttle goes to "Zero", and it is kinda a surprise.  [And that will also kick off the CC.]

The malfunction I have is that the Retarder activates itself even though the Joystick is at "Zero" or "Off". 

The Brakelights may be the answer, thanks!  I'll check that next!
Dan Spoor;  FTV 11082
Sold: 2003 34-ft U-270
(Sob!)

Re: Joystick/Retarder Problem

Reply #10 –
Quote from: D.H. Spoor –
The Joystick has an "Off" position which I refer to as "Zero".  I know there is also a "zero-throttle" position widely known as "Zero" and it is also an "Off" (sort of).

If the Joystick is in 1 thru 6 while cruising (throttle greater that "zero", the Retarder does not activate.  If you forget that, and start down a hill, the throttle goes to "Zero", and it is kinda a surprise.  [And that will also kick off the CC.]

The malfunction I have is that the Retarder activates itself even though the Joystick is at "Zero" or "Off". 

The Brakelights may be the answer, thanks!  I'll check that next!
Hmmm...If activation of the brake light by some sort of shorting wires or malfunctioning switches causes this problem, it would mean that the mere activation of the brake light (by whichever method) causes the air brake system switch to engage the retarder...in the "zero" position?  Hard to understand this outcome.  I vote for a faulty retarder joy stick switch.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH