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finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

December 22, 2016, 10:46:17 am

I am assisting a mechanic install a SMI "Smart Box" supplemental toad braking system with a RF control module near the dash. The directions say to locate the cold side of the brake light switch for the 12V wire that is active when the brakes are on. We are struggling to locate this.

Can anyone make suggestions to help locate the brake light switch on a 2001 U320? If this is a really basic question, please have patience...

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #1 – December 22, 2016, 10:57:09 am

The switch is going to be an air operated switch. It probably is located under the front of the coach on a manifold type block that has other pressure switches and air lines coming off it.

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #2 – December 22, 2016, 12:17:05 pm

Micheal, isn't that going to be on the toad? The brake switch is usually down around the brake pedal, there should be a switch that when you step on the brake it activates the brake lights. Or call SMI, they will walk you through it.

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #3 – December 22, 2016, 01:20:01 pm

A quick search of the forum for brake light switch found this:

Sticky Brake Light Switch

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #4 – December 22, 2016, 01:51:20 pm

Typically located inside the front driver's basement compartment in the Unicoaches.  The Unihomes may vary.

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #5 – December 22, 2016, 10:57:58 pm

In case you have not found the motorhome brake light switch, it is probably located on forward upper wall of street-side forward compartment.  We have two air pressure switches that close to turn on brake lights when front or rear air brakes systems are active.  Also the brake lights come via a relay that is closed when transmission retarder is active.

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #6 – December 22, 2016, 11:49:39 pm

Barry, I think that is were Peter's photos show them to be as he posts a couple before you did.
JohnH

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #7 – December 23, 2016, 11:36:20 am

Thank you All for your help and suggestions. We got the mission accomplished, ...with your help.

I was not too clear, we were looking for the "cold" 12V wire from the brake switch in the coach to tell the RF unit to tell the toad to turn on its brakes. We finally found it; the pictures helped!

I'll confess a moment of "not so smart": we spent an hour or more looking for the reason the brake light was not energizing, searching for a blown fuse or circuit breaker. Then came the moment we realized that the coach had to be started to get the air brakes pressurized again, then the brake light wire worked perfectly. Well, ...its a learning process!

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Re: finding coach brake light switch, 2001 U320

Reply #8 – December 23, 2016, 11:43:32 am

All good things come in time.

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