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Topic: Retarder intermittent (Read 501 times) previous topic - next topic

Retarder intermittent

My retarder continues to quit intermittently.  Will sometimes work for a few applications and then die...no lights, no fault codes, just inop.  After sitting overnight, it'll start working again for a while.  Can't do much troubleshooting now since I'm in rv park mode.

Initially thought it was water contamination of the connectors on the trans...I've removed all the connectors I can find on the joystick, on-off switch (tested), trans and accumulator bodies and cleaned and lubed them with same effect on last couple of drives...it quit again after a few applications.

Question for the masses...has anyone had the same symptoms and what did you do?  Could a failing accumulator solenoid cause the intermittent symptoms I'm seeing?  Shouldn't it and other system component failures throw a fault code?

If the solenoid might be the culprit, anyone have any idea what the differences are in the OEM solenoids I found on ebay and the chinee aftermarket models sold by Allison.  29547934, 29544455 and 29557354.  The first two look identical to Allison OEM but with a different solenoid number, and the 3rd is the chinee one.  The prices are $250 plus and won't pull the trigger on one until I know it'll most likely fix my issue.

Thanks in advance...Woody.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Retarder intermittent

Reply #1 –
Does the trans show fault codes?  No idea if they store them or even have them.  Just a thought
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Retarder intermittent

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Pyolet –
1. Question for the masses...has anyone had the same symptoms and what did you do?
2.  Could a failing accumulator solenoid cause the intermittent symptoms I'm seeing? 
3. Shouldn't it  throw a fault code?

1. Yes
2. Not likely as it is like rover when dead he is dead all over. BUT you could have trash in the valve its self.  If you have the style that can be taken apart you may just find a dirt/mud dauber nest inside causing the valve to stick.
3. No

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Retarder intermittent

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Pyolet –
My retarder continues to quit intermittently.  Will sometimes work for a few applications and then die...no lights, no fault codes, just inop.  After sitting overnight, it'll start working again for a while.  Can't do much troubleshooting now since I'm in rv park mode.

Initially thought it was water contamination of the connectors on the trans...I've removed all the connectors I can find on the joystick, on-off switch (tested), trans and accumulator bodies and cleaned and lubed them with same effect on last couple of drives...it quit again after a few applications.

Question for the masses...has anyone had the same symptoms and what did you do?  Could a failing accumulator solenoid cause the intermittent symptoms I'm seeing?  Shouldn't it and other system component failures throw a fault code?

If the solenoid might be the culprit, anyone have any idea what the differences are in the OEM solenoids I found on ebay and the chinee aftermarket models sold by Allison.  29547934, 29544455 and 29557354.  The first two look identical to Allison OEM but with a different solenoid number, and the 3rd is the chinee one.  The prices are $250 plus and won't pull the trigger on one until I know it'll most likely fix my issue.

Thanks in advance...Woody.

Have you checked the simple thing? The relay in the front right of dash? Bosh relays go bad, but not often.

Ours did the opposite. Trans over temp bell in dash would go off intermittently. Mostly when cold. Turned out being the retarder sender. No code on Silverleaf.

I have the big dollar Allison trouble shooting book, it has all the part numbers. Let me look at it.

I searched, and they wanted $550.00 for sender unit, but the book showed just the sender. Simple repair, Allison part was $100.00.

I would stay away from import junk. I have bought Cat Chinese parts, ended up throwing away as junk. Sure the same goes for Allison stuff.

Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348