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Topic: Transmission Retarder (Read 585 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission Retarder

Is the transmission retarder fused?
No reaction when I apply the retarder.
The light in the retarder switch does not illuminate either. It does illuminate when I apply the brakes with the pedal.
Rick and Julie
Grand Villa
Build #4689
1995 4000 U280SE WTBI
8.3L 300HP Cummins

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #1 –
Unless you have the "joystick" option.... in later years it was available as standard, the retarder is only active when you apply the brakes. That is the normal operation.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #2 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
Unless you have the "joystick" option.... in later years it was available as standard, the retarder is only active when you apply the brakes. That is the normal operation.
Yes, I have the "joystick ".
Rick and Julie
Grand Villa
Build #4689
1995 4000 U280SE WTBI
8.3L 300HP Cummins

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #3 –
If the retarder works with the activation of the brake pedal and not the joystick..... have you tried unplugging the joystick from the "Y" connector or the control module? Sounds like an issue with the joystick or it's control module rather than the retarder if the retarder works upon brake activation.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #4 –
I have had a couple of similar quirks with my retarder and ECU / Keypad so I have sent it to Transmission Instruments for a rebuild in hopes that John can update / upgrade the controls and the issues will be resolved.

With no fault codes shown and all connections appearing clean and tight, I attributed it to a 26 year old controller. We will see.....🤷‍♂️
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #5 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
If the retarder works with the activation of the brake pedal and not the joystick..... have you tried unplugging the joystick from the "Y" connector or the control module? Sounds like an issue with the joystick or it's control module rather than the retarder if the retarder works upon brake activation.
The retarder does not work with the joystick or the brake pedal. But the light in the retarder rocker switch illuminates when you apply the brakes with the pedal.
Rick and Julie
Grand Villa
Build #4689
1995 4000 U280SE WTBI
8.3L 300HP Cummins

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #6 –
Thanks to all who responded. After wiggling all the connections "wala" all is good!
Rick and Julie
Grand Villa
Build #4689
1995 4000 U280SE WTBI
8.3L 300HP Cummins

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #7 –
I have had a similar issue except the light nor the retarder would function. I could unplug the joystick and module connectors under the dash and SOMETIMES.......... it would start working for a while. I could not find anything loose and all connectors were clean.

Glad you were able to get it working again. I am keeping fingers crossed that the update by John at Transmission Instruments will resolve my issues.

Happy Trails..... ^.^d
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #8 –
If you are having connection problems use a tip cleaner to check if there is loose female connection within the connector.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Transmission Retarder

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Rick & Julie –
Thanks to all who responded. After wiggling all the connections "wala" all is good!
If it gives any more trouble, you could try unplugging all the connectors in the harness that you wiggled and spray a little WD40 on the terminals. Then plug, unplug, and re-plug in all the connectors. This has worked better for me that using dielectric grease (on old connectors), unless there's a poor connection at the wire/terminal crimp. On new, or old, connectors that have no issues, I prefer silicone dielectric grease.

Greg
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370