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Allison Retarder
Has anyone had the column switch lever go bad on their Allison? I can’t get my switch to behave like it’s in position 3-4. Position 1 is off, 2 is where I usually run it (comes on when you brake). Right now, if the dash switch is on, as soon as I get off the accelerator, it lights up. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jackson Whitacre
98 Liberty #373
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8 Replies
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If it is mechanical it will break. I haven’t heard anyone tell of problems with the retarder selector.
Just to be sure I understand what you describe I will try to explain how mine functions and how I use it.
The retarder switch on the dash has to be on.
With the selector in the #1 (full up) position there is no retarder action when you let up from the accelerator or the cruise control lets up. No light will light on the dash switch or provide an annunciator light on the dash because the retarder is not active.
But even with the selector in the #1 position and the retarder dash switch on the retarder functions in direct proportion to your braking effort automatically. You will get a light when braking to show the retarder is functioning.
If the selector is moved to any of the other positions from #2 on, then the retarder will function at a force relative to the position selected with #2 being the least effective and the lever all the way down being the most effective. The retarder will automatically engage with the letting up of the accelerator or cruise control and it will also engage with brake application. In all cases the retarder light will come on to reflect the retarder is functioning.
If I understand your post you indicate the retarder is not functioning at positions higher than the first “click” down. On your vintage coach you can verify retarder operation by noting the transmission temperature gauge. The harder the retarder works, the greater will be the transmission temperature. If the retarder control stalk is not causing the retarder to work in higher settings it may in fact be a defective stalk or bad connections.
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Jon: So I understand how the retarder works. If the retarder switch is ON and the level is in a position of 2-4, the retarder won’t work until I press the brake pedal?
Or will the retarder work in positions 2-4 without the brake pedal being pushed?
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The switch on the dash has to be on. If it is not on there will be no retarder function.
If the switch is On but the lever is all the way up the only time the retarder will work is when you apply the brakes and it will be proportional to brake application. The harder you step on the brake the more force the retarder will apply
If the stalk is in any position except the top position it will automatically engage the retarder when you lift your foot off the gas or the cruise control does the same thing. The further down you move the stalk, the greater the force the retarder will apply.
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Great explanation Jon! Thanks.
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Jon,
What you describe as normal operation is how my retarder has been working until now. Right now it’s acting like its stuck in position 3+. That is what makes me wonder about the stalk. Dash switch works fine. The lever changes nothing.
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It does sound very much like there is an issue with the stalk or associated connections.
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I have never seen a light on my dash indicating retarder function. Curious as to where it might be. My coach appears to be a frankenstein with regard to my dash, however. 1999 chassis equipped with early XLII style dash.
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On my previous coach the retarder tell-tale light was on the dash in the row with the other indicator lights and had some symbol I never could figure out. On my current coach the retarder master switch on the dash has a small red light built into it and the light is on when the retarder functions.
The light is a nice convenience but you know the retarder is working without having a light to remind you.
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