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Low Brake Air Pressure Alarm
Doing the pre-trip DOT inspection, once air pressure drops I get the two warning lights and a very faint audible alarm. The audio alarm beeper is in the electrical compartment below the driver. There is no way I’d hear the audio alarm while on the road. Looks factory but can’t believe Prevost would design it this way. Is this normal or should there be another alarm inside the coach?
Thanks, Gerald
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4 Replies
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Gerald, it is normal what you are seeing (hearing). I can only suggest if you want a louder alarm run a second one located behind the dash or next to the seat. You will still get the red pair of warning lights but in bright sun conditions they might not be sufficient to get your attention.
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Jon, thanks and good to know that this is factory and not an “improvement” made by a previous owner.
I guess the worst thing that can happen is the emergency brake deploying at an inopportune time. But then if brake pressure gets down to 40 psi you are out of options anyway. I won’t worry about it.
Gerald
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Gerald,
By the time the emergency brake engages you will have had a lot of warning. First, your gauges start to drop. Then the red lights and alarm, and only then does the brake engage.
The only thing that will cause that to happen without warning is if the emergency brake diaphragm ruptures or an air hose to the emergency brake should fail either at the hose or fitting. You are in total control of that if you do some form of preventive maintenance. I changed brake chambers at 5 years. I inspected hoses and fittings every time I did my 5000 mile service, and I was always looking at my gauges.
The emergency brakes are only provided air when you want to roll.
If you have a loss of air your compressor cannot handle such as a blown air bag your protection valves should preserve brake air pressure at 75 psi which is more than adequate for braking.
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Gerald,
My alarm goes off inside the bus, under the dash, and can be heard easily. Maybe the H3’s are in a different place. Would be very easy to relocate if it continues to bother you.
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