operators_manual

WARNING!
Do not use any of the vehicle’s retarders in
any situation that requires an immediate
stop and/or in situations of poor traction
(such as wet, icy or snow covered roads).
Trying to use the retarder instead of the
service brakes may cause a loss of vehicle
control, which may result in an accident in-
volving death or personal injury.
WARNING!
The service brakes must be used in an
emergency. The retarder alone might not
stop you fast enough to prevent an accident.
Failure to comply may result in death, per-
sonal injury, equipment or property damage.
The retarder is NOT intended as the
primary brake for the vehicle, nor is it an
emergency brake. The retarder only helps
the service brakes by using pressure to
slow the drivetrain. Use the service brakes
for quick stops. Do not use the retarder
when operating on road surfaces with poor
traction (such as wet, icy, or snow covered
roads or gravel). Retarders can cause the
wheels to skid on a slippery surface.
We recommend that you do not use your
engine retarder to slow down when you are
bobtailing or pulling an empty trailer.
This vehicle may have a transmission
retarder. Take your foot off the throttle and
operate the retarder switch. When you do
not need full retarder effect, you can apply
it intermittently (off and on) to cause
gradual or partial slowing. Continuous
application of your retarder will cause your
hydraulic fluid to get hotter. Intermittent
application will help prevent overheating.
WARNING!
Using an engine retarder can cause a wheel
lockup. The trailer is not loading the tires
enough to give the traction you may need.
When you are bobtail or unloaded, you can
have a serious accident if your wheels lock
suddenly during braking. You could be killed
or injured. Don’t use your retarder when you
are driving bobtail or with an unloaded trail-
er.
WARNING!
Do not rely on your automatic transmission
hydraulic retarder to stop your vehicle. If
your engine shuts down, the vehicle’s re-
tarder will cease to operate which may lead
to an accident involving death or personal
injury. Always be ready to suddenly apply
the service brakes.
See Also
Engine Brake Operation for a Vehicle with
Automated Transmission
Engine Brake Operation
Axle and Suspension
Differential Lock
The vehicle may be equipped with
switches to lock the either of the rear axle
differentials. Depending on how the vehicle
is specified, a combination of individual
DRIVING - Axle and Suspension
114 Y53-6096-1A1 (01/17)
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