Retard switch
My neighbor just bought a new 2013 Fleetwood Expedition 40X with a 360HP Cummings and Allison transmission on a Freightliner chassis. We were talking about the "Retard" button and he said the owners m...
Forum Discussion
wolfe10 wrote:oldmattb wrote:
Aren't we talking about a transmission retarder and not an exhaust brake?
Matt B
NOPE. Not on the OP's coach.
To the OP. I have exactly the same model and year in your post. It's not a "exhaust brake". It's a transmission retarder. Just set whatever gear you need to head down the hill and engage the retarder switch. If you need to slow down more then take your foot off the gas, the retarder will take over and downshift the trans to slow you down.Giving it gas will release the retarder until you remove your foot from the gas again. If you keep building speed drop another gear using the selector pad.
I use the economy mode on the Allison selection pad while on the freeway. It will give you better fuel economy ( but less performance). It would probably be a good idea to turn that off when going up and down the hills as the shift pattern & power would be more desirable.
DO REMEMBER TO SHUT IT OFF IF YOUR NOT USING IT. In high temps it will add stress to your transmission and build up the trans temperature. It's all spelled out in the owners information packet that came with the motor home. Perhaps your friend needs to look a little better. If not, it can be downloaded off the web. I have it on my ipad for easy reference if I need it. I always have it with me up front in the cab area when traveling.
Hope that helps
