User Manual

97055 v.8.0 43
Section 9
Safety and Operation/ Driving Tips
CAUTION: Your Banks Brake is
NOT a substitute for the hydraulic
brakes on your truck. The device
will not correct or compensate
for improperly maintained
hydraulic brakes. Also, please
be aware that your Banks Brake
is not designed to be used as a
parking brake or to bring your
vehicle to a complete stop. Your
Banks Brake is a supplementary
braking system designed to help
you slow down or to assist you
in maintaining a more constant
speed when descending a grade.
Remember that this Exhaust
Brake is first and foremost a
preemptive device and it is most
efficient when used to prevent,
rather than correct a vehicle over
speed situation.
The use of a Banks Brake does
not increase the load capacity
of your vehicle. Gross Combined
Weight Rating specifications
should always be adhered to.
The Banks Brake will allow
you to slow your vehicle more
effectively within your vehicle’s
weight specifications.
Use your Banks Brake to assist in
slowing your vehicle while traveling
down grades. To activate the Brake,
flip the switch to the “ON” position.
With the switch on, the Brake will
be active anytime that your foot is
not on the accelerator pedal. The
Brake will also work with your cruise
control. When activated, the Brake will
be on when coasting and off when
accelerating.
NOTE: It is recommended that your
truck be in the Tow/Haul mode and
the Overdrive Disable Switch be left
in the “ON” position for maximum
braking efficiency.
When alternating between braking
activity and acceleration, it is good
practice to allow a minimum of one
second to elapse after the Brake
has been disabled or the throttle is
applied before reaching full throttle
acceleration. This allows enough
time for the Brake valve to fully open
and eliminates the possibility of
excess exhaust back pressure being
introduced into the engine.
The Banks Brake features a user
selectable warm up mode. When
activated and the engine is cold
(below 175°F, 79°C), the Exhaust Brake
will activate to reduce the amount
of engine warm-up time required.
Once the vehicle reaches operating
temperature, the Brake will open.
The Brake will also open when the
accelerator pedal is depressed at
temperatures below 175°F (79°C).
This prevents soot build-up and keeps
the shaft assembly from sticking. It
eliminates the need for any additional
maintenance.
To activate the warm-up mode,
put either the Enable Switch or the
Overdrive Disable Switch to the ON
position. Once the warm-up cycle has
started, it will continue until operating
temperature has been reached,
regardless of Switch position.
The Banks Overdrive Disable Switch
may be used to turn off the overdrive
on your transmission. This is useful for
towing heavy loads in the TOW/HAUL
mode. It is recommended that the
Overdrive Disable Switch is left in the
“ON” position when the Brake Enable
Switch is “ON”. This helps the Banks
Brake to work most effectively.
-END SECTION 9-