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OOSC, Part II, Item l. Tractor Protection System

Entry DateFebruary 15, 2022
Issue Number22-006-VEH
NameJonas Mast
AgencyWashington State Patrol
Address106 11th Ave SWOlympia, WA, 98502United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone360-790-6386
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

Recently while conducting Step# 32, Tractor Protection System, when the driver disconnected the glad hands from the trailer both buttons (parking brake "yellow" and emergency brake valve "red") popped out at the same time. This is obviously a defective tractor protection system because in a real event this would engage the parking brakes on the tractor and take control away from the driver.

Justification or Need

In this case the test was conducted several times with the same result each time. The red button would pop out around 60 PSI which is within the limits and normally would be acceptable however every time the tractor parking brake, yellow button, would pop out at the same time.

Request for Action

I believe something needs to be added to the inspection process and the OOS guide that gives inspectors guidance on the action to be taken in the event that this occurs.