A: The Air Force One is a mechanically operated supplemental braking system, it uses the air from the coach to apply the brakes. Using the Air Force One will not draw power from the towed vehicle for operation. If there is a draw of power on the towed vehicle it is very possible that it will be from the vehicle itself. See the owners-manual of the towed vehicle to find out if they recommend a battery disconnect for that particular vehicle. (Some vehicles dashes light up when the brakes are applied causing a draw on the battery, or require the vehicles ignition to be in the aux position when in tow which can also cause draw on the battery)
2. Q: After installation of the Air Force One the brakes stay applied on towed vehicle when the parking brake/spring brake is released.
A: It is more than likely that the metered airline connection is tied into parking brake/spring brake airline, and that is why the brakes stay applied on the towed.
A parking brake/spring brake is released with air, so if you are tied into this line by mistake the Air Force One will be getting a full signal to apply the brakes. You will need to go back and check for the right metered airline and make the connection there.
3. Q: Why is the notification light staying on in the towed vehicle?
A: The reed switch on the back of the actuator is likely out of adjustment. Loosen the clamp and slide towards the firewall of vehicle until it goes off. Re-check calibration of the switch by depressing pedal with one hand and pulling on the back of the actuator, the light should illuminate when pulled and go off when released. If that doesn’t fix the problem re-check the wiring and make sure it has been wired correctly.
4. Q: After installing the Air Force One the check engine light came on in towed vehicle.
A: The Air Force One uses two check valves, failure to install one will cause check engine light to come on in towed vehicle. Another possible cause could be that the check valve is bad, remove check valves and blow air through each end, you should only be able to blow air one direction. If air flows in both directions replace the bad check valve. Make sure that the check valves orientations are correct. Placing the check valve in the wrong spot or direction can also cause check engine light to come on.
The Air Force One check valves should be installed accordingly: On the vehicles vacuum line running to be brake booster, install one check valve in this order- brake booster-T fitting- followed by the check valve, the black side of the check valve needs to be facing the engine. The second check valve it needs to be placed in the vacuum line coming out of the Air Force operating unit, with the black side of the check valve facing the Air Force One operating unit.
5. Q: Cable on actuator broke on towed vehicle.
A: Cable breakage can only occur if there is an improper angle or if the cable is overtightened in the anchor. The cable needs to be within 1” of a straight aligned movement of the pedal. Also the actuator needs to have 3 ½” – 4” of space between the actuator and the anchor when installed.
6. Q: After installation of the Air Force One, the breakaway pin is pulled and nothing happens.
A: The breakaway tank inside of the Air Force One operating unit does not come pre-charged. The towed vehicle will need to be hooked up to the coach and have the brakes fully applied 3-5 times to charge the breakaway tank on the operating unit. Perform this step and re-check the breakaway function.