GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The exhaust brake is used to help slow the vehicle and may assist the vehicle's foundation brakes. The use of the exhaust brake will assist the braking of the vehicle and prolong the life of the foundation brake lining material.


Object Number: 1209479  Size: A1

The exhaust brake button is located in the instrument panel.

Push the bottom of the switch to turn the exhaust brake on. When you push the top of the switch, the exhaust brake will turn off.

There is an indicator light on the instrument panel, that will come on when the exhaust brake is active. See Exhaust Brake Indicator Light for more information.

When using the exhaust brake, the proper gear range selection is important. The exhaust brake will be most effective if the gear range selected is the lowest possible range that does not allow the engine rpm to exceed 2550 rpm.

If you have an automatic transmission and press this button, the transmission will downshift to a factory default setting of fourth gear. To change the default setting, or for more information on factory default settings, contact your dealer for assistance.

The accelerator and clutch pedals, on a manual transmission, must be released in order for the exhaust brake to engage. The exhaust brake will not function when cruise control is active, and will automatically shut off when the anti-lock brake system is active.