Air Force One Info.

[NOJO RV]

During a recent trip with my 2022 DynaQuest I encountered a check engine light code of P258B on my 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie, which is my toad.

After an analysis at a RAM dealer, they concluded that there was a leak in the brake booster pump system, but there was nothing wrong with any RAM components, lines or fittings. They pointed me to a non factory vacuum line installed in the booster pump system for the brakes. They explained that the line was not a part of the factory system. The line appeared to be a part of the Air Force One system.

I called Demco, which is the company that manufactures Air Force One and was informed that the line was installed as part of the Air Force One system. They explained that the code could be caused by a vacuum leak in their system, but a common problem that causes the check engine code I got is a faulty check valve in the vacuum line from the RAM system to the Air Force One system.

I was fortunate to find a service center familiar with Air Force One systems. They checked all the components and fittings in Air Force One system and determined that in fact, the check valve had failed in the Air Force One vacuum line. Luckily they had the check valve in stock otherwise it would have to be shipped from Demco.

Actual replacement of the check valve was a five minute job. Even though the fittings on the Air Force One don't need clamps, they added clamps on all the Air Force One hoses to insure they had a tight seal.

So after spending $250 at the RAM dealer and $150 at the service center the faulty check valve was replaced, the check engine light went away.

I have purchased an couple extra check valves from Demco and added them to my "just in case" box of things.

This is just an FYI for Air Force One brake system owners.

 

[malmz]

Thanks for the post. I just received my SFO for our Europa/ Bronco and need to do the install soon. Looking to learn as much about it as possible.

 

[NewToTheForce]

Thanks, Norval.

 

[AZFoxes]

Thanks my friend. I will pick up a spare as well.

 

[png31]

Thanks for the post. I just received my SFO for our Europa/ Bronco and need to do the install soon. Looking to learn as much about it as possible.

We run the Europa/Air Force One/Bronco combination, and are very satisfied. I know it’s a cliche, but you really don’t feel it back there. Stable and tracks great.

If your Bronco is equipped with the V-6, it utilizes an electric brake booster, so the issue Norval described won’t apply.

Two tips: 1.) It was suggested, and we installed, a DC to DC charger for the Bronco battery. Allegedly, if the Bronco’s battery state of charge drops too low, the transfer case can shift out of neutral mode, with catastrophic results.
2.) The procedure to place the Bronco in neutral mode is straightforward, but must be followed exactly. We made up a simple checklist, printed and laminated it, and placed where it’s easily visible. Adds a little peace of mind to the process. (Never had an issue with manual transfer cases and hubs, but progress…)

 

[NOJO RV]

We run the Europa/Air Force One/Bronco combination, and are very satisfied. I know it’s a cliche, but you really don’t feel it back there. Stable and tracks great.

If your Bronco is equipped with the V-6, it utilizes an electric brake booster, so the issue Norval described won’t apply.

Two tips: 1.) It was suggested, and we installed, a DC to DC charger for the Bronco battery. Allegedly, if the Bronco’s battery state of charge drops too low, the transfer case can shift out of neutral mode, with catastrophic results.
2.) The procedure to place the Bronco in neutral mode is straightforward, but must be followed exactly. We made up a simple checklist, printed and laminated it, and placed where it’s easily visible. Adds a little peace of mind to the process. (Never had an issue with manual transfer cases and hubs, but progress…)

Are you saying that the Air Force One system used on a Bronco with a V6 and accompanying electric brake booster doesn’t have a check valve in the line? The brake booster in my Ram is also electric. The vehicle ECM detected a problem when the check valve failed in the Air Force One line that was spliced into the Ram’s brake booster line. Seems like the same condition would occur in a Bronco if the check valve failed. But, I’m only guessing.

 

[png31]

Are you saying that the Air Force One system used on a Bronco with a V6 and accompanying electric brake booster doesn’t have a check valve in the line? The brake booster in my Ram is also electric. The vehicle ECM detected a problem when the check valve failed in the Air Force One line that was spliced into the Ram’s brake booster line. Seems like the same condition would occur in a Bronco if the check valve failed. But, I’m only guessing.

On the AF One/Bronco w/electric brake boost, the AF One vacuum port is plugged, so there is no line to the booster.

It’s been a while since I have been under the hood of a Ram. Is the electric brake assist (power brakes) direct electric, or is it an electric vacuum pump over a vacuum booster? The V6 Bronco is an all electric assist, no vacuum.

 

[NOJO RV]

On the AF One/Bronco w/electric brake boost, the AF One vacuum port is plugged, so there is no line to the booster.

It’s been a while since I have been under the hood of a Ram. Is the electric brake assist (power brakes) direct electric, or is it an electric vacuum pump over a vacuum booster? The V6 Bronco is an all electric assist, no vacuum.

Thanks for the reply and explanation on the Bronco’s brake booster.

The brake booster on my Ram has a separate electric pump with a vacuum line to the brake booster.

I went to several Ram dealers that ran the Check Engine codes without looking under the hood and said that a faulty booster pump was most likely the problem.

Fortunately I wasn’t in town long enough for them to order the pump. So, when I finally stayed in a town where the dealer had time to inspect the system, that’s when they determined nothing was wrong with the Ram components and said it might be the line for the Air Force One system.

 

[png31]

Thanks for the reply and explanation on the Bronco’s brake booster.

The brake booster on my Ram has a separate electric pump with a vacuum line to the brake booster.

I went to several Ram dealers that ran the Check Engine codes without looking under the hood and said that a faulty booster pump was most likely the problem.

Fortunately I wasn’t in town long enough for them to order the pump. So, when I finally stayed in a town where the dealer had time to inspect the system, that’s when they determined nothing was wrong with the Ram components and said it might be the line for the Air Force One system.

That explains the difference in the installations. As far as your specific issue, I imagine most dealer technicians have little experience with the AFOne system, and are thus reluctant to work on it.

 

[malmz]

I searched but found no reference to this question. On my AFO main black box I am about to install, where the 2 wires go in, there is no grommet, just a hole with the 2 wires passing through. Is this normal?

 

[png31]

I searched but found no reference to this question. On my AFO main black box I am about to install, where the 2 wires go in, there is no grommet, just a hole with the 2 wires passing through. Is this normal?

Just looked. None on mine, although it does seem one would be appropriate.

 

[malmz]

Thanks for looking. Now I need to talk myself out of adding one.

 

[malmz]

Done and tested. I like the idea of the laminated quick reference card kept in the Bronco, I will steal that one as going through the stereo help menu takes more time.

I still don't fully understand how the AFO adjusts for vehicles with different pedal pressures, but it seems to work and no lockups on a couple heavy braking tests. The wireless monitor lights up all three LEDs at once which seems normal with the AFO from what I am reading.