What is typically a sign of a malfunctioning exhaust brake?

A malfunctioning exhaust brake often leads to increased fuel consumption. When an exhaust brake is functioning properly, it helps to slow the engine down and reduce the amount of fuel being injected. If the exhaust brake is not operating effectively, the engine may have to compensate by using more fuel to maintain the desired power output and vehicle speed, since it cannot utilize the braking effect that the exhaust brake provides.

Increased engine power and rising exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) would generally indicate that the engine is working harder or under more load than it should be, which could also be a sign of issues, but they are not direct indicators of an exhaust brake malfunction specifically. Reduced engine noise would typically suggest the opposite of a malfunctioning exhaust brake, as a functioning exhaust brake might produce more noise when engaged. Understanding these aspects of exhaust brake operation is essential for diagnosing performance issues in engines, especially in heavy-duty applications where exhaust brakes are commonly used.