JakeLight FAQ's

JakeLight is an intelligent, CAN-bus compatible brake-light activation module that triggers vehicle brake lights whenever a qualifying deceleration event is detected — even when the brake pedal is not pressed.
This includes ALL retarder-based deceleration events that exceed a configurable deceleration threshold.

Traditional brake lights activate only when the service brake pedal is applied.
Many heavy vehicles decelerate significantly using:

• Engine brakes (Jake brakes)
• Hydraulic / electric retarders
• Transmission downshifts
• Regenerative or coast-down braking
• OEM solutions create false-positive and misleading signals

These events often do not activate brake lights at all or activate brake lights when the vehicle is not slowing down, leaving following motorists unaware or confused. JakeLight™ closes this safety gap by ensuring consistent, predictable brake-light signaling during all rapid deceleration conditions.

JakeLight is engineered for all vehicles using J-1939 Protocol including:

• Class 6–8 trucks
• Motorcoaches & intercity buses
• School buses & transit buses
• Municipal service trucks
• Road maintenance & work zone vehicles
• Refuse trucks & sweepers
• Fire apparatus & emergency vehicles
• Military vehicles 

Yes.
JakeLight does not modify OEM brake systems. It simply commands the brake-light circuit to activate based on valid CAN-bus signals and deceleration logic.

The module integrates through:

J-1939 CAN bus “listen-only” mode (J-1939 or RP-1226 port) A parallel path brake light power circuit – Installation requires no modifications to the OEM ECU, and no software flashes

No.
JakeLight™ is designed to be passive, non-intrusive, and electrically isolated.
It does not send CAN commands and cannot alter vehicle control logic.
It only interprets physics-based and CAN-based deceleration indicators to activate external lighting.

JakeLight™ supports all major North American J-1939 implementations, including:

• Freightliner / Western Star
• Peterbilt / Kenworth
• International
• Volvo / Mack
• Blue Bird / Thomas Built/ International buses
• Motorcoach manufacturers

No.
Because JakeLight does not alter brake, engine, or drivetrain logic and connects through standard interface points, it is considered an auxiliary safety device.
Many OEMs already support similar functionality.

JakeLight uses standard 12V/24V commercial-vehicle power with backfeed protection, transient voltage suppression, and overcurrent protection.

JakeLight has:

• No moving parts
• No scheduled maintenance

Most rear-end accidents occur because the trailing traffic does not recognize that the lead vehicle is slowing.
JakeLight™ improves safety by:

• Increasing early brake-light activation
• Making deceleration more predictable
• Reducing reaction-time delays
• Enhancing visibility in poor weather or heavy traffic
• Providing consistent brake signaling across mixed fleets
• Fleets often see fewer insurance claims and reduced repair downtime.

Yes.
Any vehicle with a J-1939 CAN backbone and standard brake-light circuit can support JakeLight.

We offer:

• Branding and private-label options
• OEM integration can be turnkey or co-developed

Most upfitters or technicians can install JakeLight in:

• 20–30 minutes for standard trucks
• 30–45 minutes for buses or vehicles with enclosed looms
• Approximately 1 hour for first-time installers

JakeLight includes a limited-lifetime warranty

JakeLight can be purchased through:

• Authorized upfitters, dealers, and distributors
• OEM private-label partners
• JakeLight direct fleet sales
• Municipal procurement channels
• Bulk and long-term supply agreements are available.

• Yes, there is no interference or impairment of the operation of LED brake lights.

No, the driver just operates the vehicle as normal.