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Old 09-14-2017, 08:47 PM   #1
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2015 RAM Cummins Exhaust Brake

I just came down a very steep 2 mile grade with switch backs and sharp curves without an exhaust brake because it will not work below, I think 25 MPH. I am Glad I have the Disc Brakes. Can my dealer reset the minimum speed for it to work. I had a Kenworth with a Series 60 Detroit that I had changed down to 5 mph. I will be in this same situation in a few weeks at another camp ground here in Arkansas
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Old 09-14-2017, 08:51 PM   #2
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Try shifting the transmission. In third mine works fine
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Old 09-14-2017, 08:52 PM   #3
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That's interesting, mine works at any speed, did they change something or maybe it's the programming you are talking about?
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Old 09-14-2017, 08:58 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W5CI View Post
I just came down a very steep 2 mile grade with switch backs and sharp curves without an exhaust brake because it will not work below, I think 25 MPH. I am Glad I have the Disc Brakes. Can my dealer reset the minimum speed for it to work. I had a Kenworth with a Series 60 Detroit that I had changed down to 5 mph. I will be in this same situation in a few weeks at another camp ground here in Arkansas
The Dodge engine brake is RPM set... so I will drop to third gear when i need to BUT the torque converter must be locked up before it will engage... so as you slow down going thru the gears as long as the torque converter stays locked the Jake brake will stay on! If you have the Tow haul switch engage, it will keep the torque converter locked up at lower speeds.

I have been in second gear 15mph and the engine brake will come on... tho it almost jerk you to a stop but it will work!

Yes I miss the days with my Pete with a CAT, low speed Jake and or half Jake... and using the Jake for changing gears
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Old 09-14-2017, 09:03 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by donniedu View Post
Try shifting the transmission. In third mine works fine
I had the trans in 2nd I believe running about 2500 to 3000 rpm at about 10 to 15 mph and no exhaust brake. It works fine running down the highway at 50 to 55, downshifts and brakes like I think it should but when I really need it nothing.
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Old 09-14-2017, 09:30 PM   #6
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If you're only going less than 25 mph I don't think the truck and trailer disc brakes are going to heat up enough to be a problem.
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Old 09-14-2017, 09:53 PM   #7
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I will call my dealer tomorrow
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Old 09-14-2017, 09:56 PM   #8
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2015 RAM Cummins Exhaust Brake

Down shift.
You are not running high enough rpm for the exhaust brake to be effective.

Your dealer cannot change physics.

Edit....

You were doing 10mph down a hill, and needed to go slower???
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Old 09-14-2017, 10:10 PM   #9
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Is it set to full on or auto mode, in auto mode mine only comes on when I apply the brake, in full on it comes on when ever I take my foot off the brake.

2014 RAM CC 6.7 cummins with aisin and 8 foot bed.
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Old 09-14-2017, 10:13 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by W5CI View Post
I just came down a very steep 2 mile grade with switch backs and sharp curves without an exhaust brake because it will not work below, I think 25 MPH. I am Glad I have the Disc Brakes. Can my dealer reset the minimum speed for it to work. I had a Kenworth with a Series 60 Detroit that I had changed down to 5 mph. I will be in this same situation in a few weeks at another camp ground here in Arkansas
Mine is a 2010 and the rpm has to be above 1000 for the exhaust brake to work. Will not come on below 1000 rpm.
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Old 09-14-2017, 10:23 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Doorguy View Post
Mine is a 2010 and the rpm has to be above 1000 for the exhaust brake to work. Will not come on below 1000 rpm.
Not sure of the RPM, but mine seems to work almost till I stop. I just checked my owners manual, (also a 2010), and this is what it states:

DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) —
IF EQUIPPED
The exhaust brake feature will only function when the
driver turns the exhaust brake switch to the ON position.
Once the switch is in the ON position and the vehicle is
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h); the exhaust brake
will automatically operate when the driver removes
pressure from the accelerator pedal. Exhaust braking is
most effective when the engine RPM is higher. The
automatic transmission has been programmed in TOW/
HAUL mode only to downshift more aggressively when
the exhaust brake is enabled to increase brake performance.

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Old 09-14-2017, 10:34 PM   #12
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As has been stated several times here, using my '14 RAM with 4.10 ratios, exhaust brake doesn't work below 1000 RPM. You must be in Tow/Haul mode. Many trucks have the 3.42 ratios which results in higher MPH when the exhaust brake ceases to function. I have the Aisin transmission.
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Old 09-15-2017, 08:07 AM   #13
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my rpm's was between 2500 and 3000 in 2nd i think and no exhaust brake, yes my disc brakes worked well but I would like to use the exhaust brake.
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Old 09-15-2017, 12:55 PM   #14
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The only other possibility I can think of not covered by the others is: Have you had the exhaust brake checked to make sure it is being turned when you switch it on and that the tow/haul switch is working? Otherwise, you definitely have something amiss with your truck. Mine is a Ford, but I believe they all work similarly. Each time I tap the brake it drops a gear to increase rpm which increases exhaust brake effectiveness.
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Old 09-15-2017, 03:05 PM   #15
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Not as familiar with the Ram as I am my GM, but I believe that the turbo brakes in modern trucks do not function when the torque converter is not locked up. Yes, big trucks function down almost to a stop, but they have standard transmissions. If the engine brake activated while the torque converter was slipping (non-lockup) it can damage the converter and will definitely create a lot of heat real fast because of the fluid shear going on inside the converter. I know in tow haul mode my Chevy unlocks the TC in second gear. It will lock back up before shifting to 3rd. Reasonably sure that the Ram is going to be similar.
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Old 09-15-2017, 04:29 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W5CI View Post
my rpm's was between 2500 and 3000 in 2nd i think and no exhaust brake, yes my disc brakes worked well but I would like to use the exhaust brake.
You never answered the question; were you in Tow/Haul mode?
Was the exhaust break turned on? In Auto mode?

In Tow/Haul mode, with the E-brake in auto once you brake to a given speed going down hill the E-Brake will hold that speed the rest of the way down the hill. You may have to do an occasional braking correction on steep hills.
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Old 09-15-2017, 04:49 PM   #17
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Good question!!!
Forgot about that!
Full or auto?
Auto only works when you press the brake. Full works when you remove your door from the accelerator pedal.
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Old 09-15-2017, 05:14 PM   #18
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I have a new 2017 Ram 3500 and I took it back to the dealer twice with only 1,400 miles. My engine brake will work until the trans downshifts then it goes into free wheeling. They checked the brake with the computer, and test drove it and it "work" correctly per conpany spects dropping out at 1200 rpm.

If I am in 6 gear my brake will drop out at about 54 to about 46 mph depending the load I am pulling. After 46 you just freewheel.

BUT-- acording to the owners manual if in the tow haul mode the trans should down shift and not go into "overdrive" freewheeling.

They have contacted the company were told that it is working OK. Today they are contacting the factory Rep to test drive and tell them what is wrong.

The dealer is trying, but they don't know how to proceed. They have checked for error codes but to no avail. A torque converter on the trans that disengages on every down shift makes my truck useless.

I really consider it a safety hazard.
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Old 09-15-2017, 08:05 PM   #19
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I always have our 08 Ram in tow haul when towing, hauling or driving in hills or mountains. Hardly ever have to touch the brakes.


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Old 09-15-2017, 08:32 PM   #20
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Yes, tow/haul on, full exhaust brake on, trans in 2nd, foot on brake all the way down. 2000 to 3000 rpm, no exhaust braking happening until I get up to speed on highway
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