48RE and the Jake Brake for 2005

[CBrittan]

The other day I received TDR issue number 50. Mail to Canada is really slow.



Anyway, I read on page 108, right column, under the heading EXHAUST BRAKES ON '06 AUTOMATICS that "we were told there was going to be a TSB describing a "flash" (new software) for '05s that will upgrade them to 06 status so they are approved for exhaust brakes on automatics. The latest word is that is won't be ready until next May. Stand by for further information. "



This is important to me as it might be to others because my dealer installed a Jake Brake on my 2005 CTD which has the 48REH several months ago and we are still waiting for a software solution.



Frankly I am getting more than a bit impatient and would like to move on to another ebrake maker but my dealer would like me to make another check as to whether a software solution is anywhere in the near term offing.



Your insights will be appreciated!

 

[HBarlow]

Switching to another brand of exhaust brake won't help you. It is the lack of computer controlled lock up in your 48RE that is the problem. I've heard that it is possible to use one in the '05 or earlier automatic transmission trucks if the driver can recognize what the transmission is doing and make sure that the brake is only engaged when the torque convertor is locked.



Harvey

 

[CBrittan]

Do correct me if I am misinformned, but BD makes an ebrake for 2005 with 48REH which with the optional 'Towloc' controller solves all of these problems.

 

[GFrance]

You are correct about the tow lock. You can also get a Banks E-Brake or a Pac Brake. Either one requires a controller to keep the torque converter locked when you let up on the go pedel. I had a banks on my 01 & had the smart contoller from DTT put in when I had my transmission beefed up.

 

[donnier]

I ve got an 05 with the 4 spd transmission and would like the site for BD to check it out.

Im tired of getting stalled by the dealer about the brake issue.

Im also curious if there is a electric operated as opposed to a air operated brake and if so who makes them?

Thanks guys.

 

[dbgator]

US Gear makes an electric, I have been looking into here is the website



http://www.usgear.com/dcelerator.htm

 

[CBrittan]

To re-focus on my primary question, does anyone know if Chrysler/Cummins intends to provide what is required to allow use of the Jake in MY 2005 Cummins with the 48REH, and if so, when?

 

[ohnoitsyu]

I assume you've done the searches, and found the differences with the PCM (software and memory). Considering that, I'd be willing to be that DC is no longer designing the 2005 model truck. Not intenting on sounding like a smart @$$, DC's answer for making the brake work is the 2006 model. The 2006 model is the upgraded fix to make the brake work on the 48RE transmission.

 

[CBrittan]

I forced my dealer to agree to remove the Jake and replace it with a BD. But first I offered to make one last check to see if anybody had any further information as to the claim (set out in my first message above) that software for the MY2005 might be available by May.



Thank you!

 

[mpwalker]

I am in the same boat you are, have a dealer installed Jake brake on my 05, 48RE and waiting for the software up grade. Dealers know very little about this, what we need is for Dodge to tell/give the go ahead to Cummins engineers to write the software. Until that happens we will have to keep waiting. Since there is a lot of money invested in the brake because the dealer told me it would work, I intend to wait but if Dodge does not come though soon it will be my last Dodge product. I chose to wait it out because this truck otherwise is great plus the Jake brake is and will be a warrenty item and others will not be.

 

[DHamblet]

I also have an 05 with 48re. Tow a 15,500# 5er. Downgrade speed control sucks w/out an ebrake. Have been giving it strong consideration after most recent trip. Last place I talked to started talking about low stall speed torque converters. Other place I talked to started talking about replacing the main shaft with a billet one to avoid snapping main shafts on downshift. Thoughts?