48RE + Exhaust Brake: Current Status

[Carlton Bale]

update 11-May-2005: The Jacobs Exhaust Brake has been warranty-approved by Dodge for use on 2006 automatic transmission trucks. All of the brake and transmission controls are integrated into the Engine Control Module and no external lockup-box is needed. Manual transmissions, of course, are approved as well.



Obviously, this brings up the question "what about older vehicles". We're still hoping to be able to release a software update for MY2005. Unfortunately, every last resource is devoted to upcoming production changes and the MY2005 request is pretty far back in the queue. I don't know how long it will be, but probably not this year. I tired my best to get a higher priority but was unsuccessful.



For MY04 and MY04. 5, a compatibility issue was identified. These vehicles have a different revision of the Engine Control Module with less memory and the new software simply can't fit. Warranty approval is not possible with these vehicles anyway because of the thrust washer (discussed in this thread). The software may have offered some additional protection for those forgoing warranty approval and installing a brake anyway, but it is not feasible given the memory limitations.







update 5-Feb-2004: Cummins is still working closely with the 48RE transmission group to make the 48RE compatible with the exhaust brake. One hardware change went into transmission in January and another is planned for February. We are also working on a second round of software changes that require extensive testing. I won't make any promises. We've encountered several unexpected issues along the way and there could be more. I'll post as soon as I have more information.







07-08-2003: Below is the information that was sent to Cummins Distributors. We tried, but couldn't get warranty approval for the MY03. 5 48RE. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

Extensive testing has been conducted of the Dodge Ram 48RE automatic transmission with an exhaust brake-equipped Cummins Turbo Diesel. Dodge and Cummins have identified vehicle control system and hardware changes that are necessary before factory approval is given to this application. For this reason, use of any exhaust brake on a 2003 Dodge Ram with an automatic transmission will not be approved.



Dodge and Cummins are working to approve the use of an exhaust brake with the 48RE automatic transmission during the 2004 model year. The strong level of customer interest for an automatic transmission and exhaust brake combination is appreciated. Dodge and Cummins will jointly continue to pursue a product offering that meets the reliability and performance expectations that customers have come to expect.

__________________________________________

Carlton Bale

Cummins Product Engineering

Cummins Exhaust Brake Official Web Page

Installation and Operators Manuals for Cummins/Jacobs Exhaust Brakes

 

[Fireman]

Thanks getting the word out to us. It is great to have someone on the inside that will share with us. We truly appreciate it.



BTW I really love my Jacobs exhaust brake.



Thanks,

Fireman

 

[BillGotthelf]

Ditto-after always having auto's in my Dodge's I finally got a stick to see what the talk was about the exhaust brakes. Also after a few trips up and down the Smokey Mt Nat Park roads and that great smell of roasted trailer/truck brakes-I love my Jacobs E-brake and the 6speed HO.

 

[Dean Upson]

Carlton,



Along with Fireman and Bill, I love my (2nd) Jacob's exhaust brake. You are an asset to this Forum. Thanks.



Dean

 

[amsoilman]

I agree eith the rest of the people here, Carlton. You are a BIG asset to this forum. I do wonder why it is taking DC so long to approve an exhaust brake for the 48Re. My last CTD was a 94 model with an automatic, and I had an exhaust brake on it, and when I sold it there was 150,000 miles on the truck. All I done to the transmission was put a DTT TC and Valve body mod with a mystry switch, and the E-brake worked very well! Infact the first 100,000 miles all that was done was to install a BD TC and the mystry switch.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[NC_Mog]

It would be interesting to know what the hardware and any control differences are. For those of use with 2003 48REs might spring for the changes ourselves just to get the e-brake capability.

 

[artie]

I agree with all the above thanks for the info and will await your next report about what maybe done so the brake will be supported on the 48RE. I have been holding off trading in my 97 12 valve rig but if they don't get anything done till MY04. 5 and then the EPA stuff added on the engine will be of concern. Not really keen on the EGR idea on the engine.

 

[dmurdock]

I may be in the minority here, but I'm really not that concerned. I like the safety aspect of an e-brake, and really enjoyed it on my 01 and 98. However, this 03 stops better stock (loaded) than either of my other 2 trucks with e-brakes (both where rear drum).

 

[RMcCulloch]

One thing that's mighty interesting to me is that, according to the dealer I bought mine from, they had managed to get approval from StarTech to install one on mine before delivery.



I'd specifically told everyone from the owner of the dealership on down that, yes, I wanted one BUT ONLY IF THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY REMAINED INTACT!



They assured me that my warranty would be unaffected.



I will say, though, that it sure does work well!

 

[NSperduto]

Are we talking 04 models or 04 models built after 01/04?



I don't have a truck yet, still debating between trying to find an 03 or waiting to order an 04

Nick

 

[Carlton Bale]

Assuming everything goes according to plan, which it may not, MY2004. 5 (Jan 2004) trucks will be built with the hardware and software changes. MY04 (Aug 2003) trucks will be built with the hardware and will receive the software in Jan of 2004, at which point they would be exhaust brake compatible. If anything changes, I'll let you know as soon as I can.

 

[DBVZ]

Carlton,



Any idea if a MY2003 48re can be retrofitted with the MY2004 hardware and software? If so, is that kind of upgrade going to be offered by DC, or approved for install by the major trans rebuilders? Until it can be done without warranty issues, I guess I will rely on the service brakes. They do stop just fine, but downhill speed control with a load behind is the real issue for me.

 

[Carlton Bale]

DBVZ:



Adding the MY04 changes to a MY03. 5 would be an expensive and time-consuming adventure. I don't know exact details, but the parts cost would be well over $1000 and the engine and a good portion of the vehicle would have to be completely rewired. Since this is a very complex and expensive process, it was decided that a retrofit would not be a realistic service offering.

 

[DBVZ]

Ouch!

 

[Barry]

Came down Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado last week with my 2001 31' Double Slide Montana 5er behind me. 4th gear, 2500 RPM, BD Brake engaged, 45 MPH, feet on the floor.

THERE IS NO PRICE ON PEACE OF MIND!

 

[lynnbrown]

Thanks Carlton for the latest on the 48re e-brake fiasco. I am really disappointed with DC about the warranty issue. Sounds like you did your part to solve the compatibility issue with DC. Appreciate that and your contribution to TDR. I guess the owners of 2003 48re,s are (sol) unless we want to take the chance and be our own warranty station.

Lynn

 

[VietDoc]

Time to change my sig!

Thanks Carlton, kudos to you for all your help and information on the TDR. I too appreciate it.



Sorry DC couldn't OK the Jacobs E-Brake... . Looks like I will have to change my sig.



I will install an E-brake (Pac or BD??) and I am my own warranty station... .



Thanks again, doc

 

[emjay]

Barry wrote:

THERE IS NO PRICE ON PEACE OF MIND

... and that's the bottom line. The real truth is service brakes will only work for so long. Depends on how long & steep the hill, and how much weight is pushing behind you.



After wearing out one set of pads, and toasting my front rotors beyond repair, I put in an aftermarket TC and VB and an exhaust brake and controller. I no longer need to use the service brakes to keep from overspeeding at all.



So they void your warranty. Most aftermarket trans builders offer their own warranty anyway. It won't void the engine warranty, which is the valuable one.

 

[DBVZ]

Carlton,



I still think DC should offer the upgrade to the current 48re owners. A lot of people spent big $$ to upgrade the 47re through the specialty transmission rebuilders, so it could handle the towing loads and an e-brake. If DC has an upgrade that would do that AND maintain the factory warranty, they would get some of that business. Who needs to review that issue?

 

[dandlwiley]

Carlton and others, thanks for your information. I also replied on another thread where I first posted a query regarding the Jake Brake on a 48RE. Dealer installed ours with no questions asked or info given this week before delivery. I've printed out your information and will hit their door Monday morning. Kind of wondering what they will do! Rally don't want to haul trailer without an E brake.



Others hauling 8000#-10,000# without E Brake--how does slowing down in the mountains go? Guess brake replacement is cheaper than voiding the warranty with the Jake..... Darn!