48RE + Exhaust Brake: Current Status

[JCotte]

Thanks ACerf.

I am another person that saw the article in trailer life (E brake approved artice)and was told by the salesman that i could put an ebrake on this auto. i guess another lesson on buyer beware. now I own a 40K truck that does not do what I wanted it to do. My truck was built on 2/25 so the way i see it i will need more than a software flash (probably at a minimum a thrust washer).



Anybody interested in a great truck but does not want an E-Brake, contacct me.

 

[stevenknapp]

Carlton, any updates?

 

[JCotte]

Carlton

Do you have any Idea what build date started using the updated thrust washer?

 

[Carlton Bale]

Originally posted by stevenknapp



Carlton, any updates?

We're progressing with software development right now and will put that in the truck for initial testing within the next week. Once the bugs are out, vehicle durability validation will begin and that will take the longest to complete. We're moving forward!

Originally posted by JCotte

Carlton

Do you have any Idea what build date started using the updated thrust washer?

I never did get a build date but I'm still working on it. I do know that the config number for the transmission did change in the build details. I'm not sure what it was/is but that would be one way to tell. I have a new contact and I'll try to get more details from them.

 

[JCotte]

Thanks Carlton. Hopefully (although somehow with my luck I doubt) that a truck built in Feb would have the right hardware. I seriously doubt that I will get away with just a simple reprogramming. vehicle durability validation testing could take as long as? Days, weeks, months? any guess? Please do not take this as anything against you. We are all greatfull to have you on our side and helping us with our cause. We just wish it would end in a decision once and for all. Maybe if there are some internal hardware changes DC would give us a cost for the rework. After all, alot of us were under the impression that it would work with an E-Brake. Thanks Again Carlton.

 

[RankRam]

Originally posted by JCotte

Please do not take this as anything against you. We are all greatfull to have you on our side and helping us with our cause. We just wish it would end in a decision once and for all. Maybe if there are some internal hardware changes DC would give us a cost for the rework. After all, alot of us were under the impression that it would work with an E-Brake. Thanks Again Carlton.

JCotte, I agree completely with your statement.



I would be driving a six shooter had I known the 48 was not E-Brake compatible.

 

[JCotte]

What pisses me off is I gave up an 02 six shooter because of it. I had it BOMD so it was putting out as much + as my 600 and the E brake installed with 4" ATS exhaust and 20MPG and all but I did this so I did not have to be my own warranty station. Now it looks like if I want what I had I have to be it again plus It cost me a ton more money...

 

[geusterman]

Ditto that... I thought the 04. 5 48re was e-brake compatible otherwise I would have ordered the 6 speed which I had in my 02. Probably the biggest negative in my new truck purchase. There was just too much printed text out there saying the new auto would be compatible which influenced my decision. It had to come from somewhere. In fact, I still see it now and then! Perhaps Dodge needs to make a PR statement regarding the "development in the works... stay tuned" kind of a thing. Or maybe the illusion sells trucks against the comp and that is more important. Hope not. George

 

[carson6]

My brake gose in tue's..

It will void my warranty but total brake failer is not an option... I have a big load and a big mountian to deal with!

 

[BRayls]

I was told that the software for this would be ready soon. all of those that have the 48re would be able to get the flash for the update,I am not for sure but source is pretty reliable. also I was told that was all that is needed ,no thrust washer changes or anything else.

 

[Carlton Bale]

Originally posted by BRayls

I was told that the software for this would be ready soon. all of those that have the 48re would be able to get the flash for the update,I am not for sure but source is pretty reliable. also I was told that was all that is needed ,no thrust washer changes or anything else.

This is not completely accurate. For warranty approval to be given, the latest-revision of thrust washer will be required. As far as availability, the engineering validation version will be ready in the very near future, but the release it still some time away.

 

[discountdave10]

Carleton - I just joined TDR because of you and your knowledge of the engine and engine brake.



I just bought a new '04 and really want an engine brake for hauling the 6-horse through the Rockies. The thought of being "pushed" down the Camp Verde hill without an engine brake makes me nervous!



My spies here in Phoenix say there are three dealers who will still warranty the drive train, even with an engine brake install in my automatic Ram 3500.



Will there be a "flash" chip available for the '04's... I'm told there will be one for the 05's



Thanks,



Dave

 

[Carlton Bale]

Originally posted by discountdan

Will there be a "flash" chip available for the '04's... I'm told there will be one for the 05's.

Dave,



I'm glad that you've joined the forum! I'm hoping for a software flash for late MY04. 5 and newer vehicles (no chip replacement required). All MY04 and the early MY04. 5 transmissions do not have the correct thrust washer so I don't believe warranty approval will be given for the brake (that's up to DCX). It's my hope that these changes for MY04. 5 could be placed into the MY04 software (although the changes will not solve the warranty issue on those vehicles). However, MY04 ECMs are different hardware-wise from MY04. 5 and this may not be possible. I won't make any promises, but I'll see what I can do.

 

[discountdave10]

Carleton - Thanks for the reply.



If the thrust washer were updated would DC then warranty the drivetrain with the auto trans and an engine brake?



Oh yeah, how big a job is it to change the thrust washer and at what cost?



By the way, what will the new software do?



Mind you I'm still going to install the EB next week anyway, since my safety in going down a bad hill with the 6-horse far outweighs the warranty issue. In addition, I'm pretty good at determining TC lockup, anyway. Isn't that DC's concern?



Hope you don't mind all the questions... I have a small brain!



Thanks again,



Dave Johnson

Phoenix, AZ

 

[JCotte]

Carlton

As usual you are a great help and an asset to the group. Have they determined a build date yet that the thrust washer is correct in. My truck was built on Feb 20 04 and I am not sure whether or not that would be considered as a unit needing a thrust washer change out. and of course any insight into the cost if it is needed would be great. As it is internal it will probably be at least a grand to change a 10 dollar part... .

 

[Carlton Bale]

Originally posted by discountdan

If the thrust washer were updated would DC then warranty the drivetrain with the auto trans and an engine brake? By the way, what will the new software do?

Dave, I'm not sure what the stace of the warranty group would be on a change-out. That is a rather complex issue compared to just getting it released on approved transmission and we're still working through that. I wish I could give you a better answer. The software basically checks that the transmission is ready for the exhaust brake to be actived before turning it on. If the trans is not ready, the software does everything it can to achieve lockup in the selected gear before turning the brake on.

Originally posted by JCotte

Have they determined a build date yet that the thrust washer is correct in. As it is internal it will probably be at least a grand to change a 10 dollar part... .

Unfortunately, I still haven't gotten build date information. I'm not sure of the retrofit cost but your estimate seems to be in the ball park.

 

[JCotte]

Might be nice if DC steps up to the plate on the thrust washer costs for us that had seen and been told by dealers that the 04. 5 48RE was acceptable to have an EBrake installed. Any talk about that in the DC world?

 

[Carlton Bale]

Originally posted by JCotte

Might be nice if DC steps up to the plate on the thrust washer costs for us that had seen and been told by dealers that the 04. 5 48RE was acceptable to have an EBrake installed. Any talk about that in the DC world?

I haven't heard anything about that. All of the focus has been on validating and releasing the transmission and software.

 

[BRayls]

I was told "they are not ready" from guy in test garage in the plant. refering to the thrust washer

 

[stevenknapp]

FWIW, I'm OK with the wait. Think about it, if they release too soon, we're all ****** off that it's not right. If they take too long we're chompin at the bit because we want it. They can't win!





Brayls, any chance you might have access to the change logs for the trans manufacturing? I'd think a change in part would leave a paper trail a mile long. Maybe we could at least get a rough idea of when the change took place in transmission manufacturing. Then of course there is the delay between when the trans is made and when they build trucks with em.



Oh, and any idea if the test port is an OK solution for a temp sensor? I'd assume the test lab folks would have some input on that.