BD Exhaust Brake Questions

[Turbo1Ton]

Okay, spent the better part of the evening searching old posts and haven't found anything.



I bought this truck used and the brake was already on it. Now after reading around on here, I wish that the p. o. would have put on the jacobs or the pac. I really dislike the fact that the brake turns on when shifting. I have read that the jacobs has a delay, I think I have read that the pac does also. I also wish there was a way to use it along with the cruise like the jacobs(not sure if the pac does this or not).



So the question is, has anyone figured out a good way to add a delay to the brake for shifting? How about making it work with the cruise? It would be nice if I could do either one of these 2 things.



Ideally I would get rid of this one and get a pac or jacobs but I don't think I'll get enough out of this one to cover the majority of the cost of another. I also don't mind putting a little effort into this one to make it work more to my liking.



Jeff

 

[JayWm]

Dunno about adding a delay. BD's site mentions a shifter mounted toggle switch for manual transmission's. You should send user Jelag a pm, he is very knowledgable about exhaust brakes. I know he sells Pacbrake, but he may be able to help you with the BD.



Jay

 

[chazj]

I have the toggle mounted BD exhaust brake on my 02 w/ 6sp. manual. Very satisfied with it's operation. When I have it engaged, and I go to shift, I just apply a little throttle to keep it from engaging while I'm shifting gears.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Yeah, I have the dash mounted switch which is a real p. i. t. a. I need to order a shifter mounted switch for it. Then it would at least make it a lot more convenient to turn it off at stoplights, etc. whenever I would be shifting. Right now I have to fumble around on the dash because it's mounted right behind the steering wheel below the gauges and you can't see it unless you are really up on the wheel!

 

[Cattletrkr]

All you need is any old toggle switch. Had one on the Jacob's on my '01 and I think I've got that same switch on the '04. 5. There is an adjustment for the pedal sensativity on the little box under the dash, just above the accel. Don't know if that'll help you any. Increase the sensativity so you don't have to push the pedal as far to disengage the brake. If I remember it's just a little screw you turn to adjust. I've got my switch mounted so I flip it with my thumb. Left for "ON", right for "OFF". Don't know why, but I prefer that to "UP" and "DOWN". Use it 50 times a day.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I downloaded the instructions from BD's website and from those I was able to find the DFIV box for the sensitivity. I think it is actually set too sensitive right now. Sometimes it won't come on at all when I let off the accelerator. If I switch it off then on it will kick back on. Ever have that problem? It seems like it happens more in the cold weather. Not sure that it is related or if it is just coincidence.

 

[Sarge]

Do yourself a favor and save up for a Pac or a Jacobs. Both sync with the ECM and will turn off the brake when you come to a stop and the truck is already warm. Both have about a 1. 5 second delay before engaging to allow for shifting. I went with the Pac because it is operated by a small air compressor you can mount anywhere. The Jacobs includes an air pump that mounts to the engine, which requires a longer fan belt to turn the pump. Either is a good unit, just your pref. With the Pac you can get a shifter mounted toggle that looks like a factory mount, very clean looking. If your going to use the brake alot, make the switch, you will be much happier in the long run, and the current one will just bug you. Sarge

 

[CRoth - BD-Power]

There is no reason why the BD Brake cannot be wired into the ECM just like Pac, or Jacobs. Quite a few customers actaully prefer the faster response of the BD Brake then waiting for 2 seconds for the Jake or the Pac to operate. This is especaily the case for automatic trucks.



If you want instructions on how to do it, just email or PM me.

 

[Sarge]

There is no reason why the BD Brake cannot be wired into the ECM just like Pac, or Jacobs.

Maybe, I'd just rather go with one that is designed that way out of the box.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

CRoth, PM'd you.

 

[CRoth - BD-Power]

Maybe, I'd just rather go with one that is designed that way out of the box.

Look what Pac had to do for 2005, they had to go back to the old micro switch. As well for the earlier trucks they will sell you an additional kit to remove the 2 second delay that exists when wiring into the ECM. Plus you have to mount and wire a micro switch and relay to control activation. All of our kits apply quickly as possible, no need for additional parts, one electronic box does it all.

 

[TowPro]

I took the 12v source wire going to the throttle pedal switch and used the brake light switch to power it. Then the exhaust brake would only come on when you put your foot on the brake pedal.



I feel anytime the exhaust brake comes on and I don't intend to slow down its a waist of energy. If I wanted the exhaust brake only to come on, just rest your foot on the brake pedal. Plus my BD on the 98 stopped so good I almost got rear ended many times. Switching to the brake pedal method means the brake lights are on when brake comes on.



wire it to a 3 position switch (center off) and you can run it normal (assist in warmup) or brake pedal method.

 

[mangle]

Wired my BD through the clutch switch for the wife. When ever she shifts with no throttle the clutch switch turns off the brake until the clutch is released. For myself, I use the BD supplied pull switch mounted on the shift knob next to the air horn switch. I like to use the horn before the brakes…gotta love this truck.



anglesm in san jose

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I have the splitter knob on the shift lever. I rarely turn it on and leave it on. 99% of the time I turn it on/off as needed. I use it every day and a lot when moutain driving or in town.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

CRoth, thanks for the instructions.



Lots of good ideas. I had thought about trying to wire it into the brake lights also. I might still do that. At least I now have some ideas and can fiddle with it so I can find the setup that works the best. I love the stopping power of the brake, just wasn't super happy with the control.



Jeff

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I finally got around to hooking up the brake through the ECM per the instructions that CRoth sent to me. The only problem I am having is that it won't work now. I have double and triple checked the wiring to the switch, which is the only thing that I changed.



What exactly is the ECM doing/looking for in order to control the brake? Is it possible that my ECM isn't programmed to control the brake?



Edit: I also have code P0477 - Low voltage on the engine brake driver

Set condition: When the signal from the engine brake driver output does not match the signal from the engine brake driver feedback.



WTH does that mean?



Jeff

 

[GSchroder]

I use the TowLoc with mine and I am happy with the whole setup. But then again I have an automatic.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Does anyone know if pin #42 on the ECM connector 'B' is a sourcing or sinking signal? I ask because of conflicting information on different wiring schematics.



Jeff