Electronic Question

[gaylejoe]

I installed a BD Exahust Brake on 06 Dodge Ram 2500 in 2014. The exhaust brake worked fine for 18 months when it started acting funny. It would not turn off after the engine was turned off. The pump just kept running. My dealer told me it was my electronics. I can not turn on the brake. Dealer said that the unit was not getting power from the POS. Price of repair estimated at $2500. Not worth the price for me. What else could be effected by this with my truck. I have not noticed anything else not working. This brake just stopped functioning after 18 months. Greatly appreciate and suggestions.

The brake has Tlchecked by the dealer who installed the BD and there are no problems with the unit. My Dodge dealer will not do anything since the brake was installed by a third party.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Sounds like the dealer has no idea whats going on. First I would check for an air leak because it sounds like the air line or tank is leaking bad. Then I would check the relay or just swap it with a new one from Napa or Oriellys - they're cheap. Unplugging it should kill the pump.

 

[Motorhead]

I agree with prairie dog. Having a PRXB Pacbrake, I have experienced a few air leak problems in 8 years of service. Was the pump wired to run ONLY when the key was on? If so, I would replace the compressor load relay. The load relay contacts can arc and stick closed. Second, You don't say if you have an air tank that the compressor fills. You need to check for air supply leaks between the compressor and the brake actuator and all lines, valves in between. I have had the air solenoid valve leak off air pressure and cause my compressor to cycle frequently. A squirt bottle with dish soap and water is your friend when finding a leak.

 

[gaylejoe]

All the above has been checked out. The BD is not getting any power. It will not turn on.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I'm confused (normal), in your first post you said "It would not turn off after the engine was turned off. The pump just kept running."
But in your last post you say it's not getting any power and that it wont turn on.
Can you clarify?

Also, there's no reason for the pump to get power from the POS. The relay turns on the pump via a neg that is provided by the ECM.
The pump can get its +12V from any source you choose.

 

[Motorhead]

PD, Does the BD brake not use an air reservoir tank?

 

[Prairie Dog]

PD, Does the BD brake not use an air reservoir tank?

I think it's an option, or at least it was. Mine doesn't have one.

Scott

 

[Motorhead]

I think it's an option, or at least it was. Mine doesn't have one.

Scott

I didn't know it was a "direct" pump to brake set up. Trying to figure this posters issue.

 

[B.G. Smith]

It has to have a small air tank, direct won't cut it. It might be full of water. bg

 

[Prairie Dog]

It has to have a small air tank, direct won't cut it. It might be full of water. bg

Why wont it work, did they go to a smaller pump?
Mine works flawlessly w/o a reservoir.

Scott

 

[B.G. Smith]

Why wont it work, did they go to a smaller pump?
Mine works flawlessly w/o a reservoir.

Scott

Maybe his brake is different than mine (his is BD, mine is Pacbrake). Mine is air operated and I would guess the air cylinder is probably five or six cubic inches capacity. When driving in traffic the brake might be energized two or three times in short period of time. I just don't see how the air compressor could activate the brake quickly without a small reservoir. Would love to hear how that is accomplished? bg

 

[Prairie Dog]

Maybe his brake is different than mine (his is BD, mine is Pacbrake). Mine is air operated and I would guess the air cylinder is probably five or six cubic inches capacity. When driving in traffic the brake might be energized two or three times in short period of time. I just don't see how the air compressor could activate the brake quickly without a small reservoir. Would love to hear how that is accomplished? bg

I'm not sure how they get around that. The run time of the pump is so short that I often don't even hear it. I estimate it runs about 1 second to activate it.
I have the pump mounted behind my pass. battery and the air line is 18" long so they are very close to each other. It worked almost as fast when I had it in the recommended location on the front of the eng.
Maybe the displacement of the pump is relatively large.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I tried to look up some info on the operation of this brake but really didn't find much particulars. Did see where they have an inline that is mounted in the exhaust pipe instead of at the turbo outlet, I know how mine is plumbed because I installed it. bg

 

[Motorhead]

I have a large, Viair 480 compressor, a 2.5 gallon air tank and a 22" Grover air horn.

 

[mfurrh55]

Electrical question

I have a Thomas air compressor hooked up backwards and an activation switch on my shifter, works great for the last 8 years, no problems so far,of course mine is a Jacobs brake and is activated by vacuum

 

[gaylejoe]

Yes, when the problem first started the unit would not stop running even with the engine turned off. We had to disconnect it so that it would not run my battery. I have had it checked out by the 3rd party who intalled it. They have been BD dealers for many years and I do not question their work. My Dodge dealer does not want to do anything since the BD was installed by a 3rd party.
I'm thinking of taking it to another Dodge dealer later this year. We are leaving in a couple of weeks for several months.

 

[Motorhead]

I still say that the compressor LOAD relay is stuck. Ask the installer where the relay is located and if it is a Bosch style cube relay, replace it.

 

[B.G. Smith]

On mine the relays (two) are mounted to a small lip at the upper edge of the firewall ( above master cylinder ) one is air solenoid relay, other is compressor run relay, the pressure switch is mounted at the compressor. bg

 

[Killgore]

I have the same set up as the OP; BD with no tank. I suspect he has a relay that is stuck closed. It should be mounted on the right side of the firewall next to the BD air filter and the activation solenoid just below the windshield. The replacement relay can be found at any parts house and should be about a $10 fix.

- Ed

 

[gaylejoe]

I wish that I knew more to tell you. Part of it is mounted of the firewall and and the other part is mounted in the passenger side fender well. This unit worked for 18 months before the problem started. I wish there was someone to take to in the San Antonio area but we are leaving on a trip on June 1st.