exhaust brake cut out at 1600rpm

[snidley1]

For A while now my exhaust brake will cut out at 1600 rpms then will come back on when it gets below 1500. I think I read a thread about others having this problem. Just wondering if there is a fix , I don;t want to make another trio to the dealer for nothing. I also have a p245a code now also for them to look at. Man I miss my 02 more every day

 

[jelag]

08 5500 with close to 20K miles... we've not had this problem... .

 

[Coalsmoke]

My 08 3500 has this problem, it comes and goes, it seems that when running around town and just loping around, not working it, this problem will show its head. The EB doesn't fully cut out, just goes to about 30-50% or so in that RPM range. However, I've found that running the truck hard for 10 miles will clear it out. I think it is some soot fouling up the actuator mechanism. Also, when using it on the highway it is ok usually as it will be on for longer lengths of time and will seem like it has cleaned itself out.

 

[DFeldman]

I had my truck in for a P2000 code last week. After they cleaned everything and reflashed the ECM as per the TSB, the exhaust brake works very different than it did.



Now the Brake will pull down hard until about 1600 Rs and then I can feel it let up distinctly. The brake is still working but to a lesser level below 1600. It will also stay on now down to about 1000 instead of the 1100 before the flash.



I do not know which TSB or Flash as I assumed it would be printed out on the receipt like all the others. I checked it when I got home and I sawthat it was not.



I am glad to know I am not the only one. I love this truck but it has been to the shop more times than anything I have ever owned. I had the turbo replaced at 500 miles and all of the rest have been a result of it throwing codes or the g30 recall. I usually do my own work but all of the electronics on these things make it difficult now.

 

[starkmr]

I've noticed erratic operation of the EB as well. Sometimes it pulls down hard until 1600 rpm's as noted above and then will come back on harder about 1400. Other times it pulls down all the way and remains on when at idle. Don't know if this is a function of temperature or what?

 

[sag2]

I've been meaning to make a data recording to see what makes the brake feel like it backs off the retarding, then adds it back until it shuts off at 1100 RPM. One thought I had is the EGR opening. With the extra back pressure of the brake, the EGR trying to open for emissions may ask for the reduced braking to limit the EGR flow or perhaps keep excessive soot out of the intake.

 

[Coalsmoke]

For those of us following this thread, sorry, I've been holding out on an update regarding this issue. I in watching what is happening when this happens, I've noticed that the exhaust brake cuts out only when the truck is in its regeneration de-soot mode. I am pretty certain that it is software related and not a hardware malfunction. I have been meaning to bring this up with DC but have been too busy lately.

 

[HBarlow]

I think Coalsmoke's post above provides the answer. I'd put my money on the variable being due to whether the engine is regenerating the dpf or not.



I have not noticed the change in exhaust brake operation as several of you described but have noticed that once in awhile when I stop at a traffic light it sounds like the exhaust brake has remained closed at idle. When I look up at my pyro gauge I see that the engine is actually cleaning the dpf. My guess is the computer is programmed to modify exhaust braking when in the regeneration mode.



As others have said, I wish Dodge would give us more information on regeneration as it effects normal operation.

 

[snidley1]

For those of us following this thread, sorry, I've been holding out on an update regarding this issue. I in watching what is happening when this happens, I've noticed that the exhaust brake cuts out only when the truck is in its regeneration de-soot mode. I am pretty certain that it is software related and not a hardware malfunction. I have been meaning to bring this up with DC but have been too busy lately.

Thats interesting but mine does it all the time?? It makes me wonder if mine cant not complete a regeneration due to my driving habits (short trips) and is always trying to regenerate.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Thats interesting but mine does it all the time?? It makes me wonder if mine cant not complete a regeneration due to my driving habits (short trips) and is always trying to regenerate.

That could be. Take note to see if it changes after you do a 45min + highway trip.

 

[mgoncalves]

I've noticed that if I drive on long trip, it won't cut out . Then if I do any town driving it cuts out all the time. I believe it's from the regen trying to occur. Man, i can't wait to get rid of the crap on my truck.