How does the 06 Auto Trans Exhaust Brake Operate?

[JERRYKAM]

Guys,



I have a 06 2500 Auto, 4x4 and am considering the installation of the Dodge approved Jake Brake. Since the 06 auto exhaust brake implementation is new. I'd like to know just how the brake and tx are integrated and in particular under what conditions the exhaust brake is activated. I will assume that it can be manually applied at any time but I'm more interested in how it is automatically activated. Foot off the throttle and brake applied? Activated by Tow-Haul each time a downshift is made? Other?



If you have an 06 with a Jake Brake installed I'd really like to hear from you.



Jerry K

 

[KennethS]

It very simple to use and handy

I got it on my 2996 3/4 ton automatic and I use It a good bit, It very simple to use just a pull switch on the gear shift. I guess It a lot og work to install about 7 hours they told me. You will like it.

 

[bworthington]

Just pull the switch out and when you let your foot off the gas there it is.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I got it on my 2996 3/4 ton automatic

Must be a demo concept model. :-laf

 

[DAmes]

I just got the Jake Exhaust brake installed on my new 06 3/4 ton SLT LB auto 4X4 and am looking for 30 ft 5th wheel (10-12k lbs loaded). My diesel mechanic, Ken Imler, says its a great unit. Provides 150-160 neg HP if you keep rps up to 1800-2000 range. Fully integrated w/ auto trans computer and cruise control unit, per manual. Supposedly keeps heavy load from accelerating too much when going up & down mountains. I'm also anxious to hear from someone experienced w/ it. I should be within 1-3 months, after we purchase 5th wheel & go to my home state, Montana for a few weeks.



My mechanic (previously owned '92 250 LB Dodge Cummins for my horse trailer), said he'd be glad to install it, but for Dodge warranty purposes, recommended the dealer do it; I found dealer installed prices from $1600 to $2000.



I've always had bumper pull w/ my '92 Dodge, so have a LOT to learn w/ new truck and 5th wheel unit. Once I find my way around TDR website, I hope to learn a lot, and perhaps someone w/ new generation insulated 5th wheel (mid-profile, 28-30 ft) for sale.

 

[GAmes]

Supposedly keeps heavy load from accelerating too much when going up & down mountains.

Actually, when going UP mountains GRAVITY keeps your load from accelerating too much :-laf But going down it's the best thing since sliced bread, mine has been working for over 400,000 miles and is one of the best mods I have added.



Oh, welcome to the TDR. Now besides games we have dames :-laf

where do you live?

 

[Nate]

How about for the older trucks?

 

[nunya]

I just got done checking out the Jake on my 06 auto this weekend! Works great! I came down from Steamboat Lake with OD off and jake did as it should. It seems to work real well with the transmission, TC locks and unlocks as it should , very pleased with the setup! Works better with rpm up also. Does NOT work as well as the 02 6spd and I knew it wouldn`t so don`t expect that kinda whoa! I pull a 32ft. Cardinal TT and had a 500 TRV in the bed. So far 840 miles and it is a pleasure to drive.

 

[YFZBOB]

Must be a demo concept model. :-laf

Cool, I got something to look forward too!!! Oo.

 

[E2360]

Best mod I did on my truck. $1800 from the dealer installed out the door. Works seamlessly. I mounted the swith to the side onf the center counsul with velcro. Still easy to get to and not as ugly as on the shift lever (auto).



Of note, I always carry a spare serpentine belt. The belt with for engine with exhaust brake is a rare animal to find so order any extra BEFORE you need it. The papers from the Brake give both Cummins and Mopar numbers. Got mine through Cummins overnight. Mopar says 1 week as it comes from Detroit. Cummins was $30 less money also.

 

[WCabral]

i have 2006 mega cab,towing a fifth wheel dry weight 9000 lbs. it is really worth having it,i had owned 2004 hemi towing the same fifth and having not to use the brakes like i used is nice. extra insurance for stopping.

 

[jelag]

The upgrades in the software and hardware in the auto transmission for 06 make it work very well... . we've installed several and sold a lot of them..... (pacbrakes) and we're surprised how well the truck down shifts when necessary to make the brake function... .



All in all the 06 auto is a huge step forward for D/C...

 

[JThiessen]

I just drove my new 06 home tonight, and I gotta say the biggest grin factor is from the "little" Jake sound..... its COOL!



I have seen rigs on dealer lots before that had Jake emblems on them. They didnt put any on mine (not sure I really wanted them on anyway). Just wondering if they shortchanged me another item for my rollaway.

 

[JWNisbett]

Jim, Glad to hear the PacBrake works with the new '06 software. Do you know if DC is ever going to come out with software upgrade for '05 models. I have been waiting since Nov. '04. Do you run the PacBrakes on your '05 truck? Is it a 48RE trans? Would you recommend installing the EB on the '05 w/48RE? If so, do I need to do anything to the software, I have heard that the EB activation was entirely disabled for the '05? I like the PacBrake over the Jake because is is air operated and I have on-board air already. Jerry

 

[jelag]

JWN



At this writing... . we don't know of any plans for DC to upgrade the 05's or eariler trucks..... that's something they just don't do often..... and I have no clue what the hardware changes were in the transmission... .



Jim

 

[dwillmoth]

I installed a Pacbrake PRXb a few weeks ago on my 06 megacab 48RE, we tow a 35' 5er and the difference is incredible. After two tows in the cumberland plateau region of Kentucky I am sold. Found a link mentioning Jim at Pacific Clutch and Brake, contacted them while shopping around, they beat everybodies price and were a great source of information on the brake. Total install time 3. 5 hours.



Don

 

[JERRYKAM]

Thanks guys for all the positive reviews. I did locate the Jake Brake manual on the Jake Brake web site and it gives an excellent overview of exactly how the brake integrates with the engine/transmission.



Since I tow a relatively light weight trailer, 6000lb loaded, I'm on the fence as to whether or not it is a cost effective upgrade for my towing situation. I live in Colorado, and last week took my trailer up into the mountains for a 500mi trip. Up and down I went, and in only one instance did I feel the need for a bit of additional engine breaking power.



With that said, the testimonials by you and other users on this forum ,as well as my dealer, all fully endorse the value of adding an Jake Brake



Jerry K