Intermittent Exhaust Brake

[GJolicoeur]

My 2016 3500 dually seems to have a problem with the exhaust brake. When I put it in Tow/haul and engage the exhaust brake, the braking power seems to vary coming down from highway speeds. Sometimes it engages fully and I hardly need to touch the service brakes, other times, it's weak and seems like the downshifts in the Aisin transmission are doing all the work.

This truck only has 9,000 miles on it and gets used only a couple of times a month. Do I have a sticky turbo linkage or some other problem?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Turbo actuator could be going out.

 

[Jim W]

Did I read correctly you only have 9,000 miles on the OD. IF so, I do not think it could be the turbo actuator this early.

Now how often do you drive with the exhaust brake on?

I would take the truck out for a very long drive with the exhaust brake on from the start. Not on an interstate but on country highways where you could slow down and speed up using the exhaust brake to slow you down. You probably need to exercise the brake and try to clean out some of the soot build up in the exhaust side of the turbo.

I have 145,000 miles on my truck, and I am still using the original turbo actuator with no issue. But my exhaust brake is on for 95% of the time when the engine is running. But I do not engage tow/haul mode unless I am towing or hauling something heavy. On cold days (below 45F) the truck is set to high idle, in park and the exhaust brake is engaged sitting in the driveway for a few minutes. I need to exit the truck to un-fold my passenger's mirror and close the garage door, I than will drive off.

 

[AH64ID]

The EB only works when the torque converter is locked. Is it possible the transmission is just not locked up?

9K miles.. get to driving that thing, equipment doesn't like to sit.

 

[jelag]

So my neighbor has an 07 with the 6.7 and variable vane turbo.... he hardly ever uses the exhaust brake function and now finds it turns on and works.... but than doesn't turn off when he pushes on the throttle...

AS I get older, more forgetful I think I've read about this system getting fouled from lack of service. Yet I can't seem to find the posts or what service is required to clear this up..... I know on my truck, I hardly turn it off and use it all the time and have never had a problem.

Would one of you refresh my memory about this issue about what's required to clean this up...

And of course he now understands he needs to use it often. Thanks for your input. AND THANK TO THIS GROUP for all your input in the past.

 

[CROW]

The actuator on my 2018 went out went out in less than three years and less than 30K. I always use the exhaust brake and will sometimes use tow/haul even if not towing. Am guessing mine went out earlier than most that fail.