Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Jacobs E-Brake

[HBarlow]

Dave,

I don't understand why my kit which the dealer installed had the shifter switch and yours did not. I bought my '01 in May of '01. It was an '01. 5 dually w/disc brakes. I don't know how to wire the shifter mounted switch into the system so I know I didn't buy and install it.

 

[dresslered]

Harvey, I took delivery of my '01 in March of 2000 after ordering it in January of 2000 (thus it had rear drums instead of disks but also 18 different accessories that were deleted with the '01. 5's). Yes, Chrysler clicked up the model year very early because of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements. It was either pay a big fine or roll to the next model year. The PT Cruiser then came out to help them with their overall average. So, essentially, I have a very early 2001.



Perhaps my Jacobs was also an early model which didn't come with the switch? Another possibility was that there were actually two of these kits available at the time: One, the kit that came with a Jacob's part number; and two, the kit that came with a Mopar part number. My understanding was that both kits were identical though. I installed my kit myself so I had only the parts that came with the kit. Perhaps your dealer could have thrown in the switch as I did by purchasing it separately from the kit? Seems like a must have if you ask me.

 

[HBarlow]

Maybe complaints or logic prevailed and someone decided the dash rocker switch was insufficient and added the shifter switch.

 

[Ram4Sam]

I bought my BD from Piers, way back at the turn of the century. It came with a toggle instead of the rocker and a silly looking microswitch assy that mounted to the pedal,to actuated the brake when not on the throttle. I found it annoying to have the brake come on every time I let up on the gas. Plus, the switch was a pain to adjust. I got the two speed switch from Piers which came with a alum bracket. I chucked the pedal assy and just wired the brake direct to the two spreed switch, no ecm or pedal switch connection.



Sam

 

[ScottLewis]

My '06 with dealer installed Jake came with a stalk switch. Since it is an automatic I almost always just leave the brake turned on and let the ECM do all the controlling. I didn't like the stalk switch on the shift lever and installed a dash switch instead. Strictly a matter of personal preference, I guess.

Incidently, my Jake vacuum pump failed at about 70K miles and I'm in the process of installing a PacBrake instead.

 

[DMcLeod]

Use of ebrake shifter switch.....

I think it's worth noting in this thread that some of us would never have an ebrake without a shifter switch. Relying only upon the ecm operation is an accident waiting to happen if you're driving on slick roads. Nor do you want to be fumbling around for a dash mounted switch or take your eyes off the road when you're sideways and bearing down on a moose. Dont ask me how I know..... Or you could just follow the advise in the instructions and never use the ebrake in the winter (which is most of the year where I live).

 

[dresslered]

DMcLeod,

You bring up a great point. Though I love the ECM control of the E-brake, when I roll up to a stop light or go into a wet curve, I definitely rely on the manual switch.

 

[Silver_Ram]

I installed the Jacobs kit & put their stupid switch where they wanted it. I also decided I didn't like leaning down to turn it off and on. I bought the Pac Brake shifter switch & spliced it into the power wire for the Jacobs switch. Worked great - the Jacobs switch used to be over $100. 00 to replace. The Pac Brake switch last for quite awhile & I found a replacement switch at the local parts house for $4. 50. .