Jacobs Exhaust Brake on 2001 6-speed?

[SS]

I'm in the middle of installing a Jacobs Exhaust Brake on my truck and the instructions say to remove the 50 pin connector on the Cummins ECM on the side of the block. Problem is that connector has a "VOID" sticker over it. I'm still under warranty by a long ways and I'd like to keep it that way. Has anyone run into this? Contacted Cummins and/or Jacobs?



As I understand it, pin #20 on the ECM provides a delayed 12V signal to the brake after the throttle reaches the idle position. Seems to me they would prefer me to hook it up correctly and under warranty than to provide my own signal which wouldn't be delayed and would require the driver to activate the brake at only the proper times.



I'm at a loss here and I can hardly wait to test drive it. TIA

 

[Barry]

I am not quite sure why the Jakes are wired that way. On my BD, I have a switch on the gear shift lever and a micro switch on the go pedal. What more do you need???

 

[Thomas]

You can hook up all the rest of the install without disabling your truck, then contact DC. Without the +12 volts from pin 20 of the ECM, the brake will be in the off position.

 

[SS]

But Daaaad, I wanna drive it now!

Yeah, I got the exhaust part installed and I know I can drive it, but was hoping to test out the brake tonight. Worse than a kid at Christmas with a new toy.



I guess I'll have to force myself to wait until tomorrow - unless I hook up to a 12V source... . NO - I'll just wait. I think I have a microswitch around here somewhere... . STOP IT.



I assume that Cummins supplies the delayed 12V signal for all of their applications and that Jacobs/Dodge worked with them for the Ram. Not sure why BD and others chose to do it another way.



Thanks for the replies.

 

[klenger]

When I installed mine, I was able to peal the sticker off in one piece and reinstall it. Even if yoiu can't salvage the sticker, take it off anyway. They can't void your warranty for removing the connector per the instructions that Dodge sells. The brake has a 5 year warranty from Dodge and does not void vehicle warranty.

 

[dresslered]

Peal the sticker! I would think that you have a perfectly legitimate reason for doing so. I can't see how anyone could void your warranttee. My '01 never had the sticker.



P. S. You definitely want to get that signal line!

 

[jolyman]

You'll LOVE that Jacobs brake



Don't even need the brakes in town MOST of the time if you anticipate the traffic.



You will wear out the rear tires faster though



Oh well can't have it all -- all the time.

 

[DAWG-1]

2001 Dodge with and w/o void stickers, not all trucks came with the sticker. If you remove both of the stickers and use brakeclean to remove the residue left by the stickers. Then you can go enjoy the new toys . Sam

 

[dmurdock]

Take the f'n sticker(s) off! Then, they don't know if you had em or not. My truck was built after my neighbors at the same plant (identical trucks except for color). His had it, mine which was built later didn't. Don't sweat it...

 

[SS]

Exhaust Brake is installed

Thanks all for the words of wisdom yesterday.



Since I didn't tackle it last night I had a chance to call Cummins today to get their take on it. Damon from customer assistance says "that's the first vehicle I've heard of with a VOID sticker on the ECM connector". He also said that Cummins would not cancel warranty because it was removed, but he suggested to call Dodge. Of course, their customer assistance number was closed for MLK Day. I figure that Dodge can't cancel warranty since that connector can only control the engine. So I removed the sticker and cleaned the connector with brake cleaner.



Seems to work fine, although I have to admit I was hoping it would be MUCH louder. I guess the real test will be with the trailer. Maybe I'll get to try the warm up feature tomorrow morning.

 

[Michael Hughes]

I love my Jake Brake!! The only problem I have is when I am driving my wife's SUV, I have to remember where the brake pedal is.

 

[JWhitcomb]

My 2001 did have the sticker and I did not hesitate peeling it. At some point I will put a switch on the shifter and also thinking about an additional switch that will allow me to cut out the two second delay. There are times driving in the mountains where I would prefer instant braking. Drove a SUV with an auto all weekend, kept looking for the clutch.

 

[n7gxz]

If you want it to be louder, change the exhaust pipe to a 4" straight pipe or a 4" with a performance muff.



Kevin

 

[RustyJC]

Re: Exhaust Brake is installed

Originally posted by DodgeTorqueWagon

Seems to work fine, although I have to admit I was hoping it would be MUCH louder.

Actually, adding the BHAF increased the volume when the Jake brake was engaged more than adding the 4" exhaust in our case!



Rusty

 

[Bob Cochran]

Mine had the void sticker but I was able to disconnect and reconnect and you cannot tell I done the work. I love the jake exhaust brake and don't mind the delay. Once your used to it and plan ahead it is fine.

 

[SS]

After driving it for a day, I can tell I'm gonna like it the more I use it. Already got the BHAF and been considering exhaust upgrades, but don't want it any louder at cruise - just during braking. You know, enough to scare the bejesus out of the driver next to me. Might just have to settle for bigger injectors, get in front of him and scare him with black smoke. Makes me laugh every time!

 

[Bob Cochran]

This afternoon a Mesa City motorcycle policemen stopped next to me at an intersection. He was looking at the truck either in admiration or trying to figure out what was leaking so much air. You know that normal sound with the Jake on? I love the reaction it is fun.