Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) PAC brake

[plongson]

I don't know how the other brakes work, but I wish the PAC did not engauge at idle when the enging is at full operating tempreature. What do the other brands do??

 

[Sticks]

You have an on/off switch for it don't you?

 

[plongson]

Yes, I have a switch, but I was refering to the control signals sent from the ECM. There have been threads in the past about E-Brakes (other brands than PAC) that led me to believe that when the switch is on and the engine is up to temp, the brake does not engauge at idle . When you roll up to a stoplight, you have to switch off the brake or sit there through the duration of the light with the brake choking off the engine. It is really NOT a big deal to flip the switch, but it would be very nice if it were more automatic. I am sure this is a ECM program issue, at least on a '99, but did they change this in later model years?

 

[rfcom]

I just installed a Jacobs brake on my 02 and it works the same way. However, I have a momentary push button on the shift knob that parallels the main switch, so for around town, I leave the main switch off and use the shifter button. The other alternative is to keep slight pressure on the pedal so the ECM doesn't see a zero pedal condition. Probably not a good idea for an automatic.



Jim

 

[FDziurda]

Switch

I bought a miniature toggle switch from radio Shack and mounted it on the left side of the the plastic steering wheel housing, right behind the steering wheel (Near the turn signal switch). This makes it VERY easy to turn on/off the Pacbrake. Run the wires under the steering shaft cover.



Frank Dz

 

[OTRPU]

All of um I've heard about engage at idle. Which one you talking about?



Cheers,

Steve J.

 

[plongson]

I didn't do a search but the thread was 3 or 4 months ago and I think it was a Jake. They were talking about using it to help warm up the engine on startup and after it got up to temp the brake de-energized. In other words, it was off at idle. Even if I am really off base on this, it would be a real nice feature. I bet it would have to be programmed in to the ECM. Good luck with that!!

 

[Sticks]

Just mount another micro switch on the clutch in series with the throttle, then when you have the clutch pressed in at a light (or shifting/coasting) it will make the brake think the throttle is pressed.



Mine has a micro switch on the throttle, and the clutch, a switch mounted on the dash to toggle between normal operation (as designed - foot off the throttle) and instant on activated by the thumb button on my shifter, providing the throttle and clutch switches are open.