PacBrake Installation

[OGaddis]

Just completed a PacBrake installation on my 07 CTD. I found the PacBrake instructions clear and easy to follow. The only problem I ran into during installation was one I had read about here previously and that was installation of the white wire pin from the switch to the ECM 50 pin connector. Hard to push a rope! I read here that it is best to remove the connector plug to ensure a good connection of the pin with the connector. In my case I had to because the plug was inserted to far to try to fish out. I used a finishing nail slightly smaller than the pin to push the plug out from the back. The pin would not insert. I tried pushing the finishing nail in from the front and it tended to hang up but would eventually insert. Still the pin wouldn't go. So I tried pushing the nail in and rotating slightly and re-inserting. Eventually it would go in every time I tried. Then I tried the connector pin and it finally seated and locked. Must have been a slight burr in the plastic sleeve in the connector.

Tried it out today and the PacBrake works great. I was concerned that upon backing off the throttle the brake would come on thus costing me in fuel economy (loss of coasting). But I found that it only came on when I totally released the throttle. Also the brief pause after releasing the throttle before the e-brake engages was set up just right for shifting (maunual transmission). I think I'm going to like this addition to the truck. Should make towing the fifth wheel over passes a lot more relaxing. I appreciate the tips I picked up from this forum on the install.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Your going to get a big $#it eaten grin the first time to engage that baby coming down a hill with your trailer. Sometimes I have to turn mine off coming down the local mountain passes because it slows down too much!