PacBrake on the 2005 Auto anyone?

[Matt400]

I put one on mine and when it works its all good but its interface missed the mark IMO.



I am currently using the "updated" module that restores use of the TH button.

(the first one rendered the button inoperable)

I find that the brake will never work when I flip the switch, instead after flipping the switch it needs to see throttle input first. Trouble with that is the engine controller sees that and grabs OD then the brake comes on in OD when I want D with the brake.



Next thing is any use of the TH button results in the brake disengaging so now I am in OD going a down steep windy highway and double tap the TH button like I normally would for D locked and I loose the brake.

Anticipating this fault on the next downhill I double tap ahead of time to insure going into the grade in D locked but the brake wont work when I let off the go pedal, instead it wants to see a go pedal input first which you 05 drivers know what that will do... grabs OD again.



Some more. . many times the controller holds OD locked and won't allow a downshift at all under power, just today through some rolling hills the engine was lugging badly, I double tap TH and nothing happens, no down shift and I am doing 40 in OD locked with 10K behind me. Mashing the pedal way down got it unlocked finally.



Yet more. . Manual second would always give me locked second for those steep windy grades you have to do at lower speeds, today I pegged my trans temp gauge to 280 degrees in second unlocked, had to pull over and let the fluid cool cuz it would not lock in second.



I will be talking with them about all this for suggestions but wanted to post to see what other 05 48re PacBrake owners are finding.

 

[Paddy McMahon]

I do not have the updated module, thus I have no use of tow/haul when the brake is engaged. The OD lockup is a huge bummer issue for me. The brake is on for allowing decelleration in to corners but when going up hill the brake will not allow the trans to downshift out of OD and the lugging causes the egt's to soar when I apply throttle. The only way to avoid cooking the motor/transmission is to turn the brake off and then turn the tow/haul on to avoid the lugging and smoky tailpipe issues. I love using the brake in 2nd gear manual on mountain roads as it keeps me from using the service brakes at speeds around 35mph, but I hate having to have to always be turning the brake off and on to keep the tow/ haul working. No one bothered to mention any of this in the advertising or when I was laying out my $$$ for the setup. Recently I have been unable to get the brake to engage in manual first gear and Pac brake has yet to respond to my request for a resolution to this.

 

[Paddy McMahon]

If I had been aware of how badly the 48RE allows these trucks to freewheel under decelleration with next to no engine compression braking via the transmission I would have simply stayed with a standard transmission in the first place. I was so starry eyed while test driving that I neglected to pay attention to anything other than the ride & accelleration.

 

[Matt400]

You might want to wait if they offer you the updated module, based on the way mine works it feels like beta testing. + its not a plug-n-play swap, you have to add two new wires to the modules connector, cut one out, splice into the engine controller and another at the transmission.



I think OD-lockout should have been incorporated somehow. For my needs I would be good with PB use in OD or D as a selection but not both at the same time.



The 05's transmission operation has been fine for me since new, I live & tow in the mountains but that all changed when I added 4K more towing weight.

 

[rbeyer]

I have the updated module. I drove from the SF area to north of Lake Tahoe a bit over a week ago towing a tiny trailer. The updated module didn't do the job. I have a BD Overdrive Lockout which is the only reliable way for me to move from overdrive to 3rd either up or down hill. Use of the shift level with the PB on just isn't working on my truck.

That said, I wouldn't be without the PRXB.

 

[Matt400]

Hey Bob...

How do you operate your BD lockout? Does it have a separate switch?

 

[rbeyer]

Matt --



They use the tow/haul button and you do a quick double tap to turn the overdrive lockout on and off. That feature has worked perfectly since installation.

 

[Matt400]

Hrmm, so when OD is locked out- are you in TH mode or is TH off and OD locked out?



Is there and indicator showing what mode you are in?

 

[wantabe351]

you are in TH mode and they give you a diode to use for the indicator,I use the OD lookout when towing on the back roads,puts me in the powerband you need when towing

 

[Matt400]

The updated module didn't do the job.

What were you looking to fix?

Use of the shift level with the PB on just isn't working on my truck.

Not sure what you mean, at this point I may toss the updated module altogether and control the brake with a competitors module.

 

[rbeyer]

I've been in the mountains -- sorry for the delay in response.

When the PB is on and you move the shift lever from "D" to "2" at highway speed, say 50 MPH, you do not get a downshift from 4th to 3rd which you get when the PB is off.

 

[Matt400]

I've been in the mountains -- sorry for the delay in response.



When the PB is on and you move the shift lever from "D" to "2" at highway speed, say 50 MPH, you do not get a downshift from 4th to 3rd which you get when the PB is off.

I gave up on my PB module, I pulled it out and installed a BD TowLoc. Its basically a trans controller with an EB function.

Still fine tuning the settings but its already superior. I only wish I would have bought the lesser expensive manual trans EB package as my PB controller is a spendy paper weight at the moment.

 

[rbeyer]

I'll look into the BD as well. Their OD lockout is great. I hate to see the PB module go to waste but that may be a good choice. I dislike not being able to have some shift level control when driving.



Thanks.