Switched Power - Jake Brake

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Just installed a Cummins E-Brake on my truck. I was very pleased with the kit & it went on exactly as advertised. I have one question - the directions call for connecting the switch power for the brake to the auxiliary power port (cigarette lighter). This supplys continuous power - therefore, the switch if left on, will always be on burning an indicator light even if the truck is left idle for a few days. Seems to me it would be smarter to connecct this switch to switched power so the switch would go off with the ignition and come on with the ignitiion if the switch is left in the on position.

2 Questions

Why would Cummins recommend the switch be powered at all times?

Does anyone know of an easy source of switched power under the dash. I don't think this light creates any significant load. I believe the power to actuate the brake itself comes from the ECM. At least the ECM wire is the one with the fuse in it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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'01 Black extended cab 4X4 SLT+ 6 spd. Westin grille guard, nerf bars and bed rails. ISO Pro guages, Line-X bed liner, Westin kick out steps.

 

[Archive]

On my '99 the lighter plug is on a relay and is switched power. Might want to check that further.

BTW, I wired my brake control hot all the time. Not recommending that, it was late and expediant at the time. Later BD stated no problem as far as they were concerned. I only activate the brake when needed anyway.

Just my . 02 pesos.

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John S. '99 QC 1T 4. 11 A/T Leather Driftwood, 50 Gal aux tank/tool box, gearvendors, BD brake/autolok, BD ISB comp, guages, BD Pressure Lock and Pract. Sol. Boost Elbow.

Just a Little BOMBed and liking it a lot.

 

[Archive]

Ramtough,

I installed the E Brake by Jacobs in my 2000 Ram (P/N 3800780). I imagine that this is the same as you have installed. The instructions for the Switch Power Lead Connection begin "Remove the cigar lighter from its receptacle base... ". I think it's clear from these instructions that the power to illuminate the switch comes from the cigar lighter (it's off when the key is off) rather than the always on auxiliary power outlet. This was the most difficult part of the install for me - removing the cigar lighter receptacle base from the dash.

This source of switched pawer is not needed to operate the brake - just to illuminate the switch in the 'on' position. If all the rest of your wiring is correct, the lamp in the switch should be off when the brake is turned off.

I believe it is best to turn off the brake a few minutes before shutdown anyway to help lower exhaust gas temperatures.

Edit:

Just reread your post "the auxiliary power port (cigarette lighter). ". The two items in your post ARE NOT THE SAME THINGS.

[This message has been edited by Thomas (edited 11-02-2000). ]

 

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Thomas... very good, accurate answer! I agree. I also love my e brake!

 

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Dito! Cigar lighter is an excellent source for "switched" power. That's where my E-Brake goes.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec Differential Cover, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.

 

[Archive]

Cigar lighter: switched power
Auxilary outlet: constant power

Yes you assumed right,the ECM wire is what actuates the e-brake.

-MIke

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'00 2500QC 4x4 LWB Dark Garnet R1AZ ETC DEE DMD 2HG AHJ DSA LNJ MXB AHC DD stage II Psychotty air Jacobs e-brake Isspro gauges Airoquip fuel lines 2wd-Low BFG 285/75 AT's.

 

[Archive]

I installed my BD exhaust brake and took
switched power from the pwr windows circuit. I had a real tough time even seeing the cigar lighter wires. I pull the the ashtray and still couldn't get at them. Is there a secret to accessing the connector for the lighter?


Thanks,
Mick2500
<font color=blue>

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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Totally STOCK!!
On Order 4/28/00
Arrived 9/14/00 !! #ad

My Truck


[This message has been edited by Mick2500 (edited 11-02-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I couldn't get the circlip off of the Cigar lighter either (even with the proper tool), so I think that I gained access by removing the dash trim first. Then, I believe that you can remove the "cubby" and reach behind to find the wire. Since it was such a chore, I added a big pigtail to the wire so that future accessories can be easily added.

 

[Archive]

The lighted switch with the E Brake by Jacobs was a temporary measure for me (I never cut a hole in the dash to install it). I installed a switch on the gearshift lever. After spending the time to get to the switched source at the cigar lighter I decided to not let it go to waste. It is currently used to trip a 40 amp relay under the hood - a switched source for my other projects.

 

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In the fuse pannel, if # 16 is open... the lower side is hot and Key On Power, I feed my SPA DG111 with it.

Max

 

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Originally posted by Thomas:
Ramtough,

I installed the E Brake by Jacobs in my 2000 Ram (P/N 3800780). I imagine that this is the same as you have installed. The instructions for the Switch Power Lead Connection begin "Remove the cigar lighter from its receptacle base... ". I think it's clear from these instructions that the power to illuminate the switch comes from the cigar lighter (it's off when the key is off) rather than the always on auxiliary power outlet. This was the most difficult part of the install for me - removing the cigar lighter receptacle base from the dash.

This source of switched pawer is not needed to operate the brake - just to illuminate the switch in the 'on' position. If all the rest of your wiring is correct, the lamp in the switch should be off when the brake is turned off.

I believe it is best to turn off the brake a few minutes before shutdown anyway to help lower exhaust gas temperatures.

Edit:

Just reread your post "the auxiliary power port (cigarette lighter). ". The two items in your post ARE NOT THE SAME THINGS.

[This message has been edited by Thomas (edited 11-02-2000). ]

Thanks Thomas! I guess you've seen the word assume disected. I assumed the cigar lighter and the accessory port were on the same circuit. I had a h#@@ of a time even seeing the wires to these devices. I think I'll try to tap the fuse box.


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'01 Black extended cab 4X4 SLT+ 6 spd. Westin grille guard, nerf bars and bed rails. ISO Pro guages, Line-X bed liner, Westin kick out steps.

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Mad Max:
In the fuse pannel, if # 16 is open... the lower side is hot and Key On Power, I feed my SPA DG111 with it.

Max

Max, are you hooked up to the front (outside) of the fuse box or the back (toward the dash). I took a look at this & I was unable to get to the back of the fuse panel.


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'01 Black extended cab 4X4 SLT+ 6 spd. Westin grille guard, nerf bars and bed rails. ISO Pro guages, Line-X bed liner, Westin kick out steps.