6.7L Cummins Forum

TURBOCHARGER EXHAUST BRAKE FUNCTION -The VGT works in conjunction with the engine and transmission to provide an integrated braking system used to help slow the vehicle. This is commonly called exhaust braking. This braking power is achieved by modulating the turbo sliding nozzle ring to restrict the flow of exhaust gases from the engine, which in turn creates a high back pressure on the engine. The high back pressure creates a high level of resistance to the motion of the pistons within the engine and this resistance is used to reduce engine speed and thus vehicle speed.
The exhaust brake feature will only function when the driver turns the exhaust brake switch to the on position. Once the switch is in the on position and the vehicle is moving faster than 8 k/h (5 MPH); the exhaust brake will automatically operate when the driver removes pressure from the throttle pedal allowing the engine to see 0% throttle and 0 fuel delivery.
Exhaust braking is most effective when the engine RPM is higher. The automatic transmission has been programmed to downshift more aggressively when the exhaust brake is enabled to increase brake performance. Use of automatic transmission Tow/Haul Mode improves interaction between the engine and transmission. Inputs to the exhaust brake feature include:
· Coolant temperature
· Ambient air temperature
· Exhaust manifold pressure sensor
· Throttle pedal position sensor
·· Fault codes with any of these sensors will cause the exhaust brake feature to be disabled.
The exhaust brake feature can also be used to reduce the engine warm up time. To use the exhaust brake as a warm-up device, the vehicle must be moving less than 8 k/h (5 MPH), the exhaust brake switch must be in the on position, and the coolant temperature must below 82°C (180° F) and ambient temperature below 15.5°C (60° F).

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2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 HD,QC, 6.7L Cummins, 6speed Auto, 4X4, Bighorn Edition.
Click for installs: Carr Steps PML Diff Cover Edge Juice with Attitude Volant Intake Hankook ATM RF10

After having read several threads about the problems with P2262 codes due to accumulated soot (experiencing this problem myself) and the affinity of the Cummins
6.7L to highway operation versus city driving; Dodge would just change the functionality of the exhaust brake so that it starts in the "On" position by default. My service managers strongly advocate the use of the exhaust brake at all times, especially in my high altitude. Though I used my exhaust brake very often, I don't know if it would have improved the condition of my turbo; having it cleaned out last week, but it may help to prevent future soot build-up.

I wonder how difficult it would be for Dodge to change either the switch or the software such that the exhaust brake automatically turned on unless turned off by the driver. Not that it is difficult to operate by the driver, it would just be more convenient not having to turn it on everytime you start the vehicle.

Perhaps as Dodge Cummins 6.7L owners we could launch a consolidated front when we speak to our respective service managers to have the modification done.

I wondered the same thing but due to winter and work haven't got around to looking into this but I am and I'll be sure to let you know.

So you actually had them do the tap and clean on your Turbo? Guess I must have caught mine early thankfully because I sure didn't like the thought of them tapping my turbo.

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2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 HD,QC, 6.7L Cummins, 6speed Auto, 4X4, Bighorn Edition.
Click for installs: Carr Steps PML Diff Cover Edge Juice with Attitude Volant Intake Hankook ATM RF10

Thanks Squid. I didn't like the idea of such invasive action to my turbo either, but I kept getting the P2262 code. I guess I fell victim to too much in-town driving. Hopefully it will last.

Is there any disavantage of using the E Brake all the time?

In my new truck (800 kms ) I've used the brake pretty much all the time I drive. So far i haven't towed anything yet, but still use the EB....

No, you may use a little more fuel because you're not coasting...I run mine all the time

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7.5 3500QC 6.7CTD 68RFE Build date June 2007
Superchips tuner 3808, Boost/EGT Laser Gauge, Airaid cold intake

LOL.. I just ran mine...empty down a steep hill, using tow/haul mode, and it slowed me down to 30 km/hr.. into first gear, without touching the brake. Gotta really like that feature. It was a little jerky probably a little rough for horses. BUT, since I was empty, it likely would be different with a load. I reserve the right to advise more later LOL.

The saving in brakes, stress and what ever else, will more the compensate in fuel.

Errr... have I mentioned how much I think of this truck???

(ps...not sure how many miles wify will get to put on....)

The other thing about running the exhaust brake is that since it is actually the Turbo and brakes by modulating the turbo sliding nozzle ring to restrict the flow of exhaust gases from the engine, which in turn creates a high back pressure on the engine. It helps keep the Tubo clean and keeps that nasty old P2262 Code at bay.

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2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 HD,QC, 6.7L Cummins, 6speed Auto, 4X4, Bighorn Edition.
Click for installs: Carr Steps PML Diff Cover Edge Juice with Attitude Volant Intake Hankook ATM RF10

I also run my EB all the time. As well, I only let it shift the first four gears in town.

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2007 Ram 2500 QC 4x4 SLT TRX4-Offroad 6.7L Automatic. '08 Jeep WK 3.0L diesel-wife's DD.
1998 Jeep ZJ 4.0L Automatic Selectrac-project for our son. '98 Jeep XJ-my wife's former DD.
1965 Dodge Polara 880 Convertible 383 Automatic.

I love my EB also, though I was bummed when I hooked my boat up and towed it the first time... I forgot I had surge brakes on the trailer. It already slows down with them!