Here's an idea I thought of. I like using my exhaust brake but only in short bursts most of the time and its a pain reaching over to turn it on and off. Why would I want to turn it off ? because it uses more fuel. Anyway I'm think of installing a switch on the steering wheel much like the communications button on the race cars we see in Nascar. It could be a momentary switch or and on/off type. Any thoughts ?

 

Definitely doable on 3rd Gen, you could run the wires up to the cover on the steering column and mount the momentary button there...you could even get really fancy and build an Arduino controller with a touch screen and program nearly any button/switch to be controlled from that screen or even your phone....possibilities are nearly limitless

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

I use a momentary microswitch on my linkage under the hood as the final switch in the circuit.
One switch to turn the system on and off on the dash and the other relies on the throttle being at idle to allow the solenoid to energize.

 

On my last two trucks, I put an old time dimmer switch on the floor for my e-brake. I has worked very well for me over the years.
John

 

I leave my EB on all the time. Just have to push the button one time after start-up. If I was in the habit of turning it on and off like you I wouldn't see a reason to add another switch. Doesn't take much effort to reach over a bit and push the button. But come to think of it, I'm 6'4" and do have very long arms....

 

Why does it use more fuel with the E-brake on?

 

I gotta second gators question. I've never heard that before. Does it use enough to impact mpg?

 

I'd also be interested to hear how it uses more fuel.

Is it possible to make the exhaust brake switch normally on instead of normally off, so I don't have to turn it on EVERY time I drive the truck? Through EFIlive maybe?

 

spankis, I saw a thread here awhile back where a guy ran a jumper from his ignition to his e.b. switch so that it comes on when the truck is started. do a search and it will come up. he had pretty good instructions. I'm gonna do it too, just haven't gotten around to it yet

 

There is another thread where a relay is used in such a manner that the switch turns the EB off. It is just second nature any more to just reach over and turn it on when I start my truck.

 

I love my EB but to answer the question of how it affects mileage its simple:

The EB is like your foot brake, the moment you touch your brakes your loosing forward momentum and that causes you to have to step on the pedal again to keep moving. EB does the same thing. If you drive like your racing from lets say from a stop light to the next light a mile away than it doesn't matter anyhow because your mileage is going to suck. However if you drive with forward thinking lets say you see the light turn red or a stop sign ahead so you know your going to have to stop you pull your foot off the pedal and the momentum keeps you rolling along, if the EB is on in a sense applying the brakes earlier than you would have to, thus you keep your foot in the gas longer than normal to get there. How many times a day when driving do you ease off the pedal just a bit for traffic or something ? The second you do the brakes are on. If the brakes are on your fuel consumption will be more. IMHO
That's why I want to hook up a momentary switch for mine.

 

This doesn't really apply to the way I personally drive I guess, so I have a different opinion. If I intend to slow down I let off the throttle, yes, but not completely unless I truly intend to stop. Basically, if I'm letting off the throttle completely, I'm in a scenario where I want to slow down anyway, so I appreciate the exhaust brake.

If somebody is one of these on and off the throttle drivers (nausea on the freeway anyone?) then yes, your mileage could suffer. If you modulate the throttle like a normal person, understanding that the exhaust brake will engage if you let completely off the throttle, then you should notice no difference other than extending the life of your service brakes.

 

 

Spankis: You and I are basically on the same page just worded differently, Merry Christmas !