I had my switch replaced before Xmas and then went on a 1200 trip with all kinds of road surfaces. This is my 3rd switch and finally have no rattles.

 

Mine doesn't really rattle, it just kinda buzzes. But only when the switch is in the off position. I just flick it on and the buzz goes away.

By the way, this is also my second switch. I installed the Jake myself and the first switch never made a sound. But after about 2-3 weeks, the Jake wouldn't come on all the time. Finally, it quit working altogether. I did all the diagnostics in the instructions and it kept pointing to the switch. I called Cummins (where I bought it) and they told me I had to get it diagnosed at the dealer. The service rep didn't believe me, but he plugged in his computer anyway and was shocked to see that the computer registered that I had a Jake installed. But when he would pull the switch on, his computer showed it still off. I called Cummins back and they sent me a new switch.

DMH

 

Just to let ya'll know....the dealer replaced the switch and it doesn't rattle!!!!Also I had put the matter before Jacobs and they replied that they knew there was a problem and said they and Chrysler workin towards a solution. Promised to keep my name on file and to contact me when they come up with something.

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2007 3500 srw slt 4X4 quad long box jakebrake bright white 6 speed
Tows 36 ft Montana 5th like it was a kids toy

 

Ok, I'm dumb, what's a jake brake and what's it do?

 

Jacobs Vehicle Systems makes braking systems for diesel engines, so that the engine can absorb more horsepower on long down hills, saving the service brakes from overheating or excessive wear.

Diesels do not generate as much compression braking as gas engines. Though they are higher compression, the power that it takes to push the piston up on the compression stroke is given back as the piston moves down on the power stroke.

In a gas engine in compression braking, the pistons pull against a partial vacuum on intake stoke when the throttle is closed, but diesels don't have a throttle.

On bigger trucks they make engine brakes, which open the exhaust valve when the piston is near top dead center on the compression stroke. In this way the engine absorbs power as the piston moves up against rising pressure on the compression stroke, but does not get that power back when the piston moves back down (because the Jacobs engine brake lets that pressure out).

On our trucks (5.9), they make an exhaust brake, basically a big butterfly valve that mounts on the turbo outlet. This generates backpressure against the exhaust stroke, also absorbing power.

On our manual transmission pickups, the Jacobs brand exhaust brake uses a switch that mounts to the shifter (looks like a splitter switch, like a bigger truck with a 2 speed rear end or sub-transmission would have), and that's what's rattling...

 

how much is the kit from dodge and what does in run from cummins??

 

What part of the switch rattles? Is it the internals? Or is the whole switch assembly loose on the shifter stalk? Has anyone tried putting a piece of thin rubber between the switch and the stalk?

 

With mine anyway, it's something internal in the switch assembly. Shoving the wire that comes out of the switch around will sometimes help.

 

On my switch the light will go off if the the brake is on for a long period is that normal? Also the brake rattles when i turn it off and on, anyone else do that?

 

The rattle in mine was internal/something to do with the shaft. The Missus figured out if she really jammed somthing between the shaft and the stick, it would stop the rattle. We would know when that something fell out because...........IT WOULD RATTLE!!. Just about drove us crazy on a 2300 mile trip. If I had one that rattled and was out of warranty, I would pester dealer until he went to Jacobs for a replacement. Jacobs has admitted that they have a prob with these switches.

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2007 3500 srw slt 4X4 quad long box jakebrake bright white 6 speed
Tows 36 ft Montana 5th like it was a kids toy

 

I did a 7 hour ride and the light stayed on all the time. I've never seen mine go off when the brake switch is on.

 

[QUOTE=way up north;1281444]Just got a message from Jacobs. They acknowledge that they have a prob with switches on manual transnissions. They are working with Cummins and Mopar to come up with a fix. They said they have kept a file on my incident and will be in touch when they come up with something. In the meantime, I have had the switch changed under warranty and so far no rattle.


Could i please have the contact information on who you got that message from... I ahve a 2006 with 6 speed and i have hasd the dealer replace the **** and i still makes a huge racket..... I am in the process of desiging some custom dash mounted switch but if they have a fix i am interested

 

Interesting to see if a remote control kit can be install on the system. And the remote module mounted on the steering wheel.

MikeyB