Buttons Above Sync Screen
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,687
Likes: 12,812
From: Wyoming
From the owner's manual:
Manual Engine Braking
1. Press the button to switch on manual engine braking.
2. Release the accelerator pedal to maximize engine braking.
3. Apply the brakes. The transmission downshifts to lower gears.
Note: You can shift the transmission to lower gears with progressive range selection (PRS) or manual shifting independent of pressing the brakes.
Note: You can also use manual engine braking with cruise control to improve grade descent control.
Automatic Engine Braking
1. Press the button twice to switch on automatic engine braking.
2. Release the accelerator or brake pedal.
The system remembers your vehicle speed.
Note: The system automatically activates the engine brake and, if necessary, downshifts the transmission to lower gears to not exceed your vehicle's set speed when the brake or accelerator were last released.
Note: Use this when driving downhill and carrying heavy loads or trailering.
1. Press the button to switch on manual engine braking.
2. Release the accelerator pedal to maximize engine braking.
3. Apply the brakes. The transmission downshifts to lower gears.
Note: You can shift the transmission to lower gears with progressive range selection (PRS) or manual shifting independent of pressing the brakes.
Note: You can also use manual engine braking with cruise control to improve grade descent control.
Automatic Engine Braking
1. Press the button twice to switch on automatic engine braking.
2. Release the accelerator or brake pedal.
The system remembers your vehicle speed.
Note: The system automatically activates the engine brake and, if necessary, downshifts the transmission to lower gears to not exceed your vehicle's set speed when the brake or accelerator were last released.
Note: Use this when driving downhill and carrying heavy loads or trailering.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 16
When you tow, do you use auto or manual? What is your preference and thoughts on each? Which is better and why?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,687
Likes: 12,812
From: Wyoming
I don't have 1,000 miles yet. So I haven't towed with my F-350 yet. In my 1/2 ton truck I was actively using manual gear selection due to the mountain passes I go through. I'm hoping that won't be necessary in the F-350 but I'll be keeping an eye on the transmission temperatures.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 16
I don't have 1,000 miles yet. So I haven't towed with my F-350 yet. In my 1/2 ton truck I was actively using manual gear selection due to the mountain passes I go through. I'm hoping that won't be necessary in the F-350 but I'll be keeping an eye on the transmission temperatures.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,687
Likes: 12,812
From: Wyoming
I'm likely to go with the Auto mode. Not having to fiddle with gear selection when I'm coming down the mountain means one less distraction.
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 16
I searched around and it looks like the cummins guys actually wire their trucks so the exhaust brake turns on each time they start the truck. Sounds like its better for the truck and turbo in general. Thoughts? Maybe I should just turn mine on manual each time I start my truck to save brakes?
source: exhaust brake left on, good or bad? - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
source: exhaust brake left on, good or bad? - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Best to switch on each start, I am doing this, but I would like to know if there is a Forscan setting that automatically sets engine braking on manual or auto mode. All it will do is save some braking wear, but it's handy and I like it. When roads are slippery I would advise turning it off.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
resets when restart occurs-i run thru the gears manually (rocker on gearshift) often since new-noticed an improvement in mileage --engine brake is also very effective with or without tow-i use it in manual position
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 619
Likes: 1
I am curious if the last statement in the post above related to "use this when towing heavy loads is in reference to Exhaust Brake in either application or Auto EB only. When I read the manual the first night my interpretation was to use Auto when towing. When I re-read this my thinking is the statement applies to either Manual or Auto mode. I scratched my head the first night as I pondered what auto does and if I was on flat ground cruising at 70 mph but was going to have a steep descent and engaged Auto and let off pedal it would try to hold me at 70 but the descent may require a slow down to 50 to be safe. In this case is the manual the best method when descending while towing. I almost always go slower down a hill for fear of losing control.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 698
Likes: 4
From: Rural Northern California
I have had a variety of electrical issues with the brake but for 15 yrs no issues associated with running it constantly.
That era of brake is deactivated during cruise control usage.
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