RAM 6.7 CTD engine brake

[stroguy]

How are you folks using the selectable engine braking? Full vs Auto? I am driving through most of southern Colorado and I just use the Full engine brake, which is priceless. But when and how do you use the Auto function?


Better MPG one vs other?

Thanks

[Calbar]

How are you folks using the selectable engine braking? Full vs Auto? I am driving through most of southern Colorado and I just use the Full engine brake, which is priceless. But when and how do you use the Auto function?


Better MPG one vs other?

Thanks

I use mine on Auto all of the time. Auto lets me coast if I want to where full doesn't. Auto will let me coast down hills but also engage if the truck starts going down faster then when I let off of the gas. I much prefer auto because I don't want the exhaust brake coming on just because I take my foot off of the gas peddle.

Rob

[Walaby]

I started out using auto. Now I use full. I actually like that it kicks in when I let off the gas.

I think it's 6 of one, half a dozen of another really. Preference only. No difference in mileage.

Mike

[FlyStar]

As near as I can tell, the 2021 Duramax version is only auto mode. Apparently is does a calculation of how fast you slow down with how much brake pedal you use and adjusts the engine brake based on that, and probably other things. My last big 8% grade decent from Buena Vista to Denver, I initially braked to keep my speed at 45 on the curvy road, then to my surprise, I no longer needs to use the brake and ran 45 all the way down. Cruise control was off. Very nice tech.

[Hoopy Frood]

Mine varies, with the rolling hills around here, I much prefer auto. Having the engine brake come on while rolling down a hill means you have start up the other side from a slower speed. Longer, steeper hills I'll use the full brake.

[geotex1]

With the Solitude in tow, I prefer full. I use auto with my lighter trailers and tend to run in auto when driving unlaiden. It really is a matter of driving preference. Any mileage difference would be too small to be impactful, and doesn't stem from application of the brake but how you recover from braking (your acceleration).

[goducks14]

When towing I use full and TH mode. I will sometimes turn off TH as it can get too aggressive at times.
I also always use full when not towing as it saves the front brakes.

[BeerBrewer]

I also have Ram (2500) 6.7 CTD and I used both Full and Auto modes. If I'm towing on hilly terrain on small roads (not Freeways) I typically use the full mode. I like not having to ride brakes as much and it helps me keep my speed down. On highways I prefer using the Auto mode because, as said above, I don't want the diesel brake to come on when I take my foot off the gas (not brakes).

On my truck (2018 RAM 2500 CTD) if I can toggle between the Full, Auto Diesel brake and off by pressing the Diesel Brake button on the dash board. I press it once for the full exhaust brake and I see an amber light on the dashboard. I press it again or twice for Auto exhaust brake and the dash light turns green. If I press it a third time, it shuts off. I'm not sure if your model is the same. I hope this helps.

[stroguy]

Thanks all. Yes the selection is a 1 for Full and 2nd for Auto then a 3rd for off. I will be heading Cañon City to Olathe on 50 Thursday. I’ll give both a shot and see what Auto is like.

In any case it is a great weapon to save those brakes.

[Hoopy Frood]

Thanks all. Yes the selection is a 1 for Full and 2nd for Auto then a 3rd for off. I will be heading Cañon City to Olathe on 50 Thursday. I’ll give both a shot and see what Auto is like.

In any case it is a great weapon to save those brakes.

When my friend asked me why I downshifted coming up to a stop sign, I told him it saved on brakes. He said "Brakes are cheap, try replacing a clutch or transmission." Not equating the two, by any means, but really, saving brakes is a pretty silly reason. I use mine to mitigate my speed on hills, so, in a way, I'm saving my brakes...so when I need them I'll have them.