Engine Braking?
In the jumping off the diesel bandwagon someone mentioned the lack of the ability to brake with the engine on diesels. 1. Is this true? 2. How do you control your speed on descents without the eng...
Forum Discussion
Halmfamily wrote:
My GMC 3500 has the Duramax/Allison combination. We keep the truck in tow/haul mode whenever towing. On downhill grades the transmission locks the torque converter and then downshifts to maintain speed. I just tap the brake as needed and the will downshift to maintain speed. I believe the turbo also acts as an exhaust brake while in tow haul, someone correct me if I'm wrong. I can keep speed on long grades without having to worry, have actually had excelerate at times to maintain speed.
I have a 2012 Chevy Duramax/Allison and keep in tow/haul mode too. The compression brake only works when you have the transmission in tow/haul mode. On my truck, it's a button below the radio that turns it on/off. I use it when going down steep grades as it works with the transmission to maintain speed. It is an engineering marvel in my mind, it works just like a cruise control. It's very steady and I love that feature. I don't leave it engaged all the time, only when going down a steep and/or long grade.
