Do 2017 Ram 2500 Diesel Have Factory Exhaust Brake Key
Yes, the 2017 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine comes standard with a factory-installed “smart” exhaust brake. It doesn’t use a physical key but is activated by a button on the dashboard. This powerful feature helps control your truck’s speed, especially when towing or driving downhill, saving your regular brakes from wear and tear.
If you own a 2017 Ram 2500 with a Cummins diesel engine, you have one of the most powerful tools for towing right at your fingertips: the factory exhaust brake. But if you’re new to diesel trucks, you might be wondering what it is, how it works, and if you even have one. It’s a common point of confusion, and the owner’s manual can sometimes feel like it’s written in another language.
Don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place. I’m Monowar Shohag, and I’m here to make your truck’s features easy to understand. We’re going to walk through exactly what the exhaust brake is, how to use it with confidence, and why it’s your best friend on the road. By the end of this guide, you’ll be using your Ram’s exhaust brake like a seasoned pro.
What Exactly Is an Exhaust Brake?
Think of an exhaust brake as a helper for your main brakes. Your regular brakes, the ones you use the brake pedal for, are called service brakes. They work by using friction to stop your wheels from turning. When you’re hauling a heavy trailer or going down a steep mountain pass, those service brakes have to work incredibly hard, which creates a lot of heat.
An exhaust brake works differently. Instead of using friction at the wheels, it uses your engine’s power to create backpressure in the exhaust system. Imagine putting your thumb over the end of a garden hose. The water slows down because it has a harder time getting out. An exhaust brake does something similar with exhaust gases.
In your 2017 Ram 2500, this is accomplished by its advanced Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). When you activate the exhaust brake, the VGT adjusts its internal vanes to restrict the flow of exhaust gas leaving the engine. This restriction creates pressure that pushes back against the engine’s pistons, slowing them down. Since the pistons are connected to the drivetrain, this slows down your truck without you ever touching the brake pedal.
Key Differences from a “Jake Brake”
You might have heard the term “Jake Brake,” especially in reference to big semi-trucks. While they do a similar job, they work differently. A Jake Brake (or compression release engine brake) actually opens the exhaust valves at the top of the compression stroke, releasing the compressed air and creating a massive amount of braking force. This is what creates that loud, distinctive “brap-brap-brap” sound. Your Ram’s exhaust brake is much quieter and smoother, using exhaust backpressure instead of altering valve timing.
Yes, Your 2017 Ram 2500 Diesel Has One!
Let’s clear this up right away: Every 2017 Ram 2500 equipped with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engine left the factory with an integrated exhaust brake system. It’s not an optional add-on; it’s a standard feature designed to work seamlessly with your engine and transmission.
This isn’t just any exhaust brake. Ram calls it a “smart” exhaust brake. The term “smart” refers to how it intelligently works with the truck’s computer and the VGT to provide braking power when you need it most. It communicates with the transmission to help with downshifts and works in conjunction with systems like Cruise Control and Tow/Haul mode to give you a smooth, controlled ride.
How to Find and Use Your Exhaust Brake Button (The “Key”)
So, where is this “key” to unlock all that braking power? It’s not a physical key but a simple button located on the center stack of your dashboard, right below the radio and climate controls. It’s in a panel with other important functions like the Tow/Haul mode button and traction control.
The button typically has an icon that looks like a vehicle going downhill with an “EXHAUST BRAKE” label. Finding it is the first step; using it correctly is what makes all the difference.
| Button Location | Icon | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Center dashboard, below infotainment screen | Vehicle on a decline with “EXHAUST BRAKE” text | Engages the engine’s exhaust braking system |
Understanding the Two Modes: Full vs. Auto
Your 2017 Ram 2500 gives you two distinct modes for the exhaust brake. Pressing the button once activates one mode, and pressing it again activates the other. A light on your dashboard will tell you which mode you’re in.
- Auto Mode: This is the more “gentle” setting. In Auto mode, the exhaust brake provides a moderate amount of braking force. It’s designed to feel smooth, almost like downshifting in a manual car. It’s perfect for everyday driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when hauling a light load. It helps maintain speed on gentle slopes without being too aggressive.
- Full Mode: This is the maximum power setting. When you engage Full mode, the VGT creates the most backpressure possible, giving you significant stopping power. This is the mode you want for serious work, like towing a heavy fifth-wheel trailer down a steep mountain grade. It will aggressively slow the truck, saving your service brakes from overheating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Exhaust Brake
Using the exhaust brake is simple once you get the hang of it. Follow these steps for confident control:
- Start Your Truck: The system needs the engine to be running and at normal operating temperature to function correctly.
- Locate the Button: Find the exhaust brake button on your center console.
- Choose Your Mode:
- Press the button once to activate “Full” mode. An amber indicator light will appear on your dashboard.
- Press the button a second time to switch to “Auto” mode. The indicator light will change (often to a different symbol or color, check your dash) to signify you are in the automatic setting.
- Pressing it a third time will turn the system off.
- Drive Normally: The exhaust brake only engages when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal. As soon as you lift your foot, you will feel the truck begin to slow down.
- Combine with Tow/Haul Mode: For the best performance while towing, press the “Tow/Haul” button as well. This changes the transmission’s shift points and makes the exhaust brake even more effective by holding gears longer and downshifting more aggressively to help you slow down.
The Amazing Benefits of Using Your Ram’s Exhaust Brake
Using this feature isn’t just for show; it provides real, tangible benefits that make driving safer, easier, and cheaper in the long run.
- Massive Brake Savings: This is the biggest one. Your service brakes (pads, rotors, calipers) are wear-and-tear items. Every time you use the exhaust brake to slow down, you are saving your service brakes from doing that work. For those who tow frequently, this can translate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars saved on brake jobs over the life of the truck.
- Enhanced Safety and Control: When going down a long, steep hill, service brakes can overheat and lose their effectiveness, a dangerous condition known as “brake fade.” The exhaust brake does its work without generating that kind of heat, giving you consistent, reliable slowing power from the top of the hill to the bottom. You remain in complete control.
- Reduced Driver Fatigue: Constantly managing your speed with the brake pedal on long descents is stressful. The exhaust brake automates much of this process. Set it to Full, and you can focus more on steering and the road ahead, knowing your truck is holding a safe speed.
- Better for Your Engine: The exhaust brake system helps keep the Variable Geometry Turbocharger’s internal parts moving, which can help prevent soot buildup and keep the turbo operating in peak condition. It’s a feature that helps maintain the very components it uses. For more on safe towing practices, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers excellent guidelines.
A Deeper Look at the “Smart” VGT Technology
The magic behind your Ram’s exhaust brake is the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). Unlike a traditional turbo with a fixed design, the VGT has a set of movable vanes inside the turbine housing. The truck’s computer can adjust the angle of these vanes in real-time.
| Vane Position | Engine Condition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Accelerating / High RPM | Maximum exhaust flow for engine power and performance. |
| Partially Closed | Low RPM | Increases exhaust gas velocity to spin the turbo up quickly, reducing turbo lag. |
| Nearly Closed | Exhaust Brake Engaged | Restricts exhaust flow, creating backpressure that slows the engine and the truck. |
This technology is what allows for a single component to both improve engine performance during acceleration and provide powerful braking force during deceleration. It’s a brilliant piece of engineering that makes the 6.7L Cummins engine both powerful and versatile. The designers at Cummins Turbo Technologies pioneered much of this VGT development for heavy-duty applications.
Troubleshooting Common Exhaust Brake Questions
Even though the system is reliable, new users sometimes have questions if it doesn’t behave as they expect. Here are a few common scenarios.
“Why won’t my exhaust brake turn on?”
The system has a few built-in safeguards. It will not engage if:
- The engine is cold. The truck needs to reach its normal operating temperature first. This protects the engine and turbo.
- You are pressing the accelerator. The brake is designed to work only when you are coasting or decelerating.
- The truck is in Park or Neutral. It only works when you are in a driving gear.
- There is a system fault. If there’s an issue with the turbo or a related sensor, the truck’s computer may disable the feature and trigger a check engine light.
“Is it okay to leave it on all the time?”
Absolutely. Many Ram owners leave their exhaust brake in “Auto” mode for all their daily driving. It doesn’t harm the truck and provides gentle, consistent assistance with braking, which can make for a smoother ride and save your brakes in city traffic. There’s no need to turn it off unless you simply prefer not to use it.
“Does it work with Cruise Control?”
Yes, and it’s fantastic! When you have cruise control set and you start going down a hill, the truck would normally pick up speed. With the exhaust brake active, it will automatically engage to help maintain your set speed. This is a huge benefit for long highway trips through hilly terrain, preventing you from constantly tapping the brakes to stay at the speed limit.
Keeping Your Exhaust Brake System Healthy
Since the exhaust brake is an integrated part of your engine and turbocharger, there isn’t a separate component to service. The best way to maintain your exhaust brake is to maintain your truck.
- Follow Your Maintenance Schedule: Regular oil changes with high-quality diesel engine oil are the single most important thing you can do for the health of your turbo and engine.
- Use Quality Fuel and Filters: Clean fuel is essential. Always replace your fuel filters at the recommended intervals.
- Let It Warm Up and Cool Down: Give your engine a minute to warm up before driving hard, and let it idle for 30-60 seconds before shutting it down after a hard run or heavy tow. This allows oil to circulate and cool the turbocharger properly.
- Work Your Truck: These engines are designed to work. Occasional towing or hauling a heavy load helps keep the VGT mechanism clean by working it through its full range of motion, which helps prevent soot from building up and causing issues down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does every 2017 Ram 2500 have an exhaust brake?
No, only the models equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine have the factory exhaust brake. The gasoline-powered Ram trucks (with the 5.7L or 6.4L Hemi engines) do not have this feature.
2. Can I add a factory-style exhaust brake to my gas-powered Ram?
No, the factory system is deeply integrated with the diesel engine’s VGT. While some aftermarket exhaust brakes exist for gas engines, they are not common, are typically less effective, and can be complex to install.
3. Will using the exhaust brake hurt my engine?
Not at all! The engine and turbocharger are specifically designed to handle the backpressure created by the exhaust brake. Using it is perfectly safe and is actually beneficial for keeping the turbocharger components moving freely.
4. Why doesn’t the exhaust brake work when my truck is cold?
This is a built-in safety feature. The system waits for the engine oil and coolant to reach a minimum operating temperature before it will allow the exhaust brake to engage. This ensures proper lubrication and prevents unnecessary stress on cold engine components.
5. What’s the difference between an exhaust brake and a “Jake Brake”?
They achieve a similar result (slowing the truck with the engine) but in different ways. An exhaust brake, like in your Ram, uses a valve or the VGT to restrict exhaust flow. A “Jake Brake” (a brand name for a compression release brake) is a more complex system that alters the engine’s valve timing to release compression, creating braking force. Exhaust brakes are much quieter.
6. Do I need to turn the exhaust brake off when I’m not towing?
You don’t have to. You can leave it in “Auto” mode for everyday driving. It will provide a slight braking effect when you lift off the gas, which can help in traffic and save your service brakes. Many drivers leave it on all the time.
7. Is the exhaust brake supposed to be loud?
It makes a distinct sound, but it is not excessively loud. You will hear a deeper engine tone and a slight “whirring” or “hissing” sound as the turbo adjusts and backpressure builds. It is significantly quieter than the loud, popping sound of a Jake Brake on a large commercial truck.
Conclusion: Your Key to Confident Towing
The “key” to your 2017 Ram 2500’s exhaust brake isn’t a piece of metal, but the knowledge of how to use the button on your dash. This standard feature on every Cummins-powered Ram is a game-changer for anyone who tows, hauls, or navigates steep terrain. It provides an incredible layer of safety, gives you superior control over your load, and saves you significant money on brake maintenance over the long haul.
Don’t be hesitant to use it. Experiment with the “Auto” and “Full” modes to get a feel for how they work in different situations. By making the exhaust brake a regular part of your driving habit, especially when the truck is loaded, you are using your Ram exactly as its engineers intended. You’re not just driving a powerful truck; you’re driving a smart one. Now you have the confidence and understanding to use one of its best features to its full potential.
