Automatic transmission with Jake's going down the hill

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mitmaks, Dec 19, 2025 at 2:17 AM.

  1. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    I was put in a new truck kw t680 with 12spd auto trans and when I was going through PA hills with some 7-8% grades the jakes weren't able to hold it at certain speed (20mph) I had to constantly get in the brakes to keep it from running away from me. I had it in 6th gear and it would just accelerate over 1500 rpm and reaching over 2000rpm if I didn't step on brakes to slow it down. Is there any adjustment for the jakes to hold it better down the grade?
    .in my T660 10spd I can hold 80k down the steepest grades no problem. What am I doing wrong?
     
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  3. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    What engine/trans combo is it using?
    Are you using auto or manual mode? I ask because you said you had it in 6th gear.
     
  4. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    It's x15 12speed Auto and I did use manual mode to keep it in 6th gear going down the steep mountain
     
  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    What is x15?

    I only know the Detroit DD15 with the DT12 trans, if that is what you are referring to.

    In that case, it is better to keep it in auto and let that combo and computer do the work.
    That combo is designed for the engine to get to 2,200 rpm going downhill. Nothing to worry about.
    I spoke to one of the people that actually developed it.

    You set your speed with the cruise control and let the computer do the work for you.
    There is a setting in there for plus or minus speed, and the computer will keep it in that range.
    Drop it down a few mph and it will keep your desired speed, downshifting as needed.

    Sometimes not with a very heavy load or very steep grade, and then you will have to intervene.
    Nothing is perfect, but that combo is pretty good. You just need to learn how it really works.
     
  6. mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    X15 is a Cummins engine.
     
  7. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Detroit and Volvo have Descent Mode. On Detroit you turn on stage 1 engine brake and slow truck to speed you want. Then set cruise control. The engine and transmission work together. Basically the transmission will drop 1 or more gear to hold truck at speed you set. The transmission will bring engine up to 2200 rpms and turn stage 3 engine brake automatically. Then switch between stage 1-3 to keep the set speed you set cruise control. They claim it can hold back 80k at 8%. You have watch and make sure you don’t go over 2400 rpms if the engine brake and transmission can hold it back you will have to apply brake.

    you can do the same thing manually on Detroit, just turn on stage 3 engine brake and it will bring engine up to 2200 rpms if you keep slowing down at 1800 switch to stage 2 and let truck speed up and as you get to 2100 or 2200 rpms switch to stage 3 again and let truck slow down again.
     
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