Post by jpnut on Aug 4, 2003 10:08:19 GMT -5
I don't know how many people have their Jeeps set up where you can start it in Jeep. I'm pretty sure Lyle does since he has a remote start. I've thought of changing the plug around so it can be started in gear but don't really feel like leaving it that way so I never changed mine. The other fear is that if Diane was driving it, she may forget how it is set up. Then there would be me starting the TJ in gear slamming it into a concrete wall in the parking garage. Well I found a solution. Read below.
"Clutch Interlock Override Switch: With the clutch interlock engaged, you must depress the clutch to start the engine. This is a good safety feature for everyday use; it keeps you from running into things if you accidentally start the engine while the vehicle is in gear. On the other hand, it could be very dangerous on the trail, especially on a hill side. If you're point down a steep hill and your engine dies, you probably won't roll or slide down the hill as long as the engine is off (even if it's slippery). But as soon as you depress that clutch to restart the engine, you're going to fly down that hill like I don't know what! I know this from experience!! The problem is (for the '97 TJ, at least) you have to practically crawl up under the dash to override the system (in accordance with the instructions on page 102 of the owner's manual), and you also have to be able to do it one-handed. To solve this problem, I installed a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch on my dash, with a red-guarded switch cover. To override the clutch interlock, I simply open the switch guard and flip the switch. As soon as possible after, I reengage the system by closing the switch cover (the switch automatically turns off when you close the cover). The switch guard is not necessary; it only provides an extra margin of safety. Plus, it looks really cool in my center console! The clutch interlock override feature was redesigned for the '98 and '99 models to make it much easier to bypass. On the '98 TJ, you simply insert a 20-amp fuse in the socket labeled "Auto Trans" (see page 127 in your owner's manual). On the '99 TJ, insert a fuse in the socket labeled "Clutch Interlock" (page 126 in the owner's manual).
The picture on the left shows the switch cover open and the switch in the up position, which overrides the clutch interlock. On the right, with the cover closed, the switch is off, and the system is active for safer starting.
"I got the "Flip-Up Aircraft Switch Cover" from Summit Racing, 1-800-230-3030, Part Number: SUM-G3902C, for $9.69 plus shipping. I got the switch from Radio Shack for about 3 bucks."
"Clutch Interlock Override Switch: With the clutch interlock engaged, you must depress the clutch to start the engine. This is a good safety feature for everyday use; it keeps you from running into things if you accidentally start the engine while the vehicle is in gear. On the other hand, it could be very dangerous on the trail, especially on a hill side. If you're point down a steep hill and your engine dies, you probably won't roll or slide down the hill as long as the engine is off (even if it's slippery). But as soon as you depress that clutch to restart the engine, you're going to fly down that hill like I don't know what! I know this from experience!! The problem is (for the '97 TJ, at least) you have to practically crawl up under the dash to override the system (in accordance with the instructions on page 102 of the owner's manual), and you also have to be able to do it one-handed. To solve this problem, I installed a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch on my dash, with a red-guarded switch cover. To override the clutch interlock, I simply open the switch guard and flip the switch. As soon as possible after, I reengage the system by closing the switch cover (the switch automatically turns off when you close the cover). The switch guard is not necessary; it only provides an extra margin of safety. Plus, it looks really cool in my center console! The clutch interlock override feature was redesigned for the '98 and '99 models to make it much easier to bypass. On the '98 TJ, you simply insert a 20-amp fuse in the socket labeled "Auto Trans" (see page 127 in your owner's manual). On the '99 TJ, insert a fuse in the socket labeled "Clutch Interlock" (page 126 in the owner's manual).
The picture on the left shows the switch cover open and the switch in the up position, which overrides the clutch interlock. On the right, with the cover closed, the switch is off, and the system is active for safer starting.
"I got the "Flip-Up Aircraft Switch Cover" from Summit Racing, 1-800-230-3030, Part Number: SUM-G3902C, for $9.69 plus shipping. I got the switch from Radio Shack for about 3 bucks."