Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
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- Master Standardshifter
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Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
I was driving an Alfa Romeo Giulietta today and I noticed that the engine starter can be engaged without depressing the clutch pedal. That got me to thinking - It's not a Federal Safety Standard in the U.S. of A. that there be a starter interlock switch on the clutch release mechanism. The government threatened to enact a law requiring a starter interlock switch on the clutch pedal, but after all the automakers selling cars in this country incorporated the feature, the Feds said "NOT!"
My Jeep Liberty interlock switch is bypassed whenever the vehicle's transfer case is shifted into low range, presumably to aid in rock crawling maneuvers.
Does your vehicle have a starter interlock switch on the clutch pedal?
My Jeep Liberty interlock switch is bypassed whenever the vehicle's transfer case is shifted into low range, presumably to aid in rock crawling maneuvers.
Does your vehicle have a starter interlock switch on the clutch pedal?
Last edited by Rope-Pusher on Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
'08 Jeep Liberty 6-Speed MT - "Last of the Mohicans"
Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
I voted yes, but I believe the clutch pedal interlock can be turned off via the MMI system.
Most of the older vehicles I've owned could be started without stepping in the clutch, so I think for the most part this poll will depend upon whether the respondents own newer or older vehicles.
For what it's worth, it's fairly common for 4wd vehicles to allow the starter motor to move the vehicle in certain offroad situations. It's one advantage of having a manual transmission on a vehicle with offroad ability.
Most of the older vehicles I've owned could be started without stepping in the clutch, so I think for the most part this poll will depend upon whether the respondents own newer or older vehicles.
For what it's worth, it's fairly common for 4wd vehicles to allow the starter motor to move the vehicle in certain offroad situations. It's one advantage of having a manual transmission on a vehicle with offroad ability.
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- Master Standardshifter
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
^ I was thinking that the Giulietta I drove is European spec and maybe there are many places in the world where starter interlock is not perceived to be necessary. Cars sold in the USA before the late 1980's may or may not have had it, but most built since then probably had it when they rolled off the line. You don't want to be before a court of law during a consumer lawsuit trial as the only automobile manufacturer that didn't think this was a good idea safety-wise.
'08 Jeep Liberty 6-Speed MT - "Last of the Mohicans"
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- Master Standardshifter
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
No clutch interlock in Saabs. At least my generation. The weird thing is that in order to remove the key the vehicle must be in reverse. This can be embarrassing for the uninitiated.
Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
So what precisely happens when the clutch is not engaged when starting? Immediate stall? My Ion requires the clutch to be engaged to start.
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
Car goes VROOOOM backwards!
- theholycow
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
You mean disengaged.kevinf wrote:So what precisely happens when the clutch is not engaged when starting? Immediate stall? My Ion requires the clutch to be engaged to start.
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- padauk_dust
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
On the Accord (1988 DX) it's not a requirement to have the pedal depressed in order to engage the starter. Discovered that one day while in 1st gear; good thing nothing was in front of me.
Most other cars I've driven (minus a few; the '65 Sprite comes to mind) have a clutch lockout.
Most motorbikes have a neutral and/or clutch lockout system.
Most other cars I've driven (minus a few; the '65 Sprite comes to mind) have a clutch lockout.
Most motorbikes have a neutral and/or clutch lockout system.
'88 Accord DX
'96 VFR750
'96 VFR750
Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
Clutch pedal engaged.
Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
The mazda requires clutch to be disengaged (pedal pushed to floor) to start. When I first started to drive it I forgot occasionally and was like... wha?? Oh. Oops.
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- RITmusic2k
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
As Watkins stated, the Saabs have none of this. In the ZHP, I have this interlock and I discovered that I can turn the key and hold it in the start position (and nothing happens), then when I step on the clutch pedal the starter kicks over... it's no mystery, but it's fun to pretend that I have a pedal-start engine
The ladyfriend's Focus does this as well. Y'all should try it and see if yours does too
The ladyfriend's Focus does this as well. Y'all should try it and see if yours does too
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
My FC has no clutch interlock.
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
I'm trying this after work!RITmusic2k wrote:As Watkins stated, the Saabs have none of this. In the ZHP, I have this interlock and I discovered that I can turn the key and hold it in the start position (and nothing happens), then when I step on the clutch pedal the starter kicks over... it's no mystery, but it's fun to pretend that I have a pedal-start engine
The ladyfriend's Focus does this as well. Y'all should try it and see if yours does too
Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
So...if your car doesn't have a clutch interlock...and you start your car without pressing the clutch...does the car suddenly punch forward and stall again?
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Re: Clutch Pedal Starter interlock Poll
I've never seen a car actually start then stall, the car just lurches forward suddenly until the "Oh shit" sense kicks in and the driver lets go of the key. I wonder it's possible to actually 'roll-start' a car by engaging the starter in gear without disengaging the clutch. Anyone with a beater care to try it? Not it.Chris H. wrote:So...if your car doesn't have a clutch interlock...and you start your car without pressing the clutch...does the car suddenly punch forward and stall again?
1986 Mazda RX-7 sport - slowly returning to the Earth
1986 Mazda RX-7 base - Project car, ???, In pieces, turbo parts around.
1986 Mazda RX-7 base - Project car, ???, In pieces, turbo parts around.