Stall stops and clutchless restarts for 4WDing on steeps

[brucetheshark1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close brucetheshark1]

Does anyone know if it's possible to do restarts without depressing the clutch? When 4WDing on steep ascents and descents it is sometimes necessary to stall stop the vehicle by depressing the brake and bringing the vehicle to a stop without depressing the clutch. This stalls the vehicle in gear to provide maximum traction and engine braking as well as foot braking. To get restarted in a "regular" 4WD you turn the key in the ignition to get started and move off in gear without the clutch - again providing maximum traction to avoid slipping either forward downhill when descending slippery slopes or backward downhill when you can't finish an ascent. To do these manouvres with the electronic start and the clutch depressed is not ideal.
Does anyone know of a solution?
Apparently the 150 start mechanism was developed for the USA market but surely there are some even there that use their vehicle 4WDing?

[rbert Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rbert]

G'day Bruce

One suggestion might be to add a switch to your dash, that is a momentary push switch ( so it only works when you hold it in) that provides the same function as the clutch switch, Have it wired in to overide the clutch switch when needed. That way you can either use the clutch or the switch to start. Only problem is that both hands will need to be off the steering wheel to start which may not be desirable, unless you can fit it near the start button

[tcprado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close tcprado]

I have fitted a dash switch to mine in parallel to the clutch activated switch. I only activate it when I am off road so I can then start the vehicle without depressing the clutch. I wouldn't recommend a switch you have to hold in while you push the starter, you should have at least one hand on the steering wheel if you are stopped on a steep slope.
It was a bit tricky to fit as the wiring to the switch on the floor is very thin (like phone cable).

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

My auto is fine with the hill assist

Richo.

[brucetheshark1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close brucetheshark1]

Thanks tcprado and rbert. This is the solution that had been suggested by some experts. Good to know it's possible and works. My only concerns are with altering anyting to do with the operation of the computer and possible warranty issues.

[tassie tiger Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close tassie tiger]

HI Bruce

I am no longer convinced that you need to stall out on steep inclines any more and think this may well be one of those techniques that has hung around since series 1 landrovers, G60 Patrols and early Landcruisers.

The only reason for stalling in gear as you say is to use engine braking to assist with braking however the braking systems in todays vehicles are so superior that you can lock them up on virtually any incline.

This came to light when teaching 4wd in an auto landcruiser. Stalling wasnt possible and it wasnt a problem.

As long as you keep of the brake once you start reversing back down hill you will be fine.

Head out to stromlo, find somewhere safe and give it a try!

cheers