Starts in GEAR !!!

scobar · 11-03-2009, 12:16 PM

Wanted to warm it up to change the oil so I reach in and turned the key. As it started to steam through the back of my shop I was scrambling to get it shut down. Well it only went about 5' before I killed it, but it cost me a ladder, one of the original seats and scarred the cra# out of the dog when it stopped at the side of his kennel.
What did I do wrong in my build that allows it to start in gear? I'm kinda OK with it now that I know this, but man it was crazy 1 second

Gryphon · 11-03-2009, 12:38 PM

Ummm....since it's a stick, they do that unless you install a clutch interlock...no clue how to do that as they are usually only on computer-controlled rigs. Older Toyota units could be bypassed with a paperclip...I would make a short connector instead.

If was an auto, then the neutral safety switch is either missing, disconnected or stuck open.

GreenCJ-7 · 11-03-2009, 07:06 PM

You did nothing wrong. That's how its supposed to be. You could put a switch on the clutch pedal and wire it into the starting circuit, but why would you????

Chilly · 11-03-2009, 07:42 PM

Your Jeep was built before Ralph Nader and his merry band of nannies decided all vehicles needed a neutral safety switch. Ironically, before neutral safety switches were so common everyone knew better than to do what you did. But alas Nader and the nannies fixed it good for you. Not only were you saved from in-gear startups, you were saved from narrow axles and short wheelbase CJ5 Jeeps entirely.

TJJEEPER · 11-03-2009, 08:12 PM

I had to disable the clutch switch on my TJ, so I could start it without the clutch being pushed in, but I don't remember mine ever having to be in neutral to start it. Any idea when that was started? I may have disabled that too, but I don't remember doing it. Of course, that was 12 years ago.

I know, this is a CJ forum, I also had a 73 CJ5, don't remember "ANY" safety switches of any kind on it! Darn, I miss that JEEP!

Gryphon · 11-03-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilly

Your Jeep was built before Ralph Nader and his merry band of nannies decided all vehicles needed a neutral safety switch. Ironically, before neutral safety switches were so common everyone knew better than to do what you did. But alas Nader and the nannies fixed it good for you. Not only were you saved from in-gear startups, you were saved from narrow axles and short wheelbase CJ5 Jeeps entirely.

Yeah, and they saved our grown-up lives by forcing airbags that kill children, so they can't sit up front or ride in a pickup any more...unless you live in Arizona where you can just toss them in the bed still...

I hate neutral switches. Always have to override them so I can move via the starter...cant count the time thats saved my butt on inclines...and the time it got me up to the gas pump! Good for climbing ramps too, etc...

TJJeeper: On a stick, the clutch needs to be depressed only. Autos need to be in neutral. It's actually a neutral switch for autos and a clutch interlock for manuals.

herman8r2 · 11-04-2009, 12:16 AM

If you ever happen to have a catastrophic clutch failure, you can still limp home if you can start it in gear. It's not very smooth, but it beats the heff out of a $500 tow bill. Just be aware of it and be glad that you own a vehicle that hasn't been dumbed down to save the stupid people.

scobar · 11-04-2009, 05:46 PM

Actually it's kind of a cool option, I don't mind having. Get in the Jeep in a parking lot and your half way out of the spot before it starts! I can live with that, but that first experiance WOW, I though it was going through the back wall of the shop. Glad I didn't have to explain that to the wife

r_wichman · 11-04-2009, 05:50 PM

First time I found out my Jeep starts in gear was in a parking lot... Was going to show off the 304's new exhaust for my buddies. I thought the Jeep was in neutral... it ended up jumping the curb and started to drive through the grass. I was super impressed by the starter. ;-)

beebop · 11-06-2009, 03:28 AM

11-03-2009, 12:16 PM	#1
scobar forever building Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western NY Posts: 253	Starts in GEAR !!! Wanted to warm it up to change the oil so I reach in and turned the key. As it started to steam through the back of my shop I was scrambling to get it shut down. Well it only went about 5' before I killed it, but it cost me a ladder, one of the original seats and scarred the cra# out of the dog when it stopped at the side of his kennel. What did I do wrong in my build that allows it to start in gear? I'm kinda OK with it now that I know this, but man it was crazy 1 second __________________ Bought in a box: 82 CJ5, 258 I6, T176, Dana 300 twin shift, Dana 30, AMC 20 & OX locker, Old Man EMU, Clifford header & intake, MC 2100, HEI, 33" http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp27/scobar1/

11-03-2009, 12:38 PM	#2
Gryphon Crazy is good Join Date: May 2005 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 1,845	Ummm....since it's a stick, they do that unless you install a clutch interlock...no clue how to do that as they are usually only on computer-controlled rigs. Older Toyota units could be bypassed with a paperclip...I would make a short connector instead. If was an auto, then the neutral safety switch is either missing, disconnected or stuck open. __________________ '86 CJ7: Will be missed. '99 Suburban "Hoard Hauler"

11-03-2009, 07:06 PM	#3
GreenCJ-7 Rock Crawler Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Milford Mass Posts: 112	You did nothing wrong. That's how its supposed to be. You could put a switch on the clutch pedal and wire it into the starting circuit, but why would you???? __________________ 83 CJ-7 AMC 304,Locked Dana 44's front & rear 4.56, NP435 & Dana 300,35" Swampers,Glass Body

11-03-2009, 08:12 PM	#5
TJJEEPER Pavement Pounder Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gravel Switch, KY Posts: 46	I had to disable the clutch switch on my TJ, so I could start it without the clutch being pushed in, but I don't remember mine ever having to be in neutral to start it. Any idea when that was started? I may have disabled that too, but I don't remember doing it. Of course, that was 12 years ago. I know, this is a CJ forum, I also had a 73 CJ5, don't remember "ANY" safety switches of any kind on it! Darn, I miss that JEEP! __________________ JEEP, Not Just a Vehicle. A WAY OF LIFE!!! 97 TJ, 4.0, 5sp, OME Susp., 1 3/4 coil spacers, 1" BL, 35" Xterrains, Dynatrac Trail 60 with ARB, D30F, 4.56's, LockRite F, Discs F&R, K&N, Borla Headers, Flowmaster Super 44 Offroad, Front LineLock, Optima, 04 Grand Special Edition, 4.0, Airaid Intake. Mostly Stock(for now) 03 Liberty Renegade (Daughter's) Last edited by TJJEEPER; 11-03-2009 at 08:17 PM.

11-04-2009, 12:16 AM	#7
herman8r2 Bent, but NOT Broken! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kamiah, Idaho Posts: 206	leave her be. If you ever happen to have a catastrophic clutch failure, you can still limp home if you can start it in gear. It's not very smooth, but it beats the heff out of a $500 tow bill. Just be aware of it and be glad that you own a vehicle that hasn't been dumbed down to save the stupid people. __________________ 94' YJ, 4.0, Banks header+magnaflow cat-back. 4WD Hardware 5" military wrap springs+shackle reversal kit. SYE kit. electric fan w/custom aluminum shroud. Alpine Marine deck (lost 2 reg decks to rain w/top off), NO subwoofer (it's a Jeep, not a civic!). 33" Cooper STT's (Sweet tires), and multi-colored paint scheme on plenty of body damage

11-03-2009, 07:42 PM	#4
Chilly Wheeling Warrior Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 251	Your Jeep was built before Ralph Nader and his merry band of nannies decided all vehicles needed a neutral safety switch. Ironically, before neutral safety switches were so common everyone knew better than to do what you did. But alas Nader and the nannies fixed it good for you. Not only were you saved from in-gear startups, you were saved from narrow axles and short wheelbase CJ5 Jeeps entirely.

11-04-2009, 05:46 PM	#8
scobar forever building Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western NY Posts: 253	thanks Actually it's kind of a cool option, I don't mind having. Get in the Jeep in a parking lot and your half way out of the spot before it starts! I can live with that, but that first experiance WOW, I though it was going through the back wall of the shop. Glad I didn't have to explain that to the wife __________________ Bought in a box: 82 CJ5, 258 I6, T176, Dana 300 twin shift, Dana 30, AMC 20 & OX locker, Old Man EMU, Clifford header & intake, MC 2100, HEI, 33" http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp27/scobar1/

11-04-2009, 05:50 PM	#9
r_wichman Pavement Pounder Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 28	First time I found out my Jeep starts in gear was in a parking lot... Was going to show off the 304's new exhaust for my buddies. I thought the Jeep was in neutral... it ended up jumping the curb and started to drive through the grass. I was super impressed by the starter. ;-)

11-06-2009, 03:28 AM	#10
beebop slave to the grind Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hutchinson,MN. Posts: 32

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