JL Clutch Bypass switch?

[JeeperJC]

I have searched and found threads on JL's not starting or people asking how to install a remote start on a manual, but I wasn't able to find anything related to installing a momentary switch to bypass the clutch interlock so you can start it in gear (any tcase range, not just 4lo) without depressing the clutch (my goal is to have a manual override in the event you need to stop and then start again while in a river crossing as an example).

I've had a clutch bypass switch on most of the manuals I have had over the years (and it used to come from the factory on the old 4runner/taco's). I'm looking to see if anyone has successfully installed a momentary switch to bypass the clutch interlock on the JL? I found the following diagram elsewhere on the forum:

I found the location on the clutch master cylinder between the brake booster and the driver fender, as well as the Green/yellow and black wires. I was looking to confirm if anyone has installed a momentary switch to bridge the connection and if so, does it throw any codes? Do you bridge the two wires together, or do you run a new ground and connect it to the Green/Yellow wire with the switch?

Thanks in advance!

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[Terpsmandan]

JK's have a clutch bypass but only in 4lo. JL's do not have that?

 

[JeeperJC]

It may, I know it has a bypass when you stall it, but you can't turn it off and then restart it by design. I'd like it to be used in any range needed vs 4lo only.

 

[Jim1964]

I’m curious to know where the belief originated that clutches can’t be used in deep water?

As someone who grew up operating 4x4’s in swamp country, I never experienced a problem with clutches that were underwater repeatedly. Nor did anyone I know experience clutch failure from that. I’ve driven vehicles that spent hours stuck with the clutch submerged and the clutch continued to operate just fine.

Who’s had personal experience with a failed clutch because it was depressed in the water? ?

 

[JeeperJC]

I’m curious to know where the belief originated that clutches can’t be used in deep water?

As someone who grew up operating 4x4’s in swamp country, I never experienced a problem with clutches that were underwater repeatedly. Nor did anyone I know experience clutch failure from that. I’ve driven vehicles that spent hours stuck with the clutch submerged and the clutch continued to operate just fine.

Who’s had personal experience with a failed clutch because it was depressed in the water? ?

Fair question, I was coming from a preventative measure perspective. It's not the water that I'm concerned about, its the debris that may get into the between the clutch plate and the fly wheel if you press the clutch while submerged in water/mud I was concerned about.

 

[zrickety]

I have searched and found threads on JL's not starting or people asking how to install a remote start on a manual, but I wasn't able to find anything related to installing a momentary switch to bypass the clutch interlock so you can start it in gear (any tcase range, not just 4lo) without depressing the clutch (my goal is to have a manual override in the event you need to stop and then start again while in a river crossing as an example).

I've had a clutch bypass switch on most of the manuals I have had over the years (and it used to come from the factory on the old 4runner/taco's). I'm looking to see if anyone has successfully installed a momentary switch to bypass the clutch interlock on the JL? I found the following diagram elsewhere on the forum:

I found the location on the clutch master cylinder between the brake booster and the driver fender, as well as the Green/yellow and black wires. I was looking to confirm if anyone has installed a momentary switch to bridge the connection and if so, does it throw any codes? Do you bridge the two wires together, or do you run a new ground and connect it to the Green/Yellow wire with the switch?

Thanks in advance!

I've done remote start on Volkswagens, when they said it couldn't be done. I used an output from the unit that was 'grounded when locked' or similar. Connect that to what looks like a green wire that you've circled. Pretty simple. The hardest part is getting the key signal...I had to hide a valet key in the harness.
If your goal is just a bypass, any grounded switch should work.

 

[JeeperJC]

I've done remote start on Volkswagens, when they said it couldn't be done. I used an output from the unit that was 'grounded when locked' or similar. Connect that to what looks like a green wire that you've circled. Pretty simple. The hardest part is getting the key signal...I had to hide a valet key in the harness.
If your goal is just a bypass, any grounded switch should work.

Thank you!

 

[bllprk]

I have searched and found threads on JL's not starting or people asking how to install a remote start on a manual, but I wasn't able to find anything related to installing a momentary switch to bypass the clutch interlock so you can start it in gear (any tcase range, not just 4lo) without depressing the clutch (my goal is to have a manual override in the event you need to stop and then start again while in a river crossing as an example).

I've had a clutch bypass switch on most of the manuals I have had over the years (and it used to come from the factory on the old 4runner/taco's). I'm looking to see if anyone has successfully installed a momentary switch to bypass the clutch interlock on the JL? I found the following diagram elsewhere on the forum:

I found the location on the clutch master cylinder between the brake booster and the driver fender, as well as the Green/yellow and black wires. I was looking to confirm if anyone has installed a momentary switch to bridge the connection and if so, does it throw any codes? Do you bridge the two wires together, or do you run a new ground and connect it to the Green/Yellow wire with the switch?

Thanks in advance!

Did you ever wire this up? I am going to attempt it today. I will insert a momentary switch into the line.

 

[bllprk]

So, I did this. The wire is under the hood on the back of the master cylinder. I tapped in and ran a wire into the cab. I then wired it into a momentary push button that I located next to my ignition button. I grounded the other end of the button. For some reason, it only works in 4low, which is perfect. It almost makes me think that Jeep engineers left this open on purpose. It does not work in 2wd or 4hi.

 

[TahoeTaylor]

So, I did this. The wire is under the hood on the back of the master cylinder. I tapped in and ran a wire into the cab. I then wired it into a momentary push button that I located next to my ignition button. I grounded the other end of the button. For some reason, it only works in 4low, which is perfect. It almost makes me think that Jeep engineers left this open on purpose. It does not work in 2wd or 4hi.

bllprk - can you share a few more details on how you did this? I’m looking to do the same thing given all the clutch issues I’ve had to prevent from getting stranded. I had to get towed the other day because my clutch lost all pressure and I could no longer start the vehicle. Luckily I wasn’t far from home. When this happens again which it likely will, I’ll want to be able start it up without the clutch and drive it if I’m in a stranded situation otherwise.

Any details you can share on how you installed this bypass switch would be much appreciated. I saw the diagrams in the thread above but could use a few more pointers if you wouldn’t mind.

Thank you

 

[Mandalorian]

So, I did this. The wire is under the hood on the back of the master cylinder. I tapped in and ran a wire into the cab. I then wired it into a momentary push button that I located next to my ignition button. I grounded the other end of the button. For some reason, it only works in 4low, which is perfect. It almost makes me think that Jeep engineers left this open on purpose. It does not work in 2wd or 4hi.

I'm also interested in more info on how you wired it in. running the wire and installing the switch shouldn't be an issue. I having issues getting my clutch switch to engage and would rather just have a switch I can flip, even if it requires dropping it into 4lo before every start.

 

[Mandalorian]

bllprk - can you share a few more details on how you did this? I’m looking to do the same thing given all the clutch issues I’ve had to prevent from getting stranded. I had to get towed the other day because my clutch lost all pressure and I could no longer start the vehicle. Luckily I wasn’t far from home. When this happens again which it likely will, I’ll want to be able start it up without the clutch and drive it if I’m in a stranded situation otherwise.

Any details you can share on how you installed this bypass switch would be much appreciated. I saw the diagrams in the thread above but could use a few more pointers if you wouldn’t mind.

Thank you

Did he ever get back to you on this? Have you installed the switch?

 

[Mandalorian]

I've done remote start on Volkswagens, when they said it couldn't be done. I used an output from the unit that was 'grounded when locked' or similar. Connect that to what looks like a green wire that you've circled. Pretty simple. The hardest part is getting the key signal...I had to hide a valet key in the harness.
If your goal is just a bypass, any grounded switch should work.

I'd be fine with just bypassing it. On older vehicles I have just cut the 2 wires and patched them together. Will this work on the JLs or is it going to throw up a bunch of codes. If it does work do you know which 2 wires I would need to patch together

 

[TahoeTaylor]

Did he ever get back to you on this? Have you installed the switch?

No he didn’t but not sure if he saw it since I didn’t tag him.

@bllprk - any chance you can help out with the above? I think some of us want to install the bypass switch like you did but we aren’t as smart as you. Can you help us out with the steps you took to get it installed?

 

[bllprk]

Morning,
I don't have my jeep here so no pictures yet.

There are 2 clutch sensors on the JL. One is a position sensor. It's on the top of the clutch pedal assembly. The second is the interlock switch, which is more of the TJ style switch that is on or off.

Open the hood and find the master cylinder in the top drivers side quadrant of the firewall. Hidden above it, is the interlock switch. Unplug the electrical connector from the switch. It has a green/yellow wire and a black wire.

I then pulled back the protective tape to expose the wire. I used a splicer tap connector to tap into the green yellow wire. I did not cut the green yellow wire. Its still connected as designed. I just ran a new wire from the existing wire.

This single wire, I then fished into the cab of the jeep under the dash board. I purchased a momentary switch off of amazon. I then found a space to mount it next to my ignition switch and connected the green / yellow wire to one side of the switch.

The other side of the switch I wired to a ground location under the dash.

A couple of notes:
1. The bypass only works in 4low. I don't know why. I assume it has to do with the other clutch switch.
2. I can get my jeep to not start if I push the button randomly. I think i confused it and then it wouldn't start.

I

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