Quick/Easy Clutch Interlock Bypass (manual transmission)

[GabeBoyTheGreat]

I originally posted this writeup on wranglerforum.com, but I recently joined this forum, so I figured I would spread the word here as well.

After 6 years of owning my JL with the 6MT, I have finally discovered how to bypass the clutch interlock switch to start the vehicle in gear. Those of you who are familiar with the JK might know that the JK will bypass the clutch interlock switch automatically in 4L, allowing you to start the vehicle in gear. Jeep changed how this bypass works in the JL to a much more complicated process that basically makes it completely useless.

However, there is a way to force the JL to work like the JK used to work and allow you to bypass the clutch interlock switch whenever you are in 4L. Best of all, no permanent modifications to the vehicle are required, and it will cost less than $10! You can revert the vehicle back to its factory configuration in less than a minute.

All you need to do is unplug the clutch interlock switch (located under the hood on the driver side next to the master cylinder) and plug a custom-made connector that will short the signal wire to ground. This makes the JL think that the switch is always "closed" (i.e. clutch is disengaged). Here is what the final result looks like:

Purchasing/building the connector is fairly straightforward. I purchased the connector from Corsa Technic; the part number is: MX150-3P-1A. For the Pin/Wire size option, I used 0.3mm.

The connector will come with pins. All you need to do is insert the wire into the back end of one pin and crimp the pin to ensure the wire is locked in place. For the other end of the wire, do the same thing in the second pin. Once that is done, you just need to insert both pins into the connector until they "click" into place.

Note that the connector has THREE slots for pins, so you need to choose the two correct slots. The correct slots should correspond to the two slots on the vehicle's connector that have wires inserted. Here are some pictures of the connector that I assembled:

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

A few final notes:

1. This will ONLY work in 4L. It does not appear to work in 2H or 4H, probably because of the independent clutch position sensor that is also installed on the vehicle.

2. If you are in 4L, I noticed that you have to hold the start button down for a few seconds before the vehicle actually tries to start. Be patient.

3. Installing this bypass connector will also disable ESS because the clutch position sensor and clutch interlock switch are not "in agreement" with each other.

4. To revert back to the factory configuration, simple remove the bypass connector and reconnect the clutch interlock switch.

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[Fatfreewilly]

You could probably sell those. Does it throw any CEL or ESS lights?

Also... What's the process on the JL without this?? I thought it was was the same as the JK of just leave it in gear and turn the key/push the button. It's such a niche thing, but also can be critical to not get mud on the clutch - especially the dumb dual mass one we have now.

 

[GabeBoyTheGreat]

You could probably sell those. Does it throw any CEL or ESS lights?

No CEL, but the ESS will illuminate under certain circumstances. I haven't figured out exactly when the Jeep decides to throw the ESS light, but my guess is that when the Jeep "checks" if the clutch position sensor and clutch interlock switch are in agreement. I imagine the ESS light illuminates if the check fails, though I don't know under what circumstances the Jeep performs the check. Sometimes, it never illuminates during a drive.

My recommendation is to not use the bypass for daily driving; there really is no benefit to doing so.

As far as selling these connectors, I see where you are coming from, but really the main component (the connector itself) is already available for sale. All you have to do is crimp the wires to the pins and insert the pins into the connector.

That being said, maybe I will pitch the idea to Quadratec. I do understand the value of a plug-and-play solution.

Also... What's the process on the JL without this?? I thought it was was the same as the JK of just leave it in gear and turn the key/push the button. It's such a niche thing, but also can be critical to not get mud on the clutch - especially the dumb dual mass one we have now.

The only similarity between JL/JK is that the vehicle has to be in 4L. Unfortunately, there are additional conditions that must be met on the JL. Here is the process for the JL:

1. The vehicle must be ON and in 4L
2. Stall the vehicle
3. A message should display on the dash describing how to restart the vehicle, but I will explain it here as well
4. Press foot on the brake, but NOT the clutch
5. Hold the Start/Stop button.
6. Release the brake once the starter begins to turn, but keep holding the button until the vehicle is started.

Honestly, the engineer who approved the above process should be fired. It almost completely eliminates the whole point of the feature. Additionally, the whole process times out after about 20 seconds; if you miss the timeout, then you are out of luck.

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