"Push Clutch To Start" Bypass Harness

[george_seamons]

***Please note, this is not a for sale post...I am aware of the rules!***

Hi guys. I have been told to post on here regarding a product I am developing, which basically stops you having to press the clutch to start the engine.

I have already developed a similar product for the Mk5/6 VW Golf VAG platform ( it also works on Audi 8P A3/S3, Audi 8J TT/TTS/TTRS, VW Golf mk5+6, VW Scirocco mk3, VW EOS, VW Passat B6, Seat 1P Leon/Leon Cupra/Leon Cupra R, Leon K1 etc), which has taken off REALLY well (sold in excess of 220 of them). It was developed on these cars, because the thrust washers between the crank and block are a weak point, and pressing the clutch to start the engine causes premature wear, which can result in a replacement engine being needed.

Now, whilst this particular harness won't work on the B8/8.5, I am 99% sure I can make the same product to fit, its just a case of using the correct connectors, and adapting the technology to suit.

What I want to know is, is it something you guys would be interested in? If there's no market, I won't bother with the R&D into it. I'm hoping there is a market though, because from what the person who suggested I write on here said, there is a known problem with the clutch master cylinder failing, which requires a new clutch to be fitted (I think!). Price wise, I should be able to make them for the same £22 UK posted/£30 internationally posted as my existing setup.

I have included pictures of the harness I currently make, although bear in mind the B8/8.5 version will be slightly different due to the connectors not being the same. I have also included some of the feedback sales on ebay (although bear in mind the majority of my sales are through Facebook groups).


Look forward to hearing your views

 

[Zafi]

If you try to start it in gear will it lurch forward or will it still be inhibited as it's not in neutral?

 

[rabhrab]

I have a Manual Trans b8 S4Avant at the moment and would be interested in such a product. Are they a diy fit?

 

[george_seamons]

I have a Manual Trans b8 S4Avant at the moment and would be interested in such a product. Are they a dig fit?

They will be made so they are plug and play, yes.

 

[george_seamons]

If you try to start it in gear will it lurch forward or will it still be inhibited as it's not in neutral?

I don't think there is a neutral switch on manual cars. That is the only downside to removing the feature, but hopefully that one disadvantage is outweighed by the advantages. Hopefully most people are able to check they are in neutral before starting the engine.

 

[rabhrab]

They will be made so they are plug and play, yes.

Sound's good, look forward to hearing how you get on.

 

[george_seamons]

Once I have a bit of interest (ideally 10 people) I will look into getting a batch together.

What I did last time was offered the first harness at cost price in return for pictures of the installation, which enabled me to get installation instructions written up.

Perhaps you could leave your names in a list below if you're interested (copy and paste)

1: Rabhrab
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
10:

 

[PenttisHSR]

1: Rabhrab
2: PenttisHSR
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
10:

 

[xpoweruk]

I think this is a good idea.
Audizine would be well up for this I think as they are trying to find a well priced plug n play fix

 

[PenttisHSR]

A company in the USA called 3zero3 are about to market a solution that still requires the clutch to be pressed, but only to the second hall sensor, in other words not all the way to the floor.
This, I expect will be much more expensive.
The main problem is when aftermarket/uprated clutches are fitted, causing difficulty in starting the car.
In some instances the (plastic) clutch cylinder breaks.
There have also been problems when the clutch is worn, requiring premature replacement to be able to start the car.
Personally, I just hate having to do it. I have managed all my life, thus far, to make sure that the car is in neutral before starting!

 

[george_seamons]

I think this is a good idea.
Audizine would be well up for this I think as they are trying to find a well priced plug n play fix

My only fear is that I am going to get accused of copying the 3zero3 product. However, like I say, I have been making these since August 2016 (just not in B8 flavour!). I will have a go at posting on there though, see how they take it.

 

[george_seamons]

The parts arrived this morning, so I will get the first B8 harness made tonight, and shipped out to @PenttisHSR, who was the one who suggested the B8 market. Hopefully he can get it install ASAP, taking pictures along the way, which will lead to the creation of the installation instructions which will be shipped with each harness. With a bit of luck (assuming all is ok with the first harness) the first batch can leave next week!

(Not all parts are shown here, this is just what was sent today)

 

[george_seamons]

Just realised the pictures I spoke of never showed up in my first post. I have attached them to this post:

 

[rum4mo]

A company in the USA called 3zero3 are about to market a solution that still requires the clutch to be pressed, but only to the second hall sensor, in other words not all the way to the floor.
This, I expect will be much more expensive.
The main problem is when aftermarket/uprated clutches are fitted, causing difficulty in starting the car.
In some instances the (plastic) clutch cylinder breaks.
There have also been problems when the clutch is worn, requiring premature replacement to be able to start the car.
Personally, I just hate having to do it. I have managed all my life, thus far, to make sure that the car is in neutral before starting!

To be honest, another use of even that 3zero3 solution would be to allow short legged people, ie my wife who is 4ft 10ins actually be able to use my car - or is that not a good idea?

Edit:- I'm referring to the extra bit of clutch pedal travel only needed when starting the engine.

 

[george_seamons]

Having looked into this a bit more, and doing more research, I'm not convinced its going to work how my existing harness does. The B8 ECU is more intelligent than these ECU's..

It seems the B8 ecu checks the clutch switch circuits, and checks they are pressed in a logical order (ie. 1-2-3). The way I was planning to do it (and as it is on the Mk5/6 Golf/Audi 8P etc) switch 3 would be constantly activated, so the ecu would see the order as 3-1-2...which will throw an EML because it's not what the ECU is expecting to see. This explains why the 3zero3 one needs the clutch to be semi-pressed still, because they use the signal from switch 2 to trigger switch 3, but with a slight delay...which keeps the ecu happy.

I will carry on looking into a solution though. Bit gutted, thought I was onto a winner there! At least it was figured out now rather than when loads were released!

 

[PenttisHSR]

To be honest, another use of even that 3zero3 solution would be to allow short legged people, ie my wife who is 4ft 10ins actually be able to use my car - or is that not a good idea?

Edit:- I'm referring to the extra bit of clutch pedal travel only needed when starting the engine.

Ha! Never thought of that, I know exactly what you mean though, my wife is petite too.
Trouble is I don't want her driving my car.

 

[rum4mo]

Ha! Never thought of that, I know exactly what you mean though, my wife is petite too.
Trouble is I don't want her driving my car.

Well I was only trying to cover all angles, I certainly don't want my car left some where if I suddenly become unwell, I've only had the car 3.5 years and still no signs of her wanting to try it out - I've tried!