I've heard that when I stall going up a hill, then to use it? But I'm not sure. Only in 1st gear? Only in 4lo? Please give me an example! I'd like to know, so I will better my 4 wheeling skills! Thanks!

 

that would make sense on a steep hill that you cant afford to lose ground on or if it has loose gravel. try rolling the clutch out while rolling back down a hill with loose gravel.

 

You're correct, it's meant to be used to start on a hill, especially on a loose surface. Use it in 1st gear, doesn't really matter if it's 4lo or 4 hi, or even 2wd.
It's also useful if you want to start the engine without climbing in the truck , just make sure you're in neutral then.

 

i use it all the time when im warming up the truck in the AM, im yet to have to use it on a steep incline...

 

the main purpose is for starting on an incline, like you thought. just put the truck in gear, turn the key on, press the button, start the engine, and the starter will get you going, no need to touch brake pedal or accelerator. once youre going, then get on the accelerator as much as you need to maintain your uphill speed.

 

Thanks for the clarification, guys.

 

Ok. All this time, I thought it was for after a stall -- getting you out of a deep creek or flooded road. Guess that's why, in twelve years, I haven't used mine once.

 

mines jumpered out

 

I did use mine once to crank myself off some railway tracks when the engine cut out.

 

Won't the engine stall?

Rob

 

The point of it is to use it when the engine stalls.

 

Distr. cap got wet when crossing a creek once.... used it to get out. Wasnt the purpose of it i guess but it saved me

 

Right but if you start with it in gear most likely you will stall again.

Rob

 

That's what I would do. If you're dumb enough to start the truck in gear, and the clutch engaged and parked in the garage with no emergency brake, then maybe you shouldn't be driving a standard transmission.

 

The purpose of the button is simply to bypass the kill switch on the clutch pedal. Once upon a time vehicles didn't have a clutch kill switch, and you could possibly start the motor while the trans was in gear, which would make the vehicle lurch forward. It's a safety thing. Much like the brake pedal switch that keeps you from shifting an automatic trans unless your foot is on the brake (thanx, Audi).

The function of the bypass is to allow you to start the motor without depressing the clutch, simple as that. It doesn't matter if it's in gear or not.

Now I think the heart of the question is when would be useful situations to use this switch. To keep it simple, any time you wish to use your electric starter motor, instead of your gasoline motor, to move your vehicle. Kind of like an internal winch. (i'm oversimplifying) If your gasoline motor is stalled out for any reason (ignition, fuel, etc) and you need to move your vehicle, you can hold the ignition key and use your starter motor to drive your vehicle as far as battery power will last.

If you stall on a hill, but your engine is capable of restarting, you shouldn't need to use the button. The hand brake is located by your knee for hill holding purposes.

These clutch bypass switches were installed as an answer to "what if the clutch kill switch is faulty?" (If the switch went bad, you could still start your vehicle.)

 

For me, it is a matter of whether or not it is in gear. I routinely start the 82 in neutral and without pushing down the clutch. And if/when I get a newer truck, I don't feel like pressing a little button every time I want to do that.