"Push Clutch To Start" Bypass Harness

[george_messano]

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. I have been selling them since August 2016, and have 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 99.999% 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).

I am aware 3zero3 are making a similar product, but as far as I can see, you still have to press the clutch with their product, whereas mine totally removes the need. Like I say, I have been making these since mid 2016, so although I know people are going to potentially say I am copying their product, I don't think this is the case. I have the parts for the prototype sat next to me on my desk, ready to be fitted to a vehicle in the next day or so, so its not like I've taken one of their's apart and ripped it off.


Look forward to hearing your views :)

[Thurston]

if u can get it to work and don't forget about that b8.5 rev match capability.

[george_messano]

The circuitry is almost identical between the cars I have already developed it on, and the B8/B8.5, so I am almost certain it will work. The rev match is on a different circuit on the clutch switch (there are 3 in total), so it should still all function as before.

[bokiboki]

I'm interested - is your solution going to trip any error codes when scanned with VAGCOM? I have 2011 S4 (B8) and I'm very interested for that price for sure (no need for rev match or anything here).

[infinkc]

would be interesting to see if your "cable" works. Not sure how the MK ecu interprets the signal, but if your harness is just simply grounding out the switch signals it wont work on the b8/8.5 as the ecu detects that as a fault. doesnt look like your cable has any active components, so curious if you are doing anything more than just grounding it out.

[Vogz]

I'm not a fan of removing the need to press the clutch to start the car. Definite safety concern if you park your car in gear (like you should).

[bokiboki]

would be interesting to see if your "cable" works. Not sure how the MK ecu interprets the signal, but if your harness is just simply grounding out the switch signals it wont work on the b8/8.5 as the ecu detects that as a fault. doesnt look like your cable has any active components, so curious if you are doing anything more than just grounding it out.

^Do you know if it's going to trip the cel on the dash or report a soft code only when scanned with VAGCOM?

[FromRagsToS4]

I too would be curious as to what your cable is actually doing here.

[Brother Owl]

At that price there would be plenty of interest, assuming it works

[RavinJetta]

Agreed. I am in need of something like this as the other alternative is taking a while to get to market.

[george_messano]

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!

[infinkc]

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!

Yea its not that simple, i tried a ton of different ways to do it, landed up just using a timed delay on mine as it was cheapest and easy to tap the wires. If you can figure out a simpler way go for it, this circuit had drove me crazy.

What needs to happen is you need to get the signal from the "clutch press to start" switch, have that enable the "interlock" switch, car is started and it disables the "interlock" override before the pedal is released. If it doesnt happen in that order or the interlock is not removed prior to the clutch being released the EML light will come on. I was going to do an ic to control this, but since 3zero2 was already in the works of it, i put it off. Forgot to mention, that the "switches" are not completely grounded either when they activate, so it makes it even harder for the detection of the press.

[B8Addict]

Hmm, is there a way to get the car to only start if its in neutral? I would be interested but would not want someone to try turning on the vehicle without having the clutch pedal in gear(not likely to happen as I only drive the vehicle).

[SportVier]

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!

Definitely keep us posted.

[noS4]

I think someone figured out a way to bypass this already?

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...art-car/page14

[PenttisHSR]

Wow! You wouldn't believe such a simple thing could be so complicated.
Wish somebody could find a way to code it out altogether.
engine remap and S-tronic remap OR 6MT engine remap and Clutch remap.

[Toronto5.5]

Any update to this?

[MrFunk]

I'm not seeing the benefit... leading to engine failure?!
If anything depressing it reduces the strain on the starter.
No offence but seems like another "must have" mod for the addicts.

[jimrobbington]

I'm not a fan of removing the need to press the clutch to start the car. Definite safety concern if you park your car in gear (like you should).

This.

Also, fwiw, 3z3 found that the S5 and S4, even though they use the same master cylinder and same logic, do not function the same. This is part of what's taking them so long. They tried too hard to make a universal part that worked for both cars, but I think they had to go back to the drawing board and make two separate designs for the different models.

Also, the ECU does not like seeing any of the hall switches fired out of logical order, and will throw a dash light.

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[Charles]

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!

Non electrical dude here, but if you can activate switch 3, then why can't you activate switch 1 and 2 first?

As for starting my car in gear without the clutch being pressed...in the 25+ years I've owned manual cars, that's happened maybe 5 times and I immediately knew what was going on and pressed the brake. As long as you're paying attention (like you should be), it shouldn't be an issue.

[PenttisHSR]

This.

Also, fwiw, 3z3 found that the S5 and S4, even though they use the same master cylinder and same logic, do not function the same. This is part of what's taking them so long. They tried too hard to make a universal part that worked for both cars, but I think they had to go back to the drawing board and make two separate designs for the different models.

Also, the ECU does not like seeing any of the hall switches fired out of logical order, and will throw a dash light.

Sent from my SM-G930VC using Tapatalk

Does this still operate the automatic handbrake release function?

[jimrobbington]

Does this still operate the automatic handbrake release function?

Still works fine on my car, if you mean the hill hold kinda feature

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[PenttisHSR]

My car has not got hill hold.
When the electronic handbrake (Parking Brake in US) is ON, it releases automatically when driving away (no need to manually release the parking brake).
This function is triggered by the sensors in the clutch.
Just checking that this still works OK.
Usually you would also need to have the seatbelt on, but this can be switched off with VCDS.

[jason bouchard]

Hey any availability on this? I need one of these for my 2014 Audi S5 6-speed please. Got a clutch upgrade and now I must press the clutch pedal in very hard to start. Please help.

[jimrobbington]

Hey any availability on this? I need one of these for my 2014 Audi S5 6-speed please. Got a clutch upgrade and now I must press the clutch pedal in very hard to start. Please help.

Unfortunately, 3zero3 decided to close their doors. I don't believe these are available any longer. Your best bet is the extended rod slave from @jbullin2. You can purchase here: https://www.jxbperformance.com/produ...tended%20Slave

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[PenttisHSR]

Hey any availability on this? I need one of these for my 2014 Audi S5 6-speed please. Got a clutch upgrade and now I must press the clutch pedal in very hard to start. Please help.

This did get produced but it was IMO prohibitively expensive, so I did not purchase, especially as I had to get it to the UK.
Shame, it would have been a nice solution. As above 3zero3 have shut up shop currently.

Here is the device..............

[jpaul06]

Unfortunately, 3zero3 decided to close their doors. I don't believe these are available any longer. Your best bet is the extended rod slave from @jbullin2. You can purchase here: https://www.jxbperformance.com/produ...tended%20Slave

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

3zero3 has in fact closed there doors, however I work with the individual that designed and produced the unit for 3zero3 if it is still needed.

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Hey any availability on this? I need one of these for my 2014 Audi S5 6-speed please. Got a clutch upgrade and now I must press the clutch pedal in very hard to start. Please help.

Are you still in need of this device?

[jason bouchard]

yes I am I am just seeing this now sorry

[craigwall09]

3zero3 has in fact closed there doors, however I work with the individual that designed and produced the unit for 3zero3 if it is still needed.

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Are you still in need of this device?

I def need this 2012 Audi S5 V8 6mt