Starting without the clutch?

Camdenst

TJ Addict
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Morning Guys,

I recently and accidentally noticed I can start my 05 LJR in gear with out the clutch depressed. I checked the to make sure that the po didnt use the fuse bypass and it's open. Ive also noticed the shift light doesn't turn on driving.

Any ideas?
 
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Morning Guys,

I recently and accidentally noticed I can start my 05 LJR in gear with out the clutch depressed. I checked the to make sure that the po didnt use the fuse bypass and it's open. Ive also noticed the shift light doesn't turn on driving.

Any ideas?
Post up the part number on the PCM.
 
Post up the part number on the PCM.


Oh boy. Those PO's can be sneaky.


(The other thread, that turned out to have a missing CEL, makes me rather wary anymore).

Of course, your clutch switch could be internally shorted but, not likely.
 
Which number would be the part number, would either of these help?

20190518_204325.webp
 
Check the clutch switch wiring at the switch.

A lot of people bypass it entirely.
 
I have tried it in 4 high or 4 low because it does in 2wd.

Does the shift light work in general in the later model TJs? I've watched videos of the gauge cluster test and I dont see it light up.
 
I have tried it in 4 high or 4 low because it does in 2wd.

Does the shift light work in general in the later model TJs? I've watched videos of the gauge cluster test and I dont see it light up.
You have the correct part number for the PCM. The only thing I don't know is if the upshift light works on the 05-06. It doesn't on the 04 TJ Unlimited because there wasn't a manual option, but it may have worked on the 04 TJ with a manual. I know the upshift light is present and working on all years up to 04.
 
4H, 2H or 4L.... cuz yes Wranglers will start in gear in 4L.
97-06 TJ's all models have a fuse bypass for starting without the clutch pushed in regardless of mode. In 05-06, the Rubicon versions don't have the fuse bypass and it is done automatically when you put it in 4 low.
 
You have the correct part number for the PCM. The only thing I don't know is if the upshift light works on the 05-06. It doesn't on the 04 TJ Unlimited because there wasn't a manual option, but it may have worked on the 04 TJ with a manual. I know the upshift light is present and working on all years up to 04.

The only reason I'm curious is because I see the up arrow on the cluster and remember my 97 TJ lighting up.
 
The shift light is included on the 05-06 instrument clusters but is disabled from the factory on all models. The factory service manual points it out and literally labels it "not used".

The shift light was likely a way to make it easier to pass fuel economy standards. When the 6 speed was introduced they likely thought that the shift light was no longer necessary, but it was cheaper just to reuse the 03-04 cluster design than to redesign the cluster to eliminate the light altogether. (All of this is speculation.)
 
The shift light is included on the 05-06 instrument clusters but is disabled from the factory on all models. The factory service manual points it out and literally labels it "not used".

The shift light was likely a way to make it easier to pass fuel economy standards. When the 6 speed was introduced they likely thought that the shift light was no longer necessary, but it was cheaper just to reuse the 03-04 cluster design than to redesign the cluster to eliminate the light altogether. (All of this is speculation.)
Makes sense. It's active on my 03.
 
The shift light is included on the 05-06 instrument clusters but is disabled from the factory on all models. The factory service manual points it out and literally labels it "not used".

The shift light was likely a way to make it easier to pass fuel economy standards. When the 6 speed was introduced they likely thought that the shift light was no longer necessary, but it was cheaper just to reuse the 03-04 cluster design than to redesign the cluster to eliminate the light altogether. (All of this is speculation.)

Awesome, thanks for the info.

Any ideas why it can start it without the clutch?
 
Awesome, thanks for the info.

Any ideas why it can start it without the clutch?

There was a recall for a clutch interlock switch on some Jeeps. In some cases the switch could fail allowing it to be started in gear.
Has the recall been done on your Jeep?
The dealership I bought mine from did it when I bought it.
 
There was a recall for a clutch interlock switch on some Jeeps. In some cases the switch could fail allowing it to be started in gear.
Has the recall been done on your Jeep?
The dealership I bought mine from did it when I bought it.


Ok, good to know. Not sure if the recall has been addressed.
 
This is just another nanny device, why bother fixing it?

More than likely wont fix it, and like yourself the less big brother is involved the better. I was just curious and wanted to make sure it was a symptom of a larger issue.


Thanks for all the help guys.
 
Did the PO have a remote starter installed? Many will bypass the safety switch... Not the best idea, you run the possibility of your jeep driving through the garage if you accidentally left it in gear.