I know that in a lot of states installing a remote start on a vehicle with a manual tranny is against the law, I also know a remote start can still be installed on a manual by defeating the clutch interlock. I was wondering, is there a way to "read" that the vehicle has been left parked IN gear? Is there some switch that the shifter activates that says it is in neutral or not? Reason I ask is, I was wondering if one were to install a remote start on a manual truck by defeating the clutch interlock if you could also use the "in gear or not signal" (if one exists) to decide whether to actually start the truck or not. If the truck is left in gear, you can't start it with the remote, if it is in neutral, the remote start would work.

Thanks,
~Rob

 

I have the same problem. I've read and re-read the service manual and the only gear detection is reverse for the backup lights. I even thought that maybe I could use the 4WD switch in the transfer case but the only output is 4WD. There's no way to detect neutral in that gearbox either. You could hook her up anyway and take your chances but it'd be an expensive mistake if the Cummins lit up in gear. I have visions of the house, barn and other structures being run over like a tank.

 

be honest . although there isnt anything on the truck now if you wanted, w hy not build some sort of sensor ring that had a button upfront and in back so the starter would know? Or find a way to use hte abs or speed sensors to detect the movement of the vechile. Maybe run it off the ecm(newer trucks) to define if its got engine load to shut down. These are some idears ive come up with since i did this once haha. luckly enough it was in an open field, where we were undockin the snowmobiles. But neway just some idears

 

There are remote starters made for manuals. They require you to go through a series of steps before you exit the vehicle so it KNOWS it's in neutral...

I think it was.. e-brake on, tap brake pedal twice, turn off key (engine keeps running), open door and close door, then lock door. if the door is opened anytime before the next start cycle, it will not start.

I had a Clifford unit on my Audi... and after the first (and last) time it drove itself into the back of my roommate's F-150, I fabbed up a plate with 6 switches that would be engaged whenever the shifter was in gear... They were wired into the hood pin switch, so that not only would the starter think the hood was up and not start, it would alert me when the alarm was armed.

Used mini-switches with a lever of spring steel so that if I pulled really hard into gear, it wouldn't bend the plate out of position... aaah, the joys of working in an aircraft hangar....

 

Hey you forgot the part about chewing bubble gum and rubbing your tummy while tapping on the brake pedal
CJ

 

I've installed three of these on manuals, work great.
http://www.securityworld.com/auto/autocommand.html
Plan on at least 10 hours for the install.

 

Thanks infidel. I found that device in a google search today after getting a pm from a member here. Was wondering if anyone had experience with them. I am going to contact the manufacturer and see if they know if it is legal in Texas. Texas is one of the states where you can not install a remote start device on a manual vehicle (legally at least ), don't know if they take into account these "smart" types designed specifically for us that row their own.

 

I'm wondering how they could ever enforce a law like that, you can't see any of the remote after it's in. It might only be illegal for an professional installer to do it.