So I read on another forum that the Dodge CTD has something called a zero launch transmission and clutch system. I'm not sure if thats what its called but it applies to the manual transmission trucks. Basically, what this means is that from a stop, I can engage the clutch without ever applying fuel and the truck will go without stalling. I've never heard of this, but I decided to give it a shot on my way to work. Sure enough, if I'm in 1st or 2nd gear, I can let the clutch out without ever giving the truck any fuel and it wont stall. You can’t stall the truck even with a load on. I have yet to try this, but is this true? Anyone else ever hear of this? Is this typical of diesel trucks? I know that in my car, if I apply the clutch without the gas, the car will stall.

 

this is just something for the 3rd gens since the engine is electronicaly controlled it does everything it can to keep the RPM's around 750 without throttle input. also if you notice, the RPM's will jump to around 1000, then back down. this is part of the process since the engine is fueling to stay running when the loading goes away the engine continues to fuel untill it realizes there is no throttle input and cuts fueling.

I use it alot when I start out in 3rd to keep from smoking the place out. however you can stall it if you dump the clutch in 3rd or 4th

 

Thats pretty cool. Do you think that this is a better way to start out -- releasing the clutch fully, then applying gas? It seems as if I can make my clutch last longer this way.

 

Minex, I have a 01 3500 6 speed and I can get all the way to 6th gear with out touching the throttle or slipping the clutch, on a slight up hill.

 

what I normaly do is when I feel my clutch has almost cought up fully I start giving her throttle and let the clutch out fully.

I thought this was something that was specific to 3rd gens. I didnt know the 2nd gens could advance the fueling in this method.

 

It is a cool feature EXCEPT when trying to back a camper into a tight spot up a hill! The thing keeps throttling up and your going like a freight train, or you are continuously slipping the clutch. Either option really sucks when you are doing that. BUT the rest of the truck experience really negates this little quirck.