[hkrish]

Hi

This is my first post in team-bhp forum, although
i have been a silent reader for almost one year

Read through all threads related "Auto-clutch (automate) review" which is externally fitted semi-automatic transmission fit.

Stepped into this new product called "City-Clutch"
pointed out by another team-bhpian Sigma.

Here are some of features which i found in City-clutch (although i have not bought one, but planning to buy one).


1. System provides a Red color button in the gear knob and when depressed it will press the clutch system. User can always see the clutch -pressed (unlike auto-clutch where there is a behaviour difference between Cable-clutch and hydraulic clutch. And i vaguely remember someone mentioning that in hydraulic clutch fitting (like indica) one cannot see the clutch getting pressed

2. It is fully indian made by polio affected engineer in gujarat
(electronic engineer with mechanical engineer interest) and not
imported unlike auto-clutch so support is available. However
the dealer is saying that they have fitted in lots of cars in
ahemadabad, mumbai,pune, delhi, but so far no complains.
They also have service and dealer network. But dealer is confidently
telling you need to fit it and forget it.

3. Also device is totally isolated from Engine so can see clutch
pressed and released even when car is not started.
It is not based on Engine RPM so whether its a AC or a Non AC vehicle
it doesn't effect the performance of the device.
(I have seen many report performance difference in autoclutch with AC on
and off)

4. clutch itself is actuated by electronic computer
which can synchronise the timing and torque as per the signals
My friend says torque sensors are usually costly, so they are
charging 35k for this unit which he says may be reasonable

5. What interested me are these two points:
a. In a heavy traffic congestion scenario, keep your car in first gear and use the brakes, the car will move smoothly as you release the brakes.With city clutch you can control the car in first gear with brakes only. No need to accelerate clutch no need to push accelerator pedal.

b. Although they have switch to turn off and on the unit while driving, they say that even though the device is ON, i can PRESS the clutch and release any time i want to OVERRIDE the system. Also clutch will be pressed only
when vehicle is about to stall, and not once the brake is pressed thus
helping in engine braking.

Im planning to install in my car though its not a OEM fit, and use it for city ride, but certainly TURN IT off for high-way drives (as i wont be changing gears much during highway drive) and dont want any possible risk, though they say its risk free.

Thought i will check with team-bhp forum before i buy.
So has anyone used this system ? Does anyone have some red-flag to be raised or does anyone see possible problems in using this sytem.
Comments and suggestions welcome


thanks
Hari

[subscrive]

"2. It is fully indian made by polio affected engineer in gujarat
(electronic engineer with mechanical engineer interest) and not
imported unlike auto-clutch "
Who said auto clutch is imported?

What ever you hv written is already present in "Auto-clutch (automate)"

[GTO]

Very unique product review, thanks for sharing.

Would you have pictures? I don't even know what a city clutch looks like.

Originally Posted by hkrish

Read through all threads related "Auto-clutch (automate) review" which is externally fitted semi-automatic transmission fit.

This thread covers the auto clutch. So I guess the main difference between the auto clutch and this city clutch is that there is visible movement on the clutch pedal?

4. clutch itself is actuated by electronic computer
which can synchronise the timing and torque as per the signals
My friend says torque sensors are usually costly, so they are
charging 35k for this unit which he says may be reasonable

I really didn't get this. Kindly elaborate. My understanding was that these clutch systems are activated manually (simple & gradual in or out).

My advice : Buy a factory-fit automatic car. I didn't end up too impressed with the auto clutch.

Thanks for sharing your viewpoints!

[hiren959]

I have heard about this product but not impressed much as I think it will be difficult to operate, as we are used to press the clutch pedal on every gear change.

A Kutch, Gujarat based manufacturer is offering this product since last five years.

[tanwaramit]

I had autoclutch (automate product) and removed it for pathetic reliability and poor service (in NCR and Mumbai) . I had checked out cityclutch too and though the seller claims its not the same as autoclutch and people dont have any problems with it, I didnt had a reason to be convinced by him. All the product attributes are similar to autoclutch (GTO yes, the clutch pedal does gets depressed on pressing the button, though in some cars it didnt), even the button placement is same.

I would advice to refrain from it. Since you are in Bangalore, how is the service going to be for it ? No matter what the seller claims, check with some owners who have got it installed.

Since you are in Bangalore and if you MUST need such a device, you can goto Autoclutch, since the service backup for that product in Bangalore is good, however is pathetic in NCR.

Its a risky situation, go for it ONLY if there is No other choice, avoid it at all best.

35 K is expensive for this one and I guess you need to send your car to Gujarat for modifications.

[eapen]

I have spoken to a few people who have fitted CityClutch in Bangalore. They had driven more than 20,000km with the product & were happy about it relieving themselves of left leg pain in traffic. The designer's name is Mr. Aravind Kumar Patel & in Bangalore the dealer is Mr Shiva Prasad who is a paraplegic himself.

For the latest design the unit has been made more compact by separating the housings of the logic controller & actuator motor - pictures attached. The controller takes inputs from brake pedal & VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor). If the vehicle's VSS cannot be tapped then a separate VSS is installed on the rear wheel hub. The time of clutch pedal actuation can be adjusted based on these two parameters. The unit can be switched off anytime so that the car pedal functions without any assist normally.

While installing the driver's seat has to be removed.The metal chain & cable is routed parallel to the clutch pedal & the actuator motor is fixed below the seat. The chain end is fixed onto the pedal with a bracket. A touch sensor is stuck onto the side of OE gear knob.

At slow speeds <25kmph the clutch pedal operates by itself. For higher speeds while manually shifting a gear, the touch sensor has to be slightly pressed with thumb & then released after shifting.

[eapen]

CityClutch website : http://cityclutch.com/

Am attaching picture of their older clutch assist model which is bigger.

[eapen]

Originally Posted by subscrive

"2. It is fully indian made by polio affected engineer in gujarat
(electronic engineer with mechanical engineer interest) and not
imported unlike auto-clutch "
Who said auto clutch is imported?
What ever you hv written is already present in "Auto-clutch (automate)"

Automate's auto-clutch is an imported product from Korea.
Refer this 2001 link: http://benmlee.com/4Runner/autoclutch/Auto_Clutch.htm
Korean website: http://semiauto.co.kr/construction/?vid=6

The logic controller used is the same one pictured in the link details : http://benmlee.com/4Runner/autoclutch/circuit.jpg