Tired of starting an engine with a single key press? This mod turns ignition into a realistic sequence, just like a real diesel.
MULTI-STAGE STARTING
– Short press of the engine key: ignition ON (the dashboard powers up).
– Glow plug pre-heating with a HUD indicator next to the speedometer that changes color as it heats up.
– Pre-heat time depends on temperature: in deep winter it can take up to 25 seconds; with a warm engine or in summer it’s nearly instant.
– Hold the key to crank. Crank before the glow plugs are ready and the engine may cough, fail to start, and take slight damage.
– After a cold start the engine idles for a few seconds before responding to the throttle.
COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM (trucks)
– HUD pressure gauge showing tank pressure.
– The compressor builds air while the engine runs (timings calibrated with real truck data).
– Pressure bleeds off while parked: leave the truck sitting and you’ll need to build air back up before leaving.
– Realistic air brakes: run out of pressure and the **spring brakes** engage, locking the truck in place — just like real life, you don’t lose your brakes, you get stuck!
– Audible low-pressure warning buzzer.
FEATURES
– Keyboard and gamepad compatible. Uses the vanilla engine key, no new keybindings.
– Multiplayer and dedicated server support.
– Sounds: low-pressure buzzer, failed-start cough, air release.
– Configurable via console (`rdsConfig` command): toggle damage, air system, and adjust timings.
– Repositionable HUD (`rdsHudPos` command).
– Translated to Spanish, English and German.
– AI workers are not affected.
What’s new:
– In-game options menu (Esc → General Settings): toggle clutch-to-start and lights-without-ignition, no console needed.
– Clutch requirement is now optional — disable it from that same menu if you don’t want it.
Fixes:
– Default clutch key changed from X to L (conflicted with combine functions).
– Sounds converted to mono — the previous format triggered a constant log warning.
– Background panel behind the air gauge no longer shows on tractors, only on trucks.
– Clutch prompt simplified to “Press the clutch fully”.
