"T" Knob on the dash...what's it for? 1935 Dodge 4Dr Sedan

[thomas1ds]

Hello, I have a question about my 1935 Dodge 4 Dr Sedan. There is a white knob on the dash labeled with a "T" on it. It is connected to the throttle on the carb, but what exactly did they use it for? Cruise control?

[Ken_Lincoln]

Yep early form of Cruise Control

Edited February 1, 2014 by Ken_Lincoln (see edit history)

[1936 D2]

It is used for starting. It is like the fast idle control that is normally automatic on most modern cars.

You would pull it out about a quarter inch or so (not too much!) so that the engine idle is a bit higher just after starting. Then once the engine warms up a bit you can push it back in so that the engine will idle at the normal slower pace. This should only take a few seconds or so. You should not need the fast idle for very long. You will know if it is too early to push it in. The engine will start to stumble if not warm enough.

BTW... it is not a good idea to use this control as a "cruise control". There is no way that it will automatically slow the engine speed in the event of an accident, braking or quick road condition changes (like pea gravel or black ice). All of these will result in loss of vehicle control from over reving the engine, or damage from the same. (Unless you are very lucky!)

[Ken_Lincoln]

That makes more sense ... Mine is not connected and I was told it was to maintain revs as a form of cruise control ... I thought it would be a problem in an emergency

[Ron Lawson]

It Is also a bit hard to hold the loud pedal down a bit when your out the front cranking it in the event of a battery that is to low to turn the engine for starting

[keiser31]

"T" stands for throttle.