Howdy
have seen a couple of posts here and there, and got I've gotten into debate before regarding this topic. Not wishing to cause argument, but I'd like to hear others thoughts on this.
The hand throttle (not sure of the proper name for it - it's the knob you can pull out, down to the right of the steering wheel that is attached to the accelerator cable) as I understand it, and with every bit of logic I can muster regarding reasons why you shouldn't use this way, isn't meant to be locked in whilst driving and be used as a Cruise Control. It is no doubt dangerous ... hit the brakes with that locked on and your stopping distance has just increased substantially, as 99.99999999% of people haven't got the cat like reflexes to switch it off right at the moment a small kid, or an animal, or another car, etc scoots out in front of them ... it just keeps the power up to the wheels whilst you are trying to stop them with the brakes ...
Not sure if there is reference to it in the manual (I will look though) but I recall another member on another forum stating the manual says specifically NOT to use this whilst any 'driving gear' is engaged. I have rarely (if ever) used it, but could imagine people use it to idle the car up when it is cold, and in certain 4WD circumstances where you want to keep the idle up a little (like in water holes etc so you don't snuff the engine if you happen to get stuck) - other than that, I would struggle to know why it's even there (my rig starts perfectly without it even when cold - the sensors, ECU, etc do the work idling it up, and it drops back to 650rpm once it starts warming up)
Not a topic that my opinion will be swayed on I'm afraid, but obviously welcome others thoughts and opinions on it's use in this fashion.
Over to you!!!