cant find this little switch?!?

Allforspeed

New Member
Oct 25, 2004
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i'm pretty sure that the little switch that only allows my stang to start when the clutch pedal is pushed in has gone bad and i cant seem to find the little bugger!!?

could someone be kind enough to let me know where on the car that is? i thought it was on the clutch pedal....

PS: i have a 1988 GT 5.0 5 speed, the rest of the starting system is all new

thanks!
 
Climb up under the dash and look for this plunger type switch.
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It should be somewhere above the gas pedal.
 

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The one I had on my 92 was a cluth interlock switch. May even have one that I bought and didn't need. It was under the dash, attached to the clutch pedal arm.

Let me know if you need some more details, I could even post some pics maybe.
 
Mine was like Anthony's. The plunger setting 'ratchets' when you depress the clutch and you might find that you need to put your clutch pedal through the floorboard to get the switch to close.

You can reach up there and reset the switch if needed.

Good luck.
 
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Starter/Clutch Interlock Switch

The starter/clutch interlock switch is designed to prevent starting the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. The switch is connected between the ignition switch and the starter motor relay coil and maintains an open circuit with the clutch pedal up (clutch engaged).

The switch is designed to automatically self-adjust the first time the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. The self-adjuster consists of a two-piece clip snapped together over a serrated rod. When the plunger or rod is extended, the clip bottoms out on the switch body and allows the rod to ratchet over the serrations to a position determined by the clutch pedal travel. In this way, the switch is set to close the starter circuit when the clutch is pressed all the way to the floor (clutch disengaged).

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Starter/Clutch Interlock Switch Continuity

1. Disconnect switch wiring connector at switch.

2. Using a test lamp or continuity tester, check that switch is open with clutch pedal up (clutch engaged), and closed at approximately 25.4mm (1 inch) from the clutch pedal full down position (clutch disengaged).

3. If switch does not operate as outlined in Step 2, check to see if the self-adjusting clip is out of position on the rod. It should be near the end of the rod.

4. If the self-adjusting clip is out of position, remove and reposition the clip to about 25.4mm (1 inch) from the end of the rod.

5. Reset switch by pressing clutch pedal to floor.

6. Repeat Step 2. If switch is damaged or clips do not remain in place, replace switch.
 

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so..... my car has both of those, i see a plunger type switch above the dashboard and a clutch interlock switch with a rod in it like the diagram above and i'm wondering if i can just bypass both of these switches?

i've been trying to bypass them but am having trouble, maybe im' doing something wrong here??
 
For diagnostics, you can bypass the CSS. A blade fuse happens to fit the connector very well. I'd recommend that you keep the switch functional, especially if others drive the car. Guys have bypassed the switch before and had a shop start the car in gear while on a lift.

Good luck.