94 escort clutch saftey switch

[pistol010672]

imy switch for my clutch is getting worse is there any way to bypass it?

[Selectron]

Provided you're careful to always either be in Neutral, or have the clutch pedal depressed when starting the engine, it should be ok. I don't know if it would still pass the vehicle safety inspection though if the switch was bypassed. It should be the same as the '95, in which case there are two wires connected to it - black/dark blue, and black/red, so you would just splice those two together and insulate the joint.

That was for the Clutch Start Switch, but you also have a Clutch Pedal Position Switch, which must be left in-circuit because, according to the Ford manual, it "Informs PCM of clutch engagement. The PCM uses this input to adjust fuel/air ratio and idle speed." So it would unbalance your engine management system if you were to bypass that one.

[pistol010672]

thanks for the info sounds like quick fix being its 10 below outside right now

[denisond3]

Thanks for the info. I have been planning to install an over-ride for that clutch-safety switch, and am glad to have the colors of the wires listed. I want to be able to start the car without depressing the clutch, like I can do with my other cars with standard trannies; all of which are fairly old. I will be connecting a pair of wires to those on the original switch, and will run them to a switch I will add, on the dash to the left of the steering column. That way I can leave it as 'original' for when my wife drives the Escort.
I learned to drive when cars werent so idiot-proofed, and automatically check the gear lever each time I get into a vehicle.
And luckily I am so far south in the U.S. that it was 75°f today - the southern tip of Texas.

[AzTumbleweed]

Originally Posted by denisond3

And luckily I am so far south in the U.S. that it was 75°f today - the southern tip of Texas.

You just had to say that for the poor guy in 17 below zero!