2004 MCS, 6 speed, 135K. It is getting hard to depress the clutch sufficiently far so that the safety switch is engaged; i.e., so that the circuit is complete and the starter will engage. How do I adjust that switch? TIA.

 

Bump

 

Upon further research it appears that this switch is not adjustable. Like any electro-mechanical part it can fail, but whether it fails gradually or precipitously is not clear. It costs anywhere from $35 to $95 depending on who you ask. The switch is visible directly above the clutch pedal and mounts on the clutch master cylinder. Question: How do you remove it? Not apparent to me.

 

Honestly I can't help, but if you're having a problem with depressing the clutch far enough, shouldn't that be a bigger problem than the safety switch? Yah yah - can't start the car, but shouldn't you start by bleeding/flushing the system first? As in - the sensor not activating is a symptom of a bigger problem?
Yes the sensor could be bad, but adjusting/manipulating it doesn't seem to be the solution I'd take first - if the pedal is not giving you the correct throw/feeling.

Here's real OEM's illustration. I don't see the sensor there. Can you post the part number for other visitors to this thread?



I'll take a look tonight at the Bentley manual to see if it's listed. I'm sure ECS has a wiz-bang post that they can add as well.

 

Jamez: Thanks for the response; p/n is 61319231129. Reason that I think it is the switch is because I don't have a problem disengaging the clutch so that I can shift into 1st or any other gear; problem is that depressing the clutch pedal as far as it will go does not always activate the safety switch so that I can start the car.

 

So that p/n shows up as #7 on this image:



ECS has it here for a whopping $35:


On the first Real OEM illustration #9 is called "Sensor plate" p/n 35316765622. Perhaps there is a contact made between the two spots.

Either way, it sounds like you're on the right track. At $90+ I would continue troubleshooting the problem - at $35 I'd buy the part and swap it out.

I'll see what Bentley has to say later tonight.

 

I have checked Bentley but learned nothing.

 

It's a magnetic switch.
See the last post on this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-switch.html

 

Cristo: Thanks, and that is the device that I can see with the help of a flashlight and a mirror. But still not clear to me how it is mounted, or why it is progressively getting harder to trigger. Anyone?

 

Might just be going bad?
Fairly cheap to replace.

 

Wow - you aren't kidding. That's probably the most useless reference I've ever seen (612-6 for those who want to look in the blue version of the manual).


On that other thread someone mentioned that they put a magnet somehow on it and it fooled the sensor, then kept the magnet in the car for when it happens again.
Perhaps that's worth a try.

 

I have stuck my head under the dash and observed the switch, and I have looked at a new one at the dealer's parts counter, but I can not figure how to remove and reinstall. Somebody out there must have done this - please help!

 

"Now remove the clutch safety switch from the master cylinder. This is the switch that prevents you from starting the car unless you push the clutch pedal in. Push it slightly towards the front and it will release. (See Figure 14). "


12th paragraph in the text of this link:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Winner winner chicken dinner!

 

Thanks; I will try it tomorrow.