Jumping clutch safety switch
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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Jumping clutch safety switch
I am new to the Vette-iverse and not the world's greatest mechanic so this may sound like a basic no-brainer question. When jumping the clutch safety switch, is a paper clip sufficient or is heavy wire required?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
My 86 had it jumped by cutting and stripping the two wires and joining them with a wirenut. One of those things that I was going to undo but never got to it.
I don't know that clutch switches are so troublesome that I would jump one as a preventative measure. In the event that it does fail, it is easy enough to troubleshoot, so I don't think you gain that much.
I don't know that clutch switches are so troublesome that I would jump one as a preventative measure. In the event that it does fail, it is easy enough to troubleshoot, so I don't think you gain that much.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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Thanks, Sky. I am having the same issue that about 5,867 people have been having on here concerning my 1989 not starting consistently. Rather than start a new thread about the possible problems, I just wanted to know if a paper clip could carry enough volts to check it. When I tried it yesterday it would click but not completely engage. Usually if i turn the key enough times it will eventually engage. When it does, it turns right over and fires right up...the starter doesn't lag or anything.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10,428
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From: Southside of Western Norte Americano State of Confusion, ColoFornia
St. Jude '13
Yes a paper clip is fine.. there is no real load on it.
I would use a small piece of insulated wire since its easier to get in the terminals.
I would use a small piece of insulated wire since its easier to get in the terminals.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 3
From: Carmichael ca
Thanks, Sky. I am having the same issue that about 5,867 people have been having on here concerning my 1989 not starting consistently. Rather than start a new thread about the possible problems, I just wanted to know if a paper clip could carry enough volts to check it. When I tried it yesterday it would click but not completely engage. Usually if i turn the key enough times it will eventually engage. When it does, it turns right over and fires right up...the starter doesn't lag or anything.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Thanks, Sky. I am having the same issue that about 5,867 people have been having on here concerning my 1989 not starting consistently. Rather than start a new thread about the possible problems, I just wanted to know if a paper clip could carry enough volts to check it. When I tried it yesterday it would click but not completely engage. Usually if i turn the key enough times it will eventually engage. When it does, it turns right over and fires right up...the starter doesn't lag or anything.
Last edited by skybolt31; Jul 8, 2010 at 06:23 PM. Reason: Spellin
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
DON'T use a paper clip. The starter solenoid draws large current, use insulated #12 wire and crimp some spade lugs on each end and plug them into the safety switch connector. A paper clip not only is too small, it is iron and will turn white hot and go up in flames.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,340
Likes: 2,272
From: Central Maryland
My 1996 FSM shows the wires to the clutch safety switch to be 0.5 square mm -- equivalent to 20AWG. No way that circuit's gonna carry enough current to need a 12AWG jumper. If it did, the clutch switch would have to be one heckuva beefy switch to handle the arcing from switching that much current. It's a relatively low-current circuit. I'd be surprised if it's more than an amp or two. It's used to switch current through the primary side of a relay on the '96 model year.
Even if it's in series with the solenoid on model year 1989, the solenoid's primary windings are WAY smaller than 12AWG.
That said, JFB's advice about how to construct the jumper is otherwise sound. Use the same size wire that's feeding the switch, and you'll be fine. I'd only use a paper clip as a one-shot attempt to get the car cranking in a desperation situation.
Live well,
SJW
Last edited by SJW; Jul 8, 2010 at 10:03 PM.
Race Director
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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Yep, bad starter. Mine did the same thing.
I can't remember exactly for sure, but the solonoid (or spring) wears over time. It's fixable but delicate to accomplish. (There's a tech tip or internet site somewhere that explains the problem.) IIRC, we share starters from Toyotas of all things. They have the same problem.
If it were the clutch switch wiggling your left foot with the key turned all the way to start would be more likely to get it to start. By contrast, a bad starter (solonoid) acts exactly as you describe. (And, I don't believe it cares whether your car is hot or cold.)
I can't remember exactly for sure, but the solonoid (or spring) wears over time. It's fixable but delicate to accomplish. (There's a tech tip or internet site somewhere that explains the problem.) IIRC, we share starters from Toyotas of all things. They have the same problem.
If it were the clutch switch wiggling your left foot with the key turned all the way to start would be more likely to get it to start. By contrast, a bad starter (solonoid) acts exactly as you describe. (And, I don't believe it cares whether your car is hot or cold.)
