Clutch Interlock Switch Questions
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
Clutch Interlock Switch Questions
Has anyone had trouble with their clutch interlock switch going bad? My 2002 Z06 has done this twice now after it has sat a long time. I'll go out to start it and the engine won't crank when I turn the key to the start position.
The battery in almost new and is always on the tender, so I know it's not the battery. I can hear relays clicking, and most of the lights go out on the dash when the key is turned to the start position. It acts exactly like the same way if I try to start the car without pushing the clutch pedal to the floor.
I crawled under the dash and wiggled the interlock switch connector some and that seemed to cure it - or it was pure coincidence (?). Tried to disconnect the connector on the switch, but I couldn't see how it unlocked, so gave up.
Anyone know how to remove the actual interlock switch from it's mounting bracket? If the switch comes off easily, it will be easier to disconnect the wire connector and inspect it for corrosion, etc.
One other thing I saw that was strange ... after I got it started, the yellow "Security" warning was illuminated on the dash. Does that mean anything specific? I shut down the car and locked it, then unlocked it and started it again and the "Security" light on the dash was then off like it should be.
The battery in almost new and is always on the tender, so I know it's not the battery. I can hear relays clicking, and most of the lights go out on the dash when the key is turned to the start position. It acts exactly like the same way if I try to start the car without pushing the clutch pedal to the floor.
I crawled under the dash and wiggled the interlock switch connector some and that seemed to cure it - or it was pure coincidence (?). Tried to disconnect the connector on the switch, but I couldn't see how it unlocked, so gave up.
Anyone know how to remove the actual interlock switch from it's mounting bracket? If the switch comes off easily, it will be easier to disconnect the wire connector and inspect it for corrosion, etc.
One other thing I saw that was strange ... after I got it started, the yellow "Security" warning was illuminated on the dash. Does that mean anything specific? I shut down the car and locked it, then unlocked it and started it again and the "Security" light on the dash was then off like it should be.
Last edited by ZeeOSix; Aug 21, 2010 at 02:05 AM.
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I have this IDENTICAL problem in my '04. The car sat for about two months, but i've been driving it every day this week.
I will put the key in the ignition, clutch to the floor, everything seems to be going right, but no starter, no solenoid click. I will fiddle with it (take it out of gear, exercise the clutch pedal, take the key out, turn it around, etc) sometimes for up to 1 minute and then it will eventually start. The security light stays on though, but there appears to be no problem with the car's driveablility.
Other times it will start right away without trouble.......
I have a feeling that maybe it is a fault with the key's computer chip?
Or a bad ground?
One day when I'm not too lazy I will have to take a look at it.
I will put the key in the ignition, clutch to the floor, everything seems to be going right, but no starter, no solenoid click. I will fiddle with it (take it out of gear, exercise the clutch pedal, take the key out, turn it around, etc) sometimes for up to 1 minute and then it will eventually start. The security light stays on though, but there appears to be no problem with the car's driveablility.
Other times it will start right away without trouble.......
I have a feeling that maybe it is a fault with the key's computer chip?
Or a bad ground?
One day when I'm not too lazy I will have to take a look at it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
So I take it that they only time you'd see 12 v at mini fuse #14 is when the key is in the "start" position?
Last edited by ZeeOSix; Aug 22, 2010 at 02:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,021
Likes: 727
I would leave the clutch switch alone, and troubleshoot this at minifuse #14.....that will tell you if 12 volts is getting through the ignition switch or not.....if it is, then move on to the TDR. With regards to the security light..pull your codes...that should reveal something ..if the key is not being read.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 174
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith AR
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