Clutch Switch

[OutThere]

I had the switch that allows the car to start after engaging the clutch changed a few months ago and it seems to be broken again. I have to nearly push the clutch through the floor to get it to start and it almost wouldn't start the other day.

Anyone know what else it may be? Something need adjusting?

I really don't feel like dealing with the dealer again....

Thanks.

 

[Scorch]

What year/model Viper do you have?

 

[OutThere]

Sorry. Mine's a 95.

 

[Birvini]

I recently had problems starting the 94 due to the same problem. I spoke with Dave at Roanoke Motors and he told me to jump the wires leading from the switch. He said the switch doesn't like moisture or dirt and is prone to failure.

 

[malcoll]

My 96 Rt had a similar problem when I purchased. I fixed it by cutting a piece of 1/2 inch heater hose to approximate a 1/3 inch length... then cut a slit in one side.

The problem with my switch was it needed to be held up off the floor. So, I lifted the switch... and slipped the piece of heater hose under the the switch and around the clutch actuation rod (between the floor and the bottom of the switch).

The switch needed to be elevated, but not too much... I still wanted the full function of the switch. So you may have to play with it to determine how long the piece of heater hose should be cut.

I have not had a problem since.. and that's been 4 months of everyday driving.

Lance

 

[OutThere]

Is there any way to defeat this stupid switch? I am fairly confident is my ability to not start the car while it is in gear.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Can't you just put the two wires together. This should make it a hot connection and would allow you to start without clutch engagement. Not that you would want to, but it would defeat the switch.

Mike

 

[OutThere]

Well, it's going back in this Sat to the dealer who "fixed it" last time (for $214!!). You were right, they will not defeat the switch so I hope they will at least make it work (before I figure out *********** it myself).

 

[LETHAL GTS]

Safety switch is a good thing to have, just ask my ol man. He had an 84 Ferrari that his girlfriend almost drove into the pool after she ran it through the garage wall LOL.
It wasn't funny then, but we laugh about it now.
She was horsing around and didn't know that it didn't have a safety switch when she jumped into the drivers seat with the keys.

 

[94 RT/10 Black MAMBA]

Look...The solution is simple. On the kick panel near your left foot is a green plastic connector. Disconnect it and jump the wires (with a scrap piece of wire) and your done!

 

[BruceW]

Or wire it to a toggle switch hidden under the dash and you've got a little extra theft security

 

[OutThere]

Ummmm.... I had the floor-mat wedged under the clutch and it was blocking the switch. Yeah, you don't want me working on your Viper.

I still want to kill the stupid switch though.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JetMec]

OutThere I've done the same thing. freaked out when it wouldn't start, knew it had to be the switch, slammed the clutch to the floor and it started, put 2 & 2 together before I went to see the tech. Darn floor mats!

 

[Flexx91]

Also, there's a little plastic grommet that holds the rod to the clutch pedal shaft. When this grommet becomes worn, it increases the "play" in the actuation rod limiting its travel and thus, not allowing the switch to fully close.

Try wiggling the clutch rod and check for excessive play. If so, replace the plastic grommet (see service manual or shoot me and email for the part number).