Neutral Safety Switch

[Crusin]

I need to change my NSW. I would like to inquire if anyone has INFO on the difficulty in changing it. Thank You

[Kevin]

the clutch safety switch? just bypass it. i have a write up somewhere, just have to find it

[Crusin]

Thanks for the INFO. A while back I had a problem with the ZR-1 not starting when hot. Mechanics here not knowing that much about a LT5 engine said it was the starter getting too hot and solenoid need changing. By cheeking here first with guys who know about the car I realized that you were probably right. I did bypass the NSW and the problem was solved. Unfortunately because I bypassed the switch, the car won't pass a safety inspection thus I need to replace the switch.

[scottfab]

Thanks for the INFO. A while back I had a problem with the ZR-1 not starting when hot. Mechanics here not knowing that much about a LT5 engine said it was the starter getting too hot and solenoid need changing. By cheeking here first with guys who know about the car I realized that you were probably right. I did bypass the NSW and the problem was solved. Unfortunately because I bypassed the switch, the car won't pass a safety inspection thus I need to replace the switch.

Good idea not just to pass inspection but because it is a valuable safety feature.

[Kevin]

Good idea not just to pass inspection but because it is a valuable safety feature.

i'd be willing to listen to your thoughts on why this is so

[scottfab]

i'd be willing to listen to your thoughts on why this is so

As has been mentioned, sure you could fire it up in gear and go through the garage (not likely). But more so my worry is someone else getting in and moving the car and starting it in gear and running someone over.
Worst scenario is a child getting a hold of the keys and running over another child.

Bottom line, it is a safety feature. I has no other purpose.
If you want to extend the life of that switch NEVER push the clutch in after you turn the key. Always push the clutch fully down BEFORE you turn the key. This keeps the the contacts from arcing. It's simple and effective. In my 15yrs of ownership I've never had an issue with the clutch switch.

[Kevin]

As has been mentioned, sure you could fire it up in gear and go through the garage (not likely). But more so my worry is someone else getting in and moving the car and starting it in gear and running someone over.
Worst scenario is a child getting a hold of the keys and running over another child.

Bottom line, it is a safety feature. I has no other purpose.
If you want to extend the life of that switch NEVER push the clutch in after you turn the key. Always push the clutch fully down BEFORE you turn the key. This keeps the the contacts from arcing. It's simple and effective. In my 15yrs of ownership I've never had an issue with the clutch switch.
I remember now, I disagree but thank you for the discussion

[Paul Workman]

Bottom line, it is a safety feature. I has no other purpose.
If you want to extend the life of that switch NEVER push the clutch in after you turn the key. Always push the clutch fully down BEFORE you turn the key. This keeps the the contacts from arcing. It's simple and effective. In my 15yrs of ownership I've never had an issue with the clutch switch.

Very good advice, Scott, and if I may add, RELEASE THE STARTER (KEY POSITION) BEFORE LIFTING THE CLUTCH TOO, FOR THE SAME REASON!!

Call it the "clutch salute": Clutch IN, starter switch on, then off, clutch let out LAST. Otherwise, the worst of the arching/contact deteriorization (upon opening the circuit) will occur.

As for the safety angle...I kinda think of it in kind with a safety on a gun: They're worthless! In my "Hunter Safety" classes I used to say (regarding safeties), Use 'em...BUT only an idiot would trust them! Taking steps to avoid depending on the switches (or gun's safeties too, for that matter), is always prudent.

Your mileage may vary...

P.

[scottfab]

I remember now, I disagree but thank you for the discussion

That's ok. I disagreed with Doug on it being about the people too.

[scottfab]

Very good advice, Scott, and if I may add, RELEASE THE STARTER (KEY POSITION) BEFORE LIFTING THE CLUTCH TOO, FOR THE SAME REASON!!
P.

I never would have thought someone would ever do that but I suppose it is possible. I've been preaching about the clutch switch damage issue for quite a long time and that has never come up. Good one.

[Tyler Townsley]

I never would have thought someone would ever do that but I suppose it is possible. I've been preaching about the clutch switch damage issue for quite a long time and that has never come up. Good one.

If I remember correctly the switch is undersized for the amp it carries. This applies to 90-91 as they rewired the setup in the 92+ so that the clutch switch activated a relay rated to carry the amperage. So you really have two options 1. Rewire with a relay in the ckt or use a higher rated switch for the clutch switch.


Tyler

[scottfab]

If I remember correctly the switch is undersized for the amp it carries. This applies to 90-91 as they rewired the setup in the 92+ so that the clutch switch activated a relay rated to carry the amperage. So you really have two options 1. Rewire with a relay in the ckt or use a higher rated switch for the clutch switch.


Tyler

Or you could simply NEVER push the clutch in after you turn the key. Always push the clutch fully down BEFORE you turn the key. This keeps the the contacts from arcing. It's simple and effective. In my 15yrs of ownership I've never had an issue with the clutch switch.
simple and effective.

[Jim Nolan]

I have not by-passed my switch but for emergency purposes I always leave mine in reverse in the event something else goes wrong I can always get it out in a hurry.