Tranny Neutral and Clutch switch

[Theshandman]

Can anyone suggest why it might not be a good idea to tie the transmission neutral switch in series with the clutch safety switch?
I.e. needs the tranny in neutral AND the clutch depressed in order to enable the starter. Unless I'm missing something, seems like a good safety scenario?
Art

[JNC]

Thought neutral safety switches were for auto trans. What trans do you have? Are you sure that it's not the reverse light switch?

[AC Bill]

My T5 has a neutral safety switch, and the donor also had a clutch safety switch. I removed that clutch switch as I like that I can start the car in neutral, without having to get in the car to depress the clutch.

[JNC]

I thought that was a cruise control kick out or something, since it was wired to the EEC...IIRC. Don't think it's actually a neutral safety switch.

EDIT: A good thread from the old website. https://www.ffcars.com/threads/t5-neutral-saftey-switch.306393/

[skidd]

I tied mine in parallel.
Only one needs to be "safe" to start my car.
Wiring in series is overkill IMO.

In parallel, you have the option to fire your car up without having to climb in and push the clutch. I've used this quite a few times while tuning the carb and timing.

Also, you don't want to be forced to put your car in N just to start it either. Like if it stalls at a stop light or something. You'll want it to start with just the clutch pressed while still in gear.

[Gizmosrcool]

That is a good idea Skidd. Installing it in parallel, trans in N, would make super easy when working on it. Easy to remote start from the engine bay.

[boat737]

I tied mine in parallel.
Only one needs to be "safe" to start my car.
Wiring in series is overkill IMO.

In parallel, you have the option to fire your car up without having to climb in and push the clutch. I've used this quite a few times while tuning the carb and timing.

Also, you don't want to be forced to put your car in N just to start it either. Like if it stalls at a stop light or something. You'll want it to start with just the clutch pressed while still in gear.

Me too. I did the two switches in Parallel. Start is enabled with either the trans in neutral, OR, with the clutch depressed (fully) in or out of gear.

[jts359]

I'm old school and as I'm rewiring the car Both are history, I found the clutch switch a real pain while servicing the car , Ed

[facultyofmusic]

I tied mine in parallel.
Only one needs to be "safe" to start my car.
Wiring in series is overkill IMO.

In parallel, you have the option to fire your car up without having to climb in and push the clutch. I've used this quite a few times while tuning the carb and timing.

Also, you don't want to be forced to put your car in N just to start it either. Like if it stalls at a stop light or something. You'll want it to start with just the clutch pressed while still in gear.

The stop-light example is a good one. Didn't think about that.

[CraigS]

I used a neutral switch in mine because it was there and a clutch looked like a huge pain to install in a completed car. I didn't like it much since all my other cars since the 90s have had a clutch switch but it has worked out fine.

[Theshandman]

Thanks guys. All makes sense. I'll go with just the neutral switch.
JNC, the Tremec TKX (manual 5) does have both a reverse and neutral circuit.

Art

[skidd]

Honestly, I would not suggest that. For no other reason than you'll find times wanting to start your car in gear with the clutch pressed. Don't force yourself to have to put it in neutral to start it at a stop light.

[Chopper]

Personally I prefer to use the neutral and not the clutch switch, even though it doesn't match street cars. This makes it possible to start the car without getting into it. Nice for tuning, etc. However, I will agree with skidd that if you stall for whatever reason, it's a lot nicer not to have to put it in N!

[Theshandman]

Oh man, mo' betta ideas!

[Blitzboy54]

My clutch safety switch failed after like 10 uses. Since I'm the only one that drives it I jumpered it out and always have clutch pushed in before I start it.

[Chopper]

I had an 88 XJ Cherokee that had no neutral or clutch safety switch from the factory. If you forgot and gave that 4.0L I6 a bump while it was in gear, it would jump for sure.