The clutch safety switch on my 72 Malibu is toast. I am unable to locate a replacement. I have been able to start the car by twisting the two wires that connected to the switch together. If I am unable to find a new switch is this the only option I have to get my car started? Also do I run the risk of damaging my electrical system in doing this?

I know you said that when you twisted the wires together your car did not start. But it should. Now, if your meaning "toast" indicates the switch is burned up, then it would seem you must have a direct short in that wire between the switch and the starter solenoid because that is where the wire goes from the switch. Check for frayed insulation on that wire downstream all the way to the starter.
On all of my cars that came with this safety switch, I disconnected the switch rod from the clutch pedal and pulled the rod to a position that would allow the engine to start because I don't like to always have to push the pedal to start the engine. Especially if I'm working under the hood and need to reach in and bump the starter.

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Tom Parsons

I believe he is saying that it will start with the wires twisted together, which would be correct(as long as you mean that it will only start with the key turned to the "start" position while the wires shorted together..otherwise see the post above).
I'm not sure though if you know that you can leave the wires twisted until you find a new switch, meaning you don't have to untwist them after the car is started. Just be aware that the starter will crank without the clutch engaged.
You could probably do a cleaner temporary fix by using a jumper to connect the connector terminals at the plug , rather than messing up your wire harness.

[This message has been edited by Gene McGill (edited 09-10-99).]

If you ever run into a situation where your engine quits for some reason, it's real nice to be able to put trans in first gear and use starter motor to get car out of the street. Done this many times back in "the good old days". The government may not like it this way though. tom

Tom,
I have also done this a few times (use the starter to get the car out of the way). And you're right, the govt probably wants to protect us from ourselves with things like this. Well, I work for the govt and I probably get more frustrated than you because I have to deal with govt stupidness everyday. And do I ever waste your hard earned tax dollars? Don't EVEN ask! (but they're also my tax dollars)

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Tom Parsons

If you can't find a switch thru the chevelle suppliers, try the corvette suppliers as the corvette's had a clutch safety switch also.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017

The clutch safety switch and wiring were long gone when I got my '69. Can anyone tell me where the switch was mounted, how it worked (clutch linkage pushed on to activate, or like brake light switch), and where I can get one or a reasonable substitute. I have the wiring diagram. I want the safety feature. von

Clutch safety switch? We don't need no stinking chebby clutch safety switch! Aribia Aribia Woohooo! Take that purple wire and solder it then stick some electrical tape on it. Just a warning though, you car will start in gear.

Thanks for all the info. I did find a replacement switch for $150. At that price "I don't need no stinking clutch switch'. What I did do is get a toggle switch($1.39), solder the two purple wires to it and mount it in an unseen position under the dash. Flip on to start, flip off for no start.


Dave

DZ,

I use my Nuetral Safety Switch as a cool little kill switch. The plastic post that mounts the switch stationary to dash has broken. So now if I want to KILL the starter I just reach down and push the switch so that the arm is fully retracted and the starter is dead. Easy, effective and it looks stock (no obvious "flip this switch" kill switches.)

If I REALLY want to disable the car I also Club the wheel (for visual deterance mainly) and remove my Coil to Distributor lead. Now the car is DEAD DEAD DEAD. I replaced my hood pins with Mr. Gasket hood locks after someone went "shopping" under my hood. Hey, I live in Jersey City, NJ (read CAR THEFT GALLOR) so every little bit helps. Granted they could still tow the car away to steal it, but that takes a lot more effort than a simple hot-wire which my methods can work to counter-act.

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??michael j Team Chevelle Gold #77
70 Chevelle SS396 4sp, Fathom Blue/White Stripes - Canadian built

dwalc0604,

did you try to disassemble your switch? it is easy to do and chances are you just need to clean the contacts in there. It is easy to test the effectiveness of the work with a multitester. Seeing as how you've already "edited" your harness... never mind.

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??michael j Team Chevelle Gold #77
70 Chevelle SS396 4sp, Fathom Blue/White Stripes - Canadian built

Where does the clutch safety switch mount and how is it actuated? Does the clutch pedal push on it or does pushing the clutch pedal release it and close the circuit? I want to rig something up similar. von

The clutch safety switch is mounted on the clutch pedal. When the pedal is depressed the switch is engaged thus snding power to the ignition switch. No pedal, no start.

P.S. I diassembled the switch and cleaned it up and the car still would not start till I installed my toggle switch.