kristen

Hi!! Sorry for the newbie question - I'm just learning on cars and have a LONG way to go, but my car shouldn't start unless I'm stepping on the clutch.... should it?

Anyway - I just got a '72 convertible and was sitting in the car. I turned the key to the "accessory" position to play with the radio, see what works, what doesn't. Nothing worked, so I thought that maybe I hadn't turned the key far enough..... so I turn it another click and the engine starts to turn over! The car jumped forward a little :eek: (lucky I hadn't pulled all the way to the back of the garage). But I was definitely nowhere near the clutch, and I thought that you have to push in the clutch to start the car.......

OK - this is definitely not good, right? But I'm pretty clueless on what could be wrong. Maybe in the ignition wiring? Is there a switch or contact that pushing in the clutch normally activates?

Thanks for the help!! :seeya

comp

i don't think yours came with a safety switch, on it

duntovlives

im not a 100% sure...but think it should have came w/ one. seems like they had to have them post 68......????

anyway.... i was checkin' around, and Ecklers shows a harness for the switch part#A9349...so, maybe.

but, first check to see that someone has not bypassed it. tons of them out there have a jumper wire in them so the circuit is closed all the time due to the switch becoming inop and they were looking for a quick fix.

with a quick visual check, it should be evident as to the deal. and you are correct, it is located on the clutch pedal. just below the pivot. if it was "born" with one, there will be a "push through" bracket, and a tab that the switch contacts w/ the clutch is depressed.
good luck-

lostpatrolman

My 69 has a safety switch. It is bypassed though. Look for a purple harness that has a wire connected to the little harness. Should make a loop.

Fevre

:seeya Fellow Michigander

There is a plug up on the end of the clutch that is prolly unplugged with a wire jumping 2 of the terminals, I have mine like that since I like to change engs configuations once a year and do not like to get in and out everytime I need to start it. You should be able to pull the jumper wire and put the plug back.

kristen

Thanks guys!
Sounds like this isn't too major - I was pretty startled when it happened, but it sounds like even I might be able to figure it out and fix it. As soon as I get brave enough to start working on it and the service manual I ordered shows up.....

Fevre - :seeya We might be neighbors, I'm just outside Ypsitucky :D

Larry B.

Only Automatics have a neutral safety switch, Manual cars have a clutch switch. Maybe someone bypassed the switch trying to diagnos a starting problem at one time.

Scooter70

I think that starting the car without the clutch in when you don't have a safety switch is one of those things that you only do once. Sort of like touching hot sidepipes with your leg when they're hot.

:seeya Kristen. I'm in Farmington Hills. Check out the Great Lakes forum for local events. The Motor City is pretty active.

Fevre

I'll keep an eye for ya around the area, nice looking 72 you got there. :thumbs:

AnthonyLT1

Hi Kristen, I have a 72 LT-1 Conv. and it has a clutch switch on it. It is located near the top of the clutch pedal and has a small rod connecting it to the pedal, it is secured with two little hairpin clips. The rod may have just disconnected from the switch or pedal, look around your floor for a little tiny hairpin looking clip... It may just be that simple, Good luck
Anthony :seeya

1FUNVET

must be a fake clutch pedal and your car is magic right?? :lolg: :lolg:

Gordonm

My 72 LT1 also has a switch for the clutch. Either bypassed or the switch is bad.