Clutch safety switch wont work in the cold! Need to install a bypass switch

[strazz]

Hey I have a 2005 Mazda 3 GS manual. Ive been having an issue with starting in extreme cold temperatures. I just moved to Thompson, MB from Toronto. It's around -30C here and will be getting colder!

The problem Is my clutch safety switch which won't allow the car to start unless it is pressed all the way is freezing up. I would like to install a momentary push button switch to temporarily disable this safety function so I can start my car.

Anyone know where the wire is exactly? The most I've gathered is that it is a grey/black wire somewhere that needs to be grounded.

P.S I also installed a frost plug block heater. That was not fun at all. Mazda would have saved me a lot of grief by putting that in at the factory!

[strazz]

Figured it out

Two thick grey and black wires under the panel to the left of the clutch are for the safety switch.

I wired in another switch in parallel to trick the car into thinking the clutch is down when its not.

Great simple fix if you want a remote car starter designed for an automatic. Haven't tried it but I'm sure it could be done.

WARNING. Be very careful if you do this as it allows the car to be started in gear without the clutch down!!! Make sure you turn the switch off when not required.

USE AT OWN RISK

[Fuyuzora]

Thanks for the tip! (although I hope my sensor works reliably enough that I won't need it...)

Also a suggestion: perhaps replace the switch with a button (non-clicking-in type), so that unless you're holding the button down, the circuit isn't activated? This would address the risk of accidentally leaving the switch in the 'on' position.

[strazz]

Thanks for the tip! (although I hope my sensor works reliably enough that I won't need it...)

Also a suggestion: perhaps replace the switch with a button (non-clicking-in type), so that unless you're holding the button down, the circuit isn't activated? This would address the risk of accidentally leaving the switch in the 'on' position.

Yea that was my original plan but I couldn't find one at Canadian Tire. Didn't want to wait on ordering one.

[WeatherB]

Have you checked if there is a replacement switch available from Mazda? They may have come out with a replacement part # to improve the part.

[strazz]

Didn't do that, but I'm sure it is an option. This was just a much easier quick fix that only cost me 4 bucks. And I like how it leaves me the option to install a remote starter. I might want one when we start reaching the -40C range up here!

[Soyabean]

Hey I have a 2005 Mazda 3 GS manual. Ive been having an issue with starting in extreme cold temperatures. I just moved to Thompson, MB from Toronto. It's around -30C here and will be getting colder!

The problem Is my clutch safety switch which won't allow the car to start unless it is pressed all the way is freezing up. I would like to install a momentary push button switch to temporarily disable this safety function so I can start my car.

Anyone know where the wire is exactly? The most I've gathered is that it is a grey/black wire somewhere that needs to be grounded.

P.S I also installed a frost plug block heater. That was not fun at all. Mazda would have saved me a lot of grief by putting that in at the factory!

I've been having this problem with my mazda since 2 years ago. I cant start my car unless the clutch is fully stepped on. Funny as it sounds a couple mechanics couldnt start my car. I kinda just gotten used to it. But perhaps i may have the same problem?

[strazz]

Chances are this is the problem. The switch won't allow it to start unless the clutch is down all the way. But if it still doesn't start with the clutch down, it may be be switch. Grab a flashlight and have a look under the panel where the clutch is.

There are two switches. The closer one is blue on my car and is used to disable the cruise control when you first touch the clutch. It may also do other things, not sure.

The other switch is harder to get to, but this is the one that we are talking about. It has two wires (grey with black stripe) connected to it. And I believe the switch is also grey.

If your car wont start try playing around with that switch a bit to free it up. Spray some electrical contact cleaner on it.

You may need to replace the switch or do what I did.