Boxster clutch interlock switch

[Mike in CA]

On my '99 996 it was easy to disable the microswitch that controlled the clutch/ignition interlock with a cable tie. On my new 2007 Boxster S, however, while I can hear the switch operating I can't see it; the clicking noise seems to be coming from behind the firewall. Apparently the design is different from the 996. Before I start taking stuff apart can anyone give me a clue as to where the switch is located and whether something more complicated than a cable tie will be needed to disable it?

[pjslowik]

You'll windup disabling your cruise control too.

[Mike in CA]

You'll windup disabling your cruise control too.

Interesting. The cruise control on my 996 wasn't disabled when I disabled the clutch/ignition interlock. Also, I searched the topic before posting and found posts that mentioned that there were separate switches for the ignition and cruise control; but maybe they didn't apply to the 987?? Any other comments...

[White987S]

Mike, congrats on the new Boxster. Now, please don't disable a safety feature!

[Loren]

On the 987 there are two microswitches for the brake function - one on the brake pedal and one on the clutch pedal.

There is a separate microswitch for on the clutch pedal for the starter interlock.

The clutch interlock now goes through the cluster (instead of the DME like the 9x6 series) - so I do not know if it would affect the cruise control or not.

Should be simple enough to test though.

[Mike in CA]

On the 987 there are two microswitches for the brake function - one on the brake pedal and one on the clutch pedal.

There is a separate microswitch for on the clutch pedal for the starter interlock.

The clutch interlock now goes through the cluster (instead of the DME like the 9x6 series) - so I do not know if it would affect the cruise control or not.

Should be simple enough to test though.

Thanks Loren. My problem, though, is that I can't even locate the dang interlock switch! It's not in the same place as my 996......the "click" seems to be coming from behind the firewall. I found another switch which is actuated after only an inch or two of clutch travel (I'm guessing that's for the cruise) but I have to depress the clutch almost all the way to close the other switch and allow the car to start. Where's the interlock switch located? Any ideas?

[Mike in CA]

Mike, congrats on the new Boxster. Now, please don't disable a safety feature!

95% of the time I start the car with the clutch disengaged, but there are a few occasions when it's convenient to reach in the door, wiggle the gearshift to check for neutral, then turn the key to start without having to actually climb in. Anyway, thanks, I'm really impressed with the car.

[Loren]

Here are a couple of different angles.

The one highlighted in yellow should help.

[Mike in CA]

Here are a couple of different angles.

The one highlighted in yellow should help.

That's it! I don't know how I missed it.....guess I was fooled by where the sound seemed to be coming from. Thanks Loren.

[pjslowik]

Be sure to let us know how this works out!

[Mike in CA]

Be sure to let us know how this works out!

I did my little mod today on the clutch/ignition interlock. It took all of 2 minutes to secure a cable tie around the switch to hold it closed. The engine will now start without having to depress the clutch for those occasions where that's convenient and there's no more "click-click" whenever the clutch is operated. There is no problem with the cruise control after doing this mod....it works properly as before. Legal disclaimer :rolleyes: : of course the ignition is no longer idiot proof-you must check for neutral before starting- but we all do that anyway. The photo below shows the locations of the clutch/ignition interlock switch and the cruise control disengagement switch. Cheers!

[Loren]

:thumbup:

[TC2000]

:thumbup:

Thanks for the info; my 987 is sometime in bad mood: it says depress clutch "actionner l'embrayage" and the starter will not go.

After fighting a while with the clutch pedal, I usually manage to start, but it is :censored:.

I will look at that switch and either fix it or strap it.

Have a nice day,

TC 2000, south of France

[stef]

Sweet!

[tylerstringer]

I know this is an older post but I need to switch out my clutch interlock switch and was hoping somone here could guide me thorugh the procedure. Any help guys? Thanks in advance.

[pcsbob]

My 2000 Boxster, with 5 speed, has developed a problem starting.  

 

A couple of weeks ago,  the car would not turn over.  Dash lights came on, horn blows, etc.  No noise from engine or starter. After a few tries, the car did start.    Today, the car turned over, started, then died within a second.  Now it will not turn over at all.  I have heard that there could be several sources of problem like this.    

 

Looking for assistance!

 

Bob

Edited October 21, 2017 by pcsbob

[Ahsai]

When it happens again next time, just remove the 2 connectors from the clutch interlock switch then short the two with a metal paper clip and try to crank again.