Expert: Ben Deutschman - 1/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: can you please tell me why in the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 5 speed i don't have to step on the clutch pedal to start the car and when i disconnect the switch under the clutch pedal the car will still start? Am i able to fix this so i have to step on the clutch pedal everytime i start the car

ANSWER: If it is a simple Switch that makes contact when the Clutch Pedal moves away from it, then yes, you could disconnect the Plug from it, run a Jumper Wire from one Contact on the Plug, back to the other one, and complete the circuit that way. If you do that, you had better make sure you don't have the car in gear from then on when you go to start it, because it will move.

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QUESTION: The car already does what you said it would do. it will start without pushing in the clutch and i need to know how to make it normal like every other 5 speed? and i also need to know where the line that you told me to unplug runs to, does it run to a relay or to a starter, or something else?

thanks

Answer
The 'Neutral Safety Switches' are usually located under the Dash, just behind the Clutch Pedal Arm, or sometimes are driven off the Shift Linkage itself, and then can either be located on the Transmission, or under the Dash, ahead of the Shifter, connected by a Rod or similar Linkage. The best way to locate the 'Neutral Safety Switch', is to get a copy of a "Chilton's", or 'Haynes Manual' for your make year and model of vehicle. Autozone, Advance, Pep Boys, etc, usually have these Manuals, and they're not too expensive (around $20.00).