Changing the clutch interlock switch

[jamesanderson84]

I am trying to change the clutch interlock switch and finding it infuriatingly difficult.

Quite apart from having to get my head under the dash - once I get myself in there I can't remove the old switch.

It looks to be held on my a single small bolt with a Phillips head. I can't get to the Phillips screw since there is a plastic wire harness which is about 1 inch away and so no screwdriver will fit.

I can see the bolt on the other side - but I cant get any wrench to fit - the 7mm is too small - the 8mm too big...

If anyone has done this I'd appreciate a pointer.

Adjustable wrench? 7.5mm wrench? Or is there a trick I am missing?

Thanks in advance.

[Ahsai]

It's been awhile so I can't remember but it's very possible I might have used something like this from Sears

http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-9-41469-Reversible-Ratchet-Screwdriver/dp/B007KHEMPA/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1379775130&sr=8-21&keywords=mini+ratchet+screwdriver

Edited September 21, 2013 by Ahsai

[1schoir]

If you have one inch of clearance in front of that Phillips head screw, you can easily use a small ratchet with the correct size Phillips head bit. The bit fits inside the recessed ratchet heat and the resulting length is the length of the bit. Here is one I have used many times in situations like this: http://www.eastwood.com/bit-ratchet-set-29-piece-eastwood.html

For the other side, since 7mm is too small and 8mm is too big, you might get lucky with an S.A.E. size. I would guess slightly bigger than 1/4 inch, such as 9/32 or 5/16ths.

Regards, Maurice.

[Ahsai]

If you have one inch of clearance in front of that Phillips head screw, you can easily use a small ratchet with the correct size Phillips head bit. The bit fits inside the recessed ratchet heat and the resulting length is the length of the bit. Here is one I have used many times in situations like this: http://www.eastwood.com/bit-ratchet-set-29-piece-eastwood.html

For the other side, since 7mm is too small and 8mm is too big, you might get lucky with an S.A.E. size. I would guess slightly bigger than 1/4 inch, such as 9/32 or 5/16ths.

Regards, Maurice.

That's a very nice set. I bought a similar set from Gearwrench but with some small sockets. I like the tamper proof torx of yours though.

[jamesanderson84]

For the other side, since 7mm is too small and 8mm is too big, you might get lucky with an S.A.E. size. I would guess slightly bigger than 1/4 inch, such as 9/32 or 5/16ths.

>> I think it may be 9/32 - which is of course the one wrench I don't own!. Can't figure out why there is an imperial nut on a Porsche - maybe the P.O. already changed the clutch interlock switch and put back on whatever he had lying around.

[1schoir]

...

>> I think it may be 9/32 - which is of course the one wrench I don't own!.

...

Sounds like a perfect excuse opportunity to buy a couple of more sets of tools, with their own little cases! :wrench: :jump: :wrench:

Regards, Maurice.

[jamesanderson84]

Well - I figured out one part of the problem - the nut I was trying to remove is a captive nut! Duh.

Pretty poor design to put the Phillips head on the blind side and a captive on the sighted side - but oh well....

I ended up grinding off the head of the bolt - and now I have to find something that will fit into the captive nut - the threads are very fine and the bolt very slender. I'll post when I figure it out.

[t6pilot]

My 2009 S has gone though two of the switches in 12k, dealer replaced last one with the latest version supposed to be a better mouse trap. Indicated that Porsche is aware of the problem and has been replacing bad switches at no cost

[gota911]

I had my local dealer replace the clutch switch in early December (2013) when the car was in for a brake fluid change. Service Adviser entered my VIN in the Porsche system said there was a "campaign" to replace the switch.