Clutch safety switch 'mod'
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 2
From: Pasadena, Maryland
This is one of the best things I've ever done to this truck btw.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
starting the truck, with it in gear, i dont see that happening. We've been driving these beast for who knows how long, so i'd think its second nature to grab the shifter and give it a N test, prior to firing ur off.
I dig the idea, but the "usage of T.B." being saved by not pushing clutch in, would be compared, to me anyways, of floating of 2nd and 4th gears. So "wear" doesnt come to play. However, doing this "mod" i could see the benefit if, using these same said wires, hooked to a toggle for theft purposes???
I dig the idea, but the "usage of T.B." being saved by not pushing clutch in, would be compared, to me anyways, of floating of 2nd and 4th gears. So "wear" doesnt come to play. However, doing this "mod" i could see the benefit if, using these same said wires, hooked to a toggle for theft purposes???
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
No, the switch is necessary for the cruise control system to function normally. Also, if you just leave the switch hanging without bypassing the switch the truck will not start. The clutch switch is a two pole switch. That means it switches two separate loads. In this case one load is normally open, that means electricity does not flow through, and one is normally closed, that means in it's resting position electricity flows through it to complete the circuit.
The cruise circuit is normally closed when the pedal is not pressed. When it is opened the cruise control shuts off.
Conversely, the started circuit is normally open, electricity cannot flow to the starter relay when the pedal is not pressed. When it is pressed the circuit closes and electricity can flow to the starter relay if the key is turned. By bypassing the switch and connecting the two wires that are normally not connected you are making so electricity can always flow from the ignition switch (key) to the starter relay, regardless of the position of the clutch pedal, and therefor the clutch switch.
The cruise circuit is normally closed when the pedal is not pressed. When it is opened the cruise control shuts off.
Conversely, the started circuit is normally open, electricity cannot flow to the starter relay when the pedal is not pressed. When it is pressed the circuit closes and electricity can flow to the starter relay if the key is turned. By bypassing the switch and connecting the two wires that are normally not connected you are making so electricity can always flow from the ignition switch (key) to the starter relay, regardless of the position of the clutch pedal, and therefor the clutch switch.
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Seems to me you could use a SPCO (single pole center off) switch. Put 12V on common and wire the start circuit to one pole and the cruise control to the other. When the switch is centered, neither starter or cruise is energized. I may get around to doing this soon and will report back.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 629
Likes: 85
From: VT
I'm wiring up my exhaust brake mod, and am using the clutch switch and throttle switch to cancel it, and it would be great to have a neutral switch cancel it as well.
Also, anyone know if the wires to pins 3&4 on the clutch switch go to anything if the truck doesn't have cruise?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
New User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Remote start
You can do remote start without touching this clutch switch at all. Instead of hooking up the starter trigger wire from the remote start module before the clutch switch (into column harness), you can find your wire coming from your starter relay in the fuse panel under the dash and tap it in there. Mine was a yellow wire. I just installed a remote start on my truck today.
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
2000 PSD, I had an intermittent no-crank condition (truck would start every time once I could get the starter to engage). I had replaced the starter only 3 months prior, so I knew that part was OK (I did it up RIGHT). I pulled the clutch starter safety switch - or attempted, as it fell apart in my hand. $60 for a switch that performed a function I hated anyway was out of the question, so using the schematic from this post by JockD, I was able to solder together a bypass, and still retain my cruise control. Great fix! 
Freshman User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
I've had the pushrod for the clutch master cyl break and there was no way to start the truck. I wanted to use the starter to move out of traffic in first gear but got nothing. Got towed home and replaced the pushrod,all fixed. It happened again an this time I removed the safety switch and mounted it under the dash with a 1/4" rod sticking out so as to operate it by hand.The truck will start in gear so I do like anybody with any brains will do,put in neutral. If I'm going to use cruise I just pull the rod out an cruise works.I hate that the manufactures always think everybody needs safety this and safety that.
New User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Just did my 2003 F250 6-spd today. I mainly wanted to install a starter kill switch.
Just removed the two wires needed for the starter and routed to a toggle to prevent crank.
Plugged the remaining four wires back into the clutch switch to continue using the cruise control.
Wondering now why I didn't do this 15-years ago..
Thanks for the nice write-up
Domenic
Just removed the two wires needed for the starter and routed to a toggle to prevent crank.
Plugged the remaining four wires back into the clutch switch to continue using the cruise control.
Wondering now why I didn't do this 15-years ago..
Thanks for the nice write-up
Domenic
