Revisiting Using 1983-88 Chevy S10 Clutch Starter Safety Switch in a Fiero (Page 1/1)
Wudman AUG 19, 06:48 PM
This is a revisiting of an older post by Shawn, aka "Shho13" on using a 1983-1988 Chevrolet S10 part. While many prefer to just delete the switch, unless someone can tell me otherwise, this switch also disengages cruise control when you depress the clutch. As the cruise on my 1984 Indy Fiero is currently non-functional, I am working of how it worked on past Fieros with working cruise. If I recall correctly cruise disengages when you push the clutch (if you are in cruise control.)

Since I grew up back when cars didn't have this switch, pushing the clutch when starting is almost automatic. Under very few circumstances do I recall ever starting my 1967 For Mustang or any other manual transmission car, even if in neutral, without depressing the clutch. I venture none of us need this switch to safely start our manual transmission Fieros.


Also, in my case, the primary issue wasn't the switch. It was the adjustment rod clip sliding out of adjustment so it did not push the sliding part over the contacts. I took mine off anyway to inspect the contacts. As they were looking pretty thrashed, I opted to replace the switch and then add a wire tie to secure the adjustment clip on the rod. In many cases, all you may need is a wire tie to solve your switch's problem.

As I also mention, it wouldn't hurt to fabricate a short jumper using about 2 inches of 12 gauge wire with spades crimped on both ends. While a paper clip got me home, if you need this fix to last a while, you would probably need to tape off any exposed metal. Having a jumper using insulated wire and spades, pretty much functions as a long-term solution that won't have a hot wire flopping around grounded metal.

The S10 clutch starter safety switch is readily available at local parts stores, Rock Auto, eBay and Amazon. There are several brands starting at around $16.00 shipped (Rock Auto). A bit higher on Amazon with Prime and locally, quite a bit more expensive.

The only caveat I can think of is remove your existing switch intact. You may also want to disconnect your clutch pedal to get easier access to sliding the clip in and you may want to remove the other switch for more working space.


I am using this post to inaugurate the resurrection of my FieroDriver.Com website. It is designed to do two things, inform fellow Fiero drivers and an SEO (search engine optimization) project.
https://fierodriver.com/98/...-switch-replacement/
Could it be that it is just your clip slipping?

Contacts looking pretty worn on a 54,000 mile car!

The cover off, Fiero adjustment rod mounted in S10 switch

Switch cover back on, ready to install

Installed with wire tie to limit movement of clip on worn original rod from Fiero Clutch Starter Safety Switch

[This message has been edited by Wudman (edited 08-19-2022).]

Rick Vanderpool AUG 19, 11:54 PM
The clutch safety switch has nothing to do with cruise control. There is a plunger type switch on the pedal bracket that is normally closed when the clutch pedal is up, and opens when you depress the pedal.

Rick
Wudman AUG 20, 06:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by Rick Vanderpool:

The clutch safety switch has nothing to do with cruise control. There is a plunger type switch on the pedal bracket that is normally closed when the clutch pedal is up, and opens when you depress the pedal.

Rick


Thanks for clearing that up.