[Colorado_Dave]

I have seen references to bypassing this footwell switch but not the mechanism to do so. Can someone tell me if jumping the two wires together is the way to do this? Or grounding one or both of them? Or maybe leaving them open (disconnecting the switch) is the way to bypass?

Please help. I have intermittent starting problems with my '02 SVT and this switch does not give me any positive feedback on whether it depressed or not. I'd just as soon be without its function.

Thanks- Dave

 

[iminhell]

Cut the plug and twist them together. It functions just like any other switch, power in power out.
But I don't see that fixing any problems.

 

[autotec]

If the switch is the same in all Ford vehicles ( I assume it is ), The switch is normally closed, It is open when triggered. I learned this when going into turn 1 at Road America with my 95 Probe GT. With race tires under heavy braking it would set the switch off. I had to connect the wires together to keep it from happening.

 

[whynotthinkwhynot]

I wouldn't recommend cutting into the wiring, instead go get some solid #14 wire from the local hardware store. Strip off a small amount, bend the wire in a U, and bridge the points on the connector. Now fold the wire to the side of the connector, make sure it's still making contact, and tape thoroughly with electrical tape to protect and hold it in place. For doing this, or any other electrical repair, I highly recommend using Scotch 33 electrical tape instead of the regular cheapo 69¢ rolls. The #33 tape will withstand the high heat of automobiles better than the cheaper tapes, but you'll pay about $3 per roll.

 

[wsigo]

I recommend NOT bypassing that safety feature. One reason that I'll mention is this: What if you get into a crash and after investigation it's determined that had you NOT bypassed that cutoff, your car wouldn't have caught on fire and killed the other driver? Now you are in prison for vehicular manslaughter. Wish you wouldn't have done that now right?

Fix the problem, don't create another.

 

[autotec]

I have to kinda agree with wsigo. I doubt the switch is your problem. Before you cut into the wiring, just make a simple jumper wire with some male spade terminals just to check the switch next time it doesnt start. The car I bypassed on was a track car only.

 

[ArcticMynx]

I recommend NOT bypassing that safety feature. One reason that I'll mention is this: What if you get into a crash and after investigation it's determined that had you NOT bypassed that cutoff, your car wouldn't have caught on fire and killed the other driver? Now you are in prison for vehicular manslaughter. Wish you wouldn't have done that now right?

Fix the problem, don't create another.

Its illegal in some places (I know it is in Ontario Canada)... My Corsica had bypassed inertia, I took it in for its new owner safety check/emissions when I purchased it and they failed my car BIG time (they used a modified pigtail tap to tap the signals together, the inertia wouldn't reset) I just went to the scrap yard found a car in decent shape yanked it off (Inertia switch) installed it on mine and problem fixed... these items fail with age, more so if the vehicle has been in a previous accident..
I was looking at a repainted all white with black interior 04 Focus wagon that the price was to good to be true $4800. I got it for 3 days on a dealer test drive took it to my buddies shop and found out the front clip was replaced with new subframe supports welded and reinforced.. we also found the inertia on THAT car to be permanently triggered which they superglued the button down ( white haze formed on the button )

 

[whynotthinkwhynot]

I have to kinda agree with wsigo. I doubt the switch is your problem. Before you cut into the wiring, just make a simple jumper wire with some male spade terminals just to check the switch next time it doesnt start.

I should've added that to my post. Bypassing the inertia switch is only something I do for diagnosis- not permanent driving. Some cars don't have these, like GM's for example. I've shown up at two accident scenes where GM vehicles were pumping fuel out. The crazy thing is that freaking people still want to stand around and stare after you warn them that an explosion could be imminent.

Inertia switches used to cause frequent problems in Fords in the 80's, but I have not personally had a problem with any inertia switch. I'm sure most of the problems were misdiagnosis, or ways for unscrupulous shops to make money replacing an expensive part that most owner's couldn't find.