Popping Sound with Clutch and Broken Plastic Piece Possibly to Depress Sensor

I sure hope that some of those diehard Miata mechanics can help me. Today I was driving my 1990 Miata down the road, depressed the clutch and felt something hit my foot. Further investigation indicated that this was a green disc (or rather the remaining pieces of a green disc). Also I notice that when I barely begin pushing in the clutch petal I heard a click and just as I released the pedal I heard the same single click again.

Laying upside down with a drop light I noticed that there are two sensors for the clutch pedal. There is of course the safety sensor when the clutch is fully depressed, which requires the clutch pedal to be fully depressed which allows the engine to start. The one I am interested in is the sensor located at the top (closest to the driver) which appears to engage somewhat when the clutch pedal is fully released. What I found unusal about this sensor is the clicking sound was occurring when the tip of the retractable sensor was lining up with a hole on the pedal when it's fully released. I'm wondering if the green disc was suppossed attach via the hole and depress this sensor.

I did some quick research and I can not determine what this sensor is for. I am guessing that the plastic disc is suppossed to depress the tip of the sensor, otherwise the sensor seems to serve no purpose. Nor can I find a part to order to replace the broken part. Any help that could be give to help me get this resolved would be appreciated and any direction that could be given to locating a replacement part (with or without a part number).

Thanks in advance for your help!

Signed -- David (Birmingham, Alabama)

Reply to
David E. Williams
Loading thread data ...

Do you have cruise control?

Reply to
Lanny Chambers

David,

According to my workshop manual (Page F-10), this is the clutch switch. It "detects in-gear condition; sends signal to engine control unit". I get the impression that it is not solely for cruise control, but may have a function in disconnecting the cruise when you shift.

Ken

Reply to
KWS

Interesting... I don't have cruise control but that does make sense that it would dis-engage the cruise once the pedal is depressed.

Reply to
David E. Williams

Cruise control is handled by a different computer. It must be a sensor to allow the ECU to determine the engine operating conditions more precisely, I would think.

Leon

Reply to
Leon van Dommelen

I didn't have time to research this, but I think your impression is correct, Leon.

Ken

Reply to
KWS
1.8 ESM 5:2:

"This is a simple switch that allows the PCM [ECU] to detect whether or not the clutch is engaged."

Le>I didn't have time to research this, but I think your impression is correct, >Leon. >

Reply to
Leon van Dommelen

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.