Battery dying after clutch switch bypass

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

Interesting find... So if I keep my foot on the clutch longer (i.e. keeping the contacts together) then I can let that energy pass between the contacts without the arc, thus increasing the longevity of the switch?

Exactly. Try standing on the clutch until after the starter quits on its own.

[geraldjust]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Exactly. Try standing on the clutch until after the starter quits on its own.

I from my testing it seems like it lets go the starter very quickly though the ST cut relay. But delays around 2 seconds to let go the ST relay. So if you wait more than 2 sec should reduce the arching.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by geraldjust

I from my testing it seems like it lets go the starter very quickly though the ST cut relay. But delays around 2 seconds to let go the ST relay. So if you wait more than 2 sec should reduce the arching.

Oooo... check that out. I see what you did there. Thanks for doing that test!

Yeah, NVM the starter motor cut. Wait at least two Mississippis.

[geraldjust]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Oooo... check that out. I see what you did there. Thanks for doing that test!

Yeah, NVM the starter motor cut. Wait at least two Mississippis.

LOL if worse come to worse add a reverse diode next to the relay coil in the circuit it will cut any spike in voltage. it will stop any voltage from arching though the contacts.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by geraldjust

LOL if worse come to worse add a reverse diode next to the relay coil in the circuit it will cut any spike in voltage. it will stop any voltage from arching though the contacts.

Yup. Outside the scope of this thread, though.


Shame on Toyobaru for cheaping out there. That's some weak sauce.

[PandaSPUR]

Thanks guys, 2 seconds does sound like longer than what I'd normally wait before letting go of the clutch.


Hopefully this solves my freaking switch issues. I was expecting the switch to be dirty and covered in dirt, salt and corrosion when I opened it up. Seeing it nearly spotless threw me off.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

Thanks guys, 2 seconds does sound like longer than what I'd normally wait before letting go of the clutch.


Hopefully this solves my freaking switch issues. I was expecting the switch to be dirty and covered in dirt, salt and corrosion when I opened it up. Seeing it nearly spotless threw me off.

I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often. Aren't all the BRZs PB start? 0.o

[PandaSPUR]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often. Aren't all the BRZs PB start? 0.o

Not all, only the limited trim. And I guess I just have bad luck. Plus I sucked at trying to replace the switch myself until I got the thin wrenches.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

Not all, only the limited trim. And I guess I just have bad luck. Plus I sucked at trying to replace the switch myself until I got the thin wrenches.

Well, unless there's a secret diode in the relay it all falls into place. It's super tight up there. I hope you don't ever have to do the job again.

[dynarun55]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

Not all, only the limited trim. And I guess I just have bad luck. Plus I sucked at trying to replace the switch myself until I got the thin wrenches.

Bumping this thread. I have a 2015 limited as well, and this starting problem just started for me. Was it the clutch switch ? As in, did the new clutch switch solve all the problems you were having ? Or was it something else ?