clutch interlock and driveshaft noise

chaweiner

Member
First off hello. I'd like to thank all of you, over the past 3 years I've been reading this forum and have learned so much. I do all of the work on my Z and it has been mostly problem free and the best car I've ever owned. I love it to death. Today I started to have an on and off problem with starting that I think is the clutch interlock. If I pump the clutch the car will start after a few tries. the battery is 3 weeks old and as I work on fords I don't think this is the issue nor the starter, I just get nothing when i depress the clutch and turn the key. Just looking for and opinion on my thoughts as I have searched here, zpost and another z4 forum with no great luck.

Also does this car have u joints? I was originally getting a metallic tapping sound witch I thought was the tsb about the end of the drive shaft not being greased properly. but the sound is getting louder and not just doing it from stand still and in my experience is starting to sound like the rear u joint (if applicable) is going bad. I just replace the diff fluid with redline but this noise was apparent well before hand. I just haven't had time to remove the panels from that area and look. Thanks for the help in advance

Dan G.
 
The clutch interlock sensor is attached to the master cylinder at the top of the pedal arm. Looks to be a hall effect sensor and is not adjustable. Should be pretty reliable, so first check for loose, damage or bad wiring or connections.

Drive shaft does have two conventional U-joints.
 
So first off got it on the lift today as I have off. Removed everything including the exhaust and got to the drive shaft. I used Ford's ptfe drive shaft lubricant at the center splines witch with a scope seems to be the loudest point in the drive shaft. Surprised to see the universals are rock solid at 76k. The bearing/bushing is great and everything seems in order, I also checked the differential mounts and rear axles while it was apart. Also inspected the transmission mounts. It seems to be there is almost no noise now from the drive shaft. We'll see how long it holds out.

On to the interlock. I find that if I have held the key on with clutch depressed for more than a couple seconds the ignition will initiate. Car fires right up. I ordered a new part online 2 day air as no one locally has one. 51.00 U.S. shipped. I looked up on some other forums about the change, it looks like it is a 5 min job. I will inspect for broken wires.

Has anyone lubed a clutch pedal bushing? If so with what?
I have put 3500 dollars into this car in the past 3 months so I'm pretty excited.
will post some night pics of the z if anyone is interested!
 
My favourite creative cross purpose lubricant is bicycle chain dry lube. Carrier evaporates, leaving a super slick durable dry residue that does not attract dirt.

We love pics! Do post. It's actually a requirement!
 
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