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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace the clutch safety switch?
Where can I get my clutch safety switch replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my clutch safety switch?
What happens if I don’t replace my clutch safety switch?
What is a clutch safety switch replacement?
Can I replace the clutch safety switch myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace the clutch safety switch?

A clutch safety switch replacement costs an average of $113—replacement parts are about $55, while mechanic labor costs around $59. Remember, this is just an estimate—the exact cost to replace your clutch safety switch may differ based on your vehicle’s make and model and where you have the repairs done.

How long does it take to replace the clutch safety switch? A certified mechanic can replace your clutch safety switch in about 0.5 hours. A mechanic will inspect the safety switch and remove and replace the defective switch if necessary.

Here’s an overview of the clutch safety switch replacement costs for different vehicles:

Clutch safety switch replacement costs for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 18, 2024	Ethan, 34 High Point, NC	Maserati Granturismo	$87	$40	$47	0.4 Hours
April 16, 2024	Alex, 38 Nashville, TN	Chrysler Sebring	$105	$59	$46	0.4 Hours
April 16, 2024	Stanley, 38 Independence, MO	Mazda Mazda2	$68	$20	$48	0.4 Hours
April 12, 2024	Mabel, 45 Sparks, NV	Isuzu Trooper	$111	$59	$52	0.4 Hours
April 12, 2024	Julia, 44 Homestead, FL	Nissan Versa	$93	$47	$46	0.4 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do you need for my clutch safety switch replacement?

The clutch safety switch is a single part, which means that if it’s defective or broken, it’s usually the only part you’ll need to replace. However, the wiring connected to the safety switch can become loose or broken. If this is the case, you may also need to replace that.

If you have a digital multimeter, you can use it to measure the voltage coming and going from the switch. It should read 12 volts and low ohms, but you’ll need to replace the wiring if it shows infinite ohms.

The average cost of parts for a clutch safety switch is between $51.87 and $63.39, but you may pay more or less depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

If you’re changing the safety switch yourself, you’ll also need to gather some basic tools:

Test lights

Philips screwdriver

Digital volt/ohm reader

Wrench set

Wire cutters

Some reputable brands we recommend for reliable and quality clutch safety switches are Standard Motor Products, Beck Arnley, and ACDelco. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Amazon, and Advance Auto Parts. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Is it easy to replace a clutch safety switch?

If you’re car-savvy and are comfortable working under the

hood of a car

, replacing the clutch safety switch shouldn’t be difficult. It only involves a few steps and minimal equipment. But if you’re not comfortable doing automotive repairs, it’s best left to a professional.

Where can I buy a clutch safety switch?

You can buy a replacement aftermarket clutch safety switch online through most auto parts stores, such as AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. You may also be able to find a new switch on sites like Amazon or other retailers that sell automotive parts.

If you’re looking for an OEM part, contact your local dealership and speak to the parts department about ordering a new safety switch.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my clutch safety switch replaced?

If you’re not interested in taking on an automotive DIY job, finding a reputable and trusted automotive repair shop can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a go-to mechanic in your area. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes things quick and easy! In seconds, you can compare repair rates from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops nationwide.

With Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can compare fair price estimates from repair shops using their actual hourly labor rate, determine if you need to budget for diagnostic fees, and read actual reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Clutch Safety Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$108

(Parts - $58, Labor - $50)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

143 Reviews

AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care - Staten Island

635 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NJ

Clutch Safety Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$203

(Parts - $58, Labor - $145)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$49.95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (718) 865-3996

107 Reviews

Goodyear Auto Service - West Chester

8067 Beckett Center Drive, Hamilton, OH

Clutch Safety Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$172

(Parts - $58, Labor - $114)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (513) 860-0123

131 Reviews

Harrell's Auto Service - Owen

140 Owen Dr, Fayetteville, NC

Clutch Safety Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$168

(Parts - $58, Labor - $110)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$129.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (910) 487-5550

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my clutch safety switch?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what a mechanic will do when replacing your clutch safety switch:

Remove the clutch pedal and the dash panels

Disconnect the defective clutch safety switch

Re-install the new safety switch without pushing too far down on the clutch

Re-install pedal and dash panels

Start the vehicle to check on the proper orientation of the clutch safety switch

Remember: Clutch safety switches usually cannot be repaired on their own and most likely will need to be replaced.

What happens if I don’t replace my clutch safety switch?

A non-working clutch can be very dangerous to your vehicle and your vehicle’s surroundings. Without the safety switch, it could allow the car’s engine to start with the transmission in gear, allowing the car to move unexpectedly.

For automatic transmissions, this part is commonly known as a neutral safety switch, which can be found on the transmission—automatic cars don’t have a clutch. It’s still possible to have a faulty neutral safety switch, which presents many of the same issues. These include:

Engine not cranking in neutral or park

Engine not cranking at all

Engine cranking in any gear

What is a clutch safety switch replacement?

Your clutch safety switch is an integral safety feature that keeps you and your vehicle safe because it plays a key role in preventing the engine from starting while the transmission is in gear. Keep in mind that the clutch safety switch is only present in vehicles with a manual transmission, as automatic cars don’t have a clutch.

Your mechanic will check your clutch safety by first assessing what position the switch is in. While your engine is off, the clutch safety switch should be closed, preventing power from running through the ignition to the engine.

In most cases, a switch that remains in the open position, even after turning off the engine, indicates a failure with the clutch safety. This can be dangerous because it can allow the engine to shift into any gear, resulting in an accident or damage to your vehicle.

How do I know if my clutch safety switch needs replacing?

The clutch safety switch isn’t a piece of equipment that has a set lifespan before replacement, but there are some common symptoms to look out for that indicate you have a malfunctioning or faulty switch:

Your engine won’t start

Your engine starts when the clutch is released with the transmission in gear

Cruise control doesn’t work

Check engine light is on

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your car checked by a mechanic immediately.

How often should you replace the clutch safety switch?

The clutch safety switch is subject to a fair bit of use, which means it can become worn and broken over time. That said, there’s no set interval for how often you should replace your switch—when it breaks, you’ll need to get it replaced. For most drivers, the lifespan of the clutch safety switch depends on how often the vehicle is driven.

Can I replace the clutch safety switch myself?

If you want to

save money on car expenses

and save a trip to the mechanic, replacing your clutch safety switch is a relatively simple job for anyone with a bit of automotive know-how. However, the process does involve removing several pieces of the vehicle, so if you don’t have the knowledge or tools to do the replacement, it’s best left to a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

Can you start a car with a bad clutch switch?

The clutch safety switch’s purpose is to close and provide electricity when the clutch pedal is pushed. When the switch fails, no power is supplied to start the circuit, resulting in a vehicle that won’t start when the key is turned, even if the pedal is depressed.

How do I know if my clutch safety switch is bad?

One of the biggest indicators your clutch safety switch has failed is when the vehicle won’t start when the key is turned in the ignition switch. Even if you press the clutch pedal to the floor and the car is in park, you won’t be able to start the engine.

What engine code is for clutch switch fault?

The P0704 engine code showing on an OBD reader indicates a problem with the clutch switch. It can be set off by several things, including:

A faulty or damaged clutch switch

A shorted or open clutch switch circuit

Damaged or corroded wiring or connectors in the clutch switch circuit

A poorly adjusted clutch switch

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.