A6 manual gearbox clutch switch

[mhobson]

Recently I had to press the clutch pedal several times before the motor would start so I went to Auto-doc and using my vehicles details ordered a replacement clutch switch, supplied as 1J0 927 189.

When I fitted it the glowplug light started flashing as if there was an engine management issue, it has not flashed before in 14 years, the engine would not start.

When I removed it and compared it to the old switch it was apparent that the switch pin was noticeably shorter on the new switch, and I read that the number on the old switch was different: 1J0 927 189 F.

I ordered a switch with that number and fitted it, now the engine starts without touching the clutch pedal, and the glowplug light is still flashing.

VCDS shows:

001796 - Clutch Switch (F36)
P0704 - 001 - Implausible Signal - MIL ON
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100001
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Time Indication: 0

If I delete the code it comes straight back.

I would really appreciate advice, Thank you.

[smiffypr]

If the engine starts it must think that the pedal is pressed when it isn't, so my suggestions would be that 1) the connector is on the wrong way (not likely to be possible, but maybe) 2) the switch is mounted the wrong way round. Not having looked at one I don't even know if it is possible, but it's a logical reason for your symptoms.

[mhobson]

I understand your reply, firstly the connector plug is anti-murphy, as my Dad used to say, it can only be fitted one way around, grooves on one side of the plug and socket, similarly the plug fits into a bayonet type steel bracket, but one of the two bayonet cutouts on the bracket is larger than the other and on the switch, one of the protrusions on the switch which connect with the bracket is wider than the other, so there is only one way to fit it.

[Crasher]

Remind me of the VIN?

[mhobson]

Hello Crasher,

WAUZZZ4F67N073593

[Crasher]

Originally 1J0 927 189 E, then F and now 6Q0 927 189, when you instal a genuine switch, the pedal must be down, some aftermarket types are different.

[mhobson]

It seems that I have been supplied a faulty switch, it is a CI ignition part supplied by Auto-doc, XBLS236. The actuator pin has a bit of resistance between being fully out and fully in, nevertheless even when fully out, when the contact should not be made at all, put the meter across the plug pins, it is still in full contact, and the car will try to start. I am starting to get really fed up with being supplied faulty parts. So far in the last year or so I have been supplied a faulty Sprinter wishbone, a faulty Vito front suspension arm, a faulty A6 engine mounting, a clutch switch which was unsuitable for the car and now this clutch switch which gives full connection whether in or out. Why are not all parts, made in the far east I suppose, not fully checked before being issued. I may try ordering a 6Q0 927 189 as you have suggested. What a pain in the rear.

[Crasher]

It is why I am so fussy about the brand but even then there are Chinese fakes of top brands so the source is vital and certain supplies are either unaware of the problem or complicit and I cannot imagine an experienced supplier being unaware of counterfeiting as it is widespread.

[mhobson]

I expect the new switch today, I wonder if I should delete the fault code with no switch fitted before I replace the switch, I should point out that I used to have a small manufacturing business making products I designed and had patents for, when the patents expired, the chinese took over, sold products for less than my raw materials cost, put me out of busineess and wrecked the market by producing articles which broke, I had only a few employees, but we used to have check jigs, so we were certain that every part we made could be assembled without concern. A simple procedure, but these big companies are so full of themselves they cannot accept that they have faults, I suspect that the people in charge have little contact with the reality on the shop floor.

[mhobson]

New switch fitted, all working as hoped for now, I deleted the fault code first, now it starts as supposed to and the glowplug light has stopped flashing.