On my track car (NA S5, stock ECU) I was repeatedly blowing meter fuses while out driving laps. I went in and disconnected the back-up/reverse switch from from the transmission which was the source of the short circuit (it's a track car so I don't need backup lights in any case). While I was there I also disconnected the "Over Top" (5th gear) switch since I don't run any emissions.

That leaves the neutral switch. I have heard from some people who run w/o it connected and they have not experienced any problems. I was wondering what it actually does and how does it affect ECU operation? On my FD it affects the idle speed when you start the engine cold (3000rpm v. 2000rpm) but is that all it does on the FC?

Thanks,

-bill

 

I thought, though I may be wrong, that the neutral switch was only there to keep you from starting the car in gear. Like if you didn't have the clutch down, the car would know if it were in neutral when starting, if not, it wouldn't start.

Someone needs to back that up, though.

 

That switch is on the clutch pedal, not in the transmission. I *always* disconnect the one on the pedal. Unplug it and jump it using a short piece of wire and two male spade connectors.

Nice to be able to just reach in and start the car without having to climb in and push in the clutch. Also comes in handy if you're driving in the mountains and the clutch slave cylinder goes out and you have to drive it home. grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

You are correct...

On startup in neutral, with the factory ECU, it will blip the throttle and run up to about 3000 RPM before dropping back down to fast idle of like 2000 RPM.

With the transmission in gear, it will NOT blip the throttle and the fast idle will be lower.