Miata Mailing List: December 1994, Message #30
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   From: erict@cta.com (Eric Thorstenson)
Subject: Clutch switch
   Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 13:23:44 -0500


Peter said:
----started it myself.  I broke a sweat getting it moving fast enough
to jump in and pop the clutch, and I was really happy to hear it
start up!  The point is, if the clutch switch prevents the CPU
from starting the car, then when the car was pushed and the clutch
NOT depressed, why did it start?  Of course, my shop manual is at
home too, so I don't really know.  But I'll bet the clutch switch
just prevents the starter from turning, IMHO.
----

If you re-read my previous post, you will see that is said
that the clutch switch prevents the car from *cranking*, not
from starting. As I mentioned, a thief could do exactly what
you described.

The CPU monitors clutch position to prevent cranking with the
clutch out (less force required of the starter motor, and safer)
and to deactivate the cruise control if you put the clutch in 
while the cruise is active.

Eric T    Blue 90