so ive had my 97 5 speed 1.8t for about 2 weeks now and i just realized that you can start the car without the clutch being engaged. im sure this isnt supposed to be like this, does anyone know wat the problem is? and is it an easy fix? any help or comments are greatly appreciated!!

 

Mine also is like that also. I think it's normal

 

Mine does the same thing there is some kind of censor that recognizes when your on the clutch I have yet to replace it so I cant tell you how detailed it may be. But it doesnt affect it while the car is actually on

 

My old ford was the same way just make sure it's not in gear when you start it without the clutch in our youll launch forward hitting the car in the parking space infront of you... Just saying, and it just a switch.

 

If you crouch low and look under the dash there's a white tipped push switch that triggers when you press the clutch.

I'll tell you a funny story about that. In my 2.8 30v, one day outta-the-blue when I pressed in the clutch I'd get this crazy grinding noise. At first it only did it once in a while, but after a few kms it did it everytime I shifted. It scared the crap out of me and I feared the worst. Turned out the the ignition switch was broken (there's a recall on the switch) and everytime I pressed the clutch, the clutch switch allowed the starter to run! So I wired in a switch inline with the clutch switch and I still have it there just in case (even though I replaced the ignition switch).

 

Clutch isn't needed, wasn't on my BMW either. Yet it is needed on my 01 jetta. Weird...

 

I think the clutch safety switch wasn't installed on these cars until '98 or '99. This topic has been discussed in depth before by members with infinite more knowledge than me. Do a search and you should find the answers.

 

its either all of that or your imobilizer has been bypassed. mine tripped so i bypassed it and now i don't need the clutch.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. i really appreciate it!