GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm trying to replace the electrical switch that detects when the clutch is all the way out, on my 2005 base Vibe manual. (It is used by the cruise control to disengage whenever the clutch is not all the way out.)

However, I'm having a hell of a time. The outer nut (on the pedal side) is welded to and part of the bracket. The inner nut is nearly impossible to get anything on to turn it with, due to the sides of the bracket curling around on either side. Turning the body of the switch doesn't turn the threaded shaft that goes through the nuts; it just turns the body around the threaded shaft.

Has anyone successfully replaced this before? Or know what is needed to get around the nut?

you would have to loosen that inner nut closer to the body of the switch.

If you're just diagnosing to see if that's the issue, jump the wiring harness with a paper clip and see how it goes from there.

Try biting into the nut with a small cold chisel and hammer, in a counter-clockwise direction. A punch or flat screwdriver might work too. Drop a little penetrating oil in there first.

Possibly a 12-point (if they make them) flare nut end wrench will work!

Buy a cheap box end - open end wrench and grind/slit the box end open just enough to pass over the threaded portion of the switch. This should get the jam nut loose and you will be able to un-tread the switch from the bracket.