Replace Throttle Microswitch
 

Hi all:

This is my fist thread. I recently bought a very nice red 1986 Carrera Targa. I am very happy, I always wanted one of those :). I will post pics when ready.

I need to replace the idle control switch or throttle microswitch (that little sensor that detects when you are pushing or not the gas pedal to activate the idle). I just bought the Bentley book, but it does not explain how to do it. The switch is on the back of the accelerator body. Should I remove it or can I work with a little mirror?

Thanks,

Throttle switch.
 

It's just plug & play.

First, check out the switch while in place with an ohm meter.

Take note of the current location, remove & replace as was the original switch.

Good luck,

Gerry

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1429555204.jpg
^^^^^
And, here's ours.

Here's a picture of mine when I had the intake out.
The switch is held with 2 Philips screws.

I never needed to try it, but I had the intake out for a bunch of other reasons.
Are you convinced the switch is bad and that you just don't need a throttle adjustment to make sure it is contacting the switch?

Welcome by the way!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1429555653.jpg

Thanks. I am sure it is in bad shape, I checked it.
It seems easy, the problem is visibility, since the screws are just on the front aspect of the intake body. I will try with a mirror...

Not easy in situ. Remove the throttle housing to get at it properly. Doesn't take very long.

Replaced that switch last year in my 87. Because the screws are in the back you are working blind, the screws that secure the switch are so small there is no way to hold on to them, locate the mounting holes, position the switch, and start the screws. As noted by John, disconnect the throttle body and spin it around. Took about an hour to disconnect the throttle body and two minutes to mount the switch.

Thanks all for your advice. I am new to the Porsche world; any good link that explain step by step how to do remove the throttle body? Any other things I should check taking advantage I will take it out??

Gerry: Your Porsche looks awesome BTW...

Well that's a very good question, but like similar questions, there is a lot that you can choose to do now or later. Here are some things I did - but I removed the entire intake (air box, air flow sensor, heater blower) that you might want to consider - this is relatively low cost. I also replaced the fuel lines.

You do not have to do this all now.
replacing stuff depends on how accessible it is to you and how often you want to "go in".

If you read up on this and plan for it, you can do quite a lot with one fell swoop.
There are many threads that address this stuff that will guide you.
I recommend getting the Bentley Manual - but a lot is here also.

Replace Oil Press Switch
Oil Thermostat O-ring
Intake runner gaskets and isolators
Crankcase Breather gasket
New Plugs, rotor, distributor cap, ignition lines
Repaired “pipeline” and replaced other various vacuum lines
Cleaned the throttle body, AFM, runners, Air Box.
General engine compartment cleaning
Replaced throttle plate springs
Throttle bell crank bushing
Reset (or more accurately, Set) the throttle idle position so the switch activates.
Dist cap, rotor, ignition lines, fan belt.
Fuel and Air filter.