starter switch on clutch pedal

[nedinwc]

I'm assuming it's just the switch. I need to continually depress the clutch pedal to engage the starter. One day soon it won't start and I'll be stuck. Where is this switch and is it easy for a neophyte to replace?

 

[MAKG]

Maybe I'm not understanding you, but you are SUPPOSED to keep the clutch pedal down continuously while cranking. If you didn't, you'd stall with a lurch.

 

[nedinwc]

Yes, I hold the pedal down, but...

the switch won't engage to connect the starter. So I gotta keep pushing on the pedal till it does, engaging the switch repeatedly.

 

[mikesierra46]

Same problem

I have been having the same problem on my 1997 2.3L 2wd. I'm assuming it's the neutral safety switch. Can this be adjusted or will it need to be replaced?

 

[MAKG]

NO RBV has both a neutral safety switch and a clutch switch. You don't have to start a manual transmission in neutral.

Yes, it might be a flaky switch, or it might be loose or perhaps misadjusted (some of them have adjustments).

 

[mikesierra46]

Yeh, that's what I was getting at, the switch on the clutch. I'll take a closer look and see if there is some adjustment, otherwise get a new one.

 

[mikesierra46]

Quick Fix

I got under the dash to take a look and found this temporary solution:

The switch slides on the shaft that goes from the clutch pedal down to the firewall. You can actually start the truck by (make sure it's in neutral!!) getting under the dash and holding the key in the start position with one hand, then sliding the switch upwards on the shaft a few inches.

There is a notch in the switch housing where it seats on the firewall end of the shaft. If you rotate the switch clockwise about 1/8 of a turn (push the wiring connector that goes to it to the left), and then let the switch slide back down, the notch in the switch housing will not line up with the peg that goes into the notch and the switch will remain unseated by about 1/4" . In this position the switch will make better contact when the clutch pedal is depressed and the truck will start right up. You can zip tie the wiring harness from the switch to the main wiring harness just above and to the left of it if you want to be sure to keep the switch in it's new position.

 

[CopyKat]

Check to make sure your firewall isn't cracking. I had that happen to my ranger and I know Will had that happen to his Old ranger as well. I'm sure there have been more reports of that too.

 

[nedinwc]

Thanks for the tip. I'll check the switch position, now that I know where it is.

 

[Natedog]

You could also remove the switch and jumper the wires on the plug. Just make sure you're in neutral before you crank the starter. Trucks never had this switch back when. Cranking an engine with clutch pedal pressed is not good for the crankschaft thrust bearings, because there is no oil pressure until it starts.

 

[nedinwc]

Seems to be okay for now....

Rotated the switch on the shaft a bit, that was too easy.