1997 Ford Escort Car will not Start when clutch is engaged

1997 FORD ESCORT
217,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
KRELEK1000
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
About 2 months ago I had my car repaired at a locale repair shop. I think my slave cylinder went at the time but the repair shop told me it was the master cylinder and clutch. Had those replaced and then took it back for the slave cylinder a day after I got my car.

Well I have been noticing recently that my car will not start sometimes and other times it will engage perfectly fine. I think the repair shop messed something up with the sensor that shows that the clutch is engaged? Manuals will not start unless it is. They told me it was my alram but I did not have this problem before they looked/fixed it! What should I look for?
Mar 8, 2010 at 7:21 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 11,533 POSTS
On the top of the clutch pedal assembly is the clutch switch.When you push theclutch in, it allows power to go through it to the starter.If the car wont start, use a test light to see if the switch has power at both wires, if so the starter may be going out, if not the switch may need to be repalced
Mar 8, 2010 at 7:48 AM
Avatar
KRELEK1000
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the info 2CarPros Jack. I am a little concerned however on this issue. I called a mobile mechanic to come fix the issue and it started for him six times in a row. He did some fiddling around in his Car (yes his vehicle is a car) and stated that he had to pick up a Neutral Safety Switch.

I checked your library on this and those belong to a Auto trannie. I called his boss up and he states that mechanics call things different things and stuff and that I should not worry. He also said that the mechanic had 30 + years of expierence... What do you recommend that I do?
Mar 8, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 11,533 POSTS
I would have them replace the switch.He may have fiddled with it until it failed for him, but if it wont start with clutch in, it is most likely the switch
Mar 8, 2010 at 4:17 PM