Engine won’t start with clutch pedal pushed in

[Kmcallahan]

When I press clutch the engine will not start. It will start after making sure car is not in gear. Car will start right up. I checked wiring did not find any issues. Where or what should I check out next other than safety switch?

[JB in NOVA]

Did you do a continuity test of the clutch switch? I found that it needed to be wired the opposite of what the manual shows:



After getting that fixed, I moved on to Blueprint’s recommended priming procedure. As instructed, I disconnected the spark plugs and the coil output to prevent a spark, and I used my fuel pump cutoff switch to prevent the fuel pump from receiving power. After checking everything one last time, I turned the key and . . . nothing. Not even a sound.

With the “sad trombone” music still playing in my head, I resisted the urge to get frustrated. It was obviously an electrical problem. I broke out my multimeter and quickly identified the culprit as the clutch safety switch. I had wired it as instructed in the RF manual with the wires connected to the rear prongs:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136693&d=1603506695

But when I did a continuity test with the multimeter, it showed an open circuit in both positions of the switch. In contrast, the forward prongs showed continuity when the pedal was depressed and an open circuit when released, which seemed correct. So I switched the wires to the forward prongs:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136694&d=1603506712

After checking everything again, I depressed the clutch pedal, turned the key, and it cranked! To ensure proper functionality, I tried to crank with the clutch pedal at rest, and it did not crank. So I’m assuming I got this right. I’m not sure why the RF manual shows it differently.

With that out of the way, I followed the BPE instructions and cranked for 20 seconds, rested a minute, then cranked again for 20 seconds. I did this three times. I observed no leaks in any of my lines, and everything looked and sounded good.

[David Williamson]

I had the same, manual is wrong.
David W

[edwardb]

Agree the switch wiring is where to start looking. But confused that you say it will start if not in gear. What transmission and how do you have it wired? A "standard" installation doesn't typically wire in the neutral safety switch on the trans. Some do, but it's not in the instructions.

[Railroad]

Agree the switch wiring is where to start looking. But confused that you say it will start if not in gear. What transmission and how do you have it wired? A "standard" installation doesn't typically wire in the neutral safety switch on the trans. Some do, but it's not in the instructions.

I think he means, clutch out, just making sure trans is not in gear, before hitting start.
Confused me too.

[egchewy79]

+1. i had to switch the wires on my clutch safety switch. manual has it backwards.

[RBachman]

I had the same, manual is wrong.
David W

My manual also had this error.

[Kmcallahan]

I think he means, clutch out, just making sure trans is not in gear, before hitting start.
Confused me too.


Yes, I did mean clutch out.

[nucjd19]

Agree with the above...... had to swap the switch wires too.

[Kmcallahan]

Agree the switch wiring is where to start looking. But confused that you say it will start if not in gear. What transmission and how do you have it wired? A "standard" installation doesn't typically wire in the neutral safety switch on the trans. Some do, but it's not in the instructions.

The only safety switch I wired in is the clutch safety switch. I will switch the wires to front.

Yes switching the wires worked. Thanks for the guidance.

[Kmcallahan]

Thanks to all you guys for guidance.

[Papa]

Remember this when your brake lights are on until to press the brake pedal. :p