interesting no start

[Levitan]

Levistiva will not start with the key. Key in start position, lights on dash, but nothing. Won't turn over, doesn't click, nothing.

She is a 90 something 5 speed.

I cleaned battery posts, battery is charged. Checked both sides of fuseable links and I have power to both sides.

So, I turn the key to the "on" position and short a screwdriver between rthe starter posts, and it starts right up.

I'm kinda stumped. Bad ignition switch? Is there a neutral safety switch that can go bad. When I start the car, normally, I have to push in the clutch pedal for it turn over. Is that a neutral safety switch that requires you to push in clutch pedal to start?

Thanks in advance!

[wybnrml]

Is there a neutral safety switch that can go bad. When I start the car, normally, I have to push in the clutch pedal for it turn over. Is that a neutral safety switch that requires you to push in clutch pedal to start?

Thanks in advance!

There is a clutch start switch located on the bracket on the upper end of the clutch pedal. You can test it by unplugging it and checking for continuity when the clutch pedal is depressed.

[milehighbear]

that would be my guess also would be the clutch switch

[Kraig]

You could always bypass the switch so you can start it in neutral without having to push in the clutch. You actually shouldn't start a car with the clutch pushed in as it puts pressure on the crank thrust bearing before you have any oil pressure to lube it.... do at your own risk as the car can then start in gear also....! Old cars used to be this way.

[pwgus]

fusible link??? I guess you wouldn't get the lights on dash. can you pop the clutch or whatever they call it were you start an mt car without the starter

[Levitan]

fusible link??? I guess you wouldn't get the lights on dash. can you pop the clutch or whatever they call it were you start an mt car without the starter

I forgot to add, if you don't own a Festiva, you can't reply to my thread!

To the Festiva owners that have responded, I haven't had time to check on things, yet. Been busy at honey-do request and doing well and getting them done.....at least as well as an under the weather sick supermodel can do.

[Levitan]

Well, I finally got un-sick enough to work up the courage to try figuring out the problem. I removed the switch and ran a continuity test, it is fine.

Now what?

[Roboskittle]

Starter Solenoid?

Turn the car to run and turn on accessories that cut out when the starter is engaged. Do they turn off when you turn the key to start? Maybe bad relay?

[Levitan]

Never mind. Plugged switch back in and Levistiva started right up.

[pwgus]

What, lol, so it was just maybe some loose wiring to the clutch switch or something that needed jiggling? lol?