Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starting Problems...Faulty Clutch Switch?

[JHastings]

I am having problems starting my pickup sometimes and it seems it has to do with a switch on the clutch pedal. The starter will only engage if the clutch is in right? Only thing is that if I put the clutch to the floor it only clicks the starter (sounds like a dead battery). If I let out the clutch 1/2" it starts fine. Anyone want to comment on this or have a fix, a part #,... . Doesn't bother me too much, but if somebody else was to drive my pickup, which happens all the time, they might be stranded.

Thanks,

Jamie

 

[Missouri Mule]

JHastings, your problem does sound like a clutch switch. I don't think the clutch switch is adjustable so a new one mite be in order.

Apparently when pedal is all the way to the floor the switch is making partial contact sending a little bit of ground to the starter relay.

 

[GAmes]

If memory serves me right the switch is part of the clutch reservoir/slave assy, not a separate part. It is possible to bypass it, either by just connecting the two wires together (probably not too safe) or hooking them up to a toggle or other type switch. That will also double as a theft deterrent.

 

[Dieseldemon]

If you tie the two wires togeather the OD will not work

 

[GAmes]

If you tie the two wires togeather the OD will not work

It's a 5 speed, which explains having a clutch pedal. Why wouldn't the OD work?

 

[Dieseldemon]

I must be getting old I ment the cruise control will not work because it will be grounded all the time it has to be grounded to start and ungrounded to lock the cruise. Sorry about that

 

[MAshley]

you are corect one unit, or at leasts thats what they told me when I had mine replcaced... . been there done that if I remember it was actually pretty cheap... .

 

[JHastings]

Do you have a part # for that? Or what is it called?
Thanks,

Jamie

 

[GAmes]

My part # won't help you, the 98s are different. Just tell the counter man you need a clutch actuator assy, if that isn't the correct normenclature he will still know what you need. Replacement is pretty straight forward. Disconnect the clutch pedal from the rod, the wire connector, pull the little plastic pin that is pushed into the firewall, the slave from the bellhousing, twist the master cyl about 90 degrees and pull it off. Personally I'd bypass it with a switch, but I'm cheap.

 

[Dieseldemon]

The clutch switch is available as a replacement part Dodge part

#53007944AB and is easy to replace I can supply pictures if needed.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Dieseldemon, sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[Dieseldemon]

Clutch Switch

Here are some pictures to help with removal. You do not have to remove the rod from the clutch pedal to remove the switch. The switch turns on the rod for easy removal.

 

[Dieseldemon]

2 More

And two more. After you remove the lock slide the switch toward the pedal and push the switch close to the firewall off the rod and unplug the wires and you have it off. Its so simple a caveman could do it.

 

[JHastings]

Cool thanks. Thats just what I needed to see.

 

[Howard Durand]

And two more. After you remove the lock slide the switch toward the pedal and push the switch close to the firewall off the rod and unplug the wires and you have it off. Its so simple a caveman could do it.

Those hairy guys will get you for that!