Archived Truck Won't Start When Engaging Clutch?

[StevenP]

I just got back from a little trip last night truck drove fine. Went to start it this morning to take a run to the store and NO GO! All lights and everything else seems ok. Depress the clutch and Nada. Tell me what should I be looking at. Thanks Steve

 

[Doubleclutch]

Anything preventing clutch pedal from traveling fully to the floor? (Don't throw rocks at me, but I put aftermarket floor mats in my truck, and the extra thickness prevented the switch from making up. )

Greg

 

[StevenP]

Checked that already..... I wish it was that simple! Thanks

 

[B.G. Smith]

The clutch clutch pedal position switch is built into the push rod that operates the clutch master cylinder. A yellow wire goes to the switch from the ign. switch and a yellow/red wire goes from the switch to the start motor relay in the PDC. If you can get to the yellow wires, jumper between them and see if it activates the starter, if so the switch is the problem. If still no go, then the relay or the starter solenoid could be defective. bg

 

[StevenP]

I'll check it out right now and see if I can search out the problem with those suggestions. Thanks Steve

 

[StevenP]

Ok, I've located the switch on the clutch shaft now to figure out a way to get to those yellow wires to jumper them. Just in case, anyone know how much it is for a new switch and a part number if possible? I guess to change one out is just to remove the cotter pin on the shaft and disconnect the old switch and put the new one in. Sounds easy! Thanks

 

[DennyDay]

Easy ?

The switch is not available as an item, it comes with the slave assy. Be careful doing this but clamp a scotch lock over both wires and it should start. BE CAREFUL THOUGH - THE TRUCK WILL START IN GEAR - BECAUSE YOU BYPASSED A SAFETY DEVISE!



Denny

 

[StevenP]

Ok, I went out to the truck this morning to bypass the switch as posted earlier. But before I did this I check out all my fuses as I seen in earlier posts that this could be a problem too. Lo and behold! I In the fuse box I found a blown 20 amp. fuse in the SOL. Starter compartment. I replaced it and kept the hood opened and as I turned the key, I blew another fuse. So whats blowing the fuses the starter or the switch?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The fuse protects the starter relay and the wire going to the starter solenoid. I doubt that the relay is the problem, more likely the solenoid or the wire going from the relay to the solenoid shorted. The wire should be a 14 ga. brown. If you can get to it, disconnect and try the start circuit with new fuse, if it doesn't blow then the problem is likely in the starter solenoid. bg

 

[StevenP]

Thanks B. G. I dropped the started and opened the solenoid. One of the contacts were fried. There's hardly anything left of it. Also the plunger didn't look so hot either. So, I called Larry's and ordered the kit. I guess I'll just do other PM stuff while I'm waiting.

 

[B.G. Smith]

You probably should have the solenoid coil checked while you are waiting for the contacts, I don't think the contacts would blow the fuse. The contacts connect the batteries to the starter winding, the fuse/relay just operates the solenoid/contacts? bg

 

[StevenP]

B. G. , How would I go about checking out the solenoid? Can I take it some where or can I do this myself. I probably should have ordered some brushes Too ! Steve

 

[B.G. Smith]

Without knowing the resistance value of the Sol. coil it would be hard to really check the sol. About all you can do is visually inspect it and see if there is discolored or deformed places indicating overheating etc. I don't know if the brushes are servicable or not, some starters have two of the brush leads spot welded in place. bg

 

[HJanin]

Similar Problem?

Hi!

I have been reading this post since I am having a similar problem Right Now with my '99 3500, 4x4! Will the wire colors be the same? Where the heck do I Find the Clutch master cylinder?



Thanks In Advance

Howard, currently stuck in snow at home, 9,400 ft. in So. Colorado

 

[B.G. Smith]

Hi!

I have been reading this post since I am having a similar problem Right Now with my '99 3500, 4x4! Will the wire colors be the same? Where the heck do I Find the Clutch master cylinder?



Thanks In Advance

Howard, currently stuck in snow at home, 9,400 ft. in So. Colorado

The color is from 99 manual, the clutch master cylinder is located to the right (looking from the radiator area) of the brake master cylinder or directly through the firewall from the clutch pedal. bg

 

[HJanin]

Engaging Clutch

Hi, B. G.

I think I located the clutch master cylinder, in front of the brake master cylinder but there is a black wire and a grey/black wire coming from it? I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I have 4-wheel ABS on my truck.



Howard

 

[B.G. Smith]

Hi, B. G.

I think I located the clutch master cylinder, in front of the brake master cylinder but there is a black wire and a grey/black wire coming from it? I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I have 4-wheel ABS on my truck.



Howard

That is the combination valve. The clutch master cylinder will be located directly North of this valve on the firewall (if your truck is facing South ) Sorry I didn't answer sooner but have been out of town. bg

 

[HJanin]

Hi again, B. G.

Thanks for the response but it turned out not to be the clutch switch. It was just a matter of a loose ground on the starter motor itself. I have to remember to check the easy things first!

Thanks

Howard