clutch

I\\'m having a problem starting my truck and it seems to be related to the clutch. I\\'ve had to push the clutch in really hard to start it. As of tonight it won\\'t start, probably due to the sensor for the clutch. I would appreciate it if anyone could post on how to change it, and if possible, how to deactivate the clutch kit sensor temporarily so I can drive to the parts store to get the replacement part. My truck is a 1997 with a 5-speed BTW. any help is highly appreciated.[url]

Hard pushing on the pedal to get it to crank usually means the clutch pedal position switch is worn or out of adjustment, so it only closes at the very bottom of the stroke. On your 1997 the switch is on the clutch pedal linkage under the dash, where the master cylinder pushrod meets the pedal, with a wire connector on it.

To get to the parts store: unplug the connector from the switch, find the terminal that is hot with the key held in START (a test light does it), and jumper it to the other starter terminal in the connector with a short fused wire. That takes the switch out of the starting circuit, so the truck will crank in gear. Put it in neutral and keep your foot on the brake every time you start it until the new switch is in, and take the jumper out when you are done.

If it still will not crank with the switch jumpered, the switch was not the problem; look at the starter relay and the starter next.

Dana