Replaced two different parts, still no start

[Synyster 1337]

Ok. My 97 Explorer XLT was behaving very nicely until one day, I had to jumpstart it because the starter would not make any noise when I turned the key. The battery was fine, I know this because we had to bridge the gap between the two bolts on the starter relay to get the thing started. I talked to a guy at Advance and he said to get a starter ignition switch, I did, and I put it in. Still no sound from the starter, still had to bridge the gap between the two bolts. I replaced the starter relay (the fender mounted one) because that was what the guy at Advance suspected next. Still no noise, still have to bridge the gap. I am completely baffled as to what could be going on or what to do next. I'm thinking it may be the clutch pedal switch, because I have had to push the clutch in harder than I should lately to start it. Please help, I would very much so appreciate it.

 

[my98nnj]

Stop replacing parts until you do some troubleshooting.
Get yourself a volt meter, check the signal wire to the solenoid. You should get 12 volts when you turn the key to start. If your not getting 12volts, trace the circuit back. The clutch switch would probably be a wise place to look next. Measure the switch, check for 12 volts at the switch, make sure the switch works. Go from there.

 

[Synyster 1337]

Well, I'm busy all week. I was just wondering that if I have recently had to press the clutch a little harder to get it started, then it may be the clutch starter switch.

 

[Synyster 1337]

Bump. Nobody wants to elaborate on this? On Manual transmissions, doesn't the clutch pedal switch make sure you have your clutch pressed in before you start the vehicle? Is that what I should check next?

 

[chance942]

Yeah man sounds like it. Do these manual Fords have a "CLUTCH LOCKOUT SWITCH"?? on the instrument panel somewhere if you do. It allows you to start the truck without using the clutch(imagine being on a step ass trail and you can't roll back when you go gas and let off the clutch. My Toyota has one and my Nissan did to. The Toy is a '90 and the San was a '94.(Doubt your's has one)

Check it out. If you have one make sure it's not in gear when you try it. Obviously if it starts then the clutch pedal switch is the problem.

The fact that you have to push harder and harder over the last few days or so points strongly to the clutch interlock switch.

 

[X6StringerX]

You say you had to bridge the gap between the bolts on the starter. Have you inspected the wire? I had the same symptoms as you... I had plenty of juice to everything, but the starter wouldn't even click. I disassembled it and soldered a new piece of wire. Nine years of everchanging weather corroded the wire so much that it was green and turned to dust when I touched it. NAPA suggested I replace the starter. After I soldered the new wire, they tested it and still said it was still bad, but I reinstalled it anyway and it worked perfectly.

 

[marragtop]

Push the clutch in and have someone check to see if you are getting power to the fender solenoid. If not, I'd suspect the clutch pedal switch. See this link.. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...Ignition+Lock+Switch&searchText=clutch+switch