Clutch Pedal Starting Issue

Hello everyone.

So, recently I've been having an issue with the clutch pedal in my 05 LGT Limited. When I start the car (and only when I start the car), sometimes the starter just cranks if the clutch isn't absolutely all the way to the floor.

I have noticed no difference beyond starting the car...shifting seems normal and clutch feels normal. The clutch pedal is returning fully, and doesn't seem as though it is going "dead".

I've noticed it more recently - when I go to start the car, if the clutch isn't in the right spot (usually all the way to the floor) the starter will just crank until I move the clutch a bit, then it will fire up.

The clutch was replaced brand new less than a year ago, and has been nothing but amazing ever since. I do not race or beat up the clutch by any means.

What's even more weird...there is no pattern with when this issue acts up and when it's just fine. Some weeks it won't do it at all, then it will do it once a day, sometimes more. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with temperature (one day was 70 degrees, other was about 30 degrees), although it is starting to turn to winter here in Pennsylvania. It also doesn't seem to do with how long the car sits (sometimes it does it on the first start in the morning, other times after making a 5-minute trip inside the grocery store).

ANY IDEAS?

anything...anyone?

When you say it just cranks, does the engine have compression? Or is it just a starter spinning?

There's two sensors on the clutch pedal to detect if the clutch is pressed in or not. Maybe one is defective?

I would think if the sensor is busted you wouldn't get cranking at all, but since there is two sensors (pressure switches) maybe they have different roles and only one is defective.

Vacation pics should have locations and testing procedures for the switches.

Originally Posted by LGT612

When you say it just cranks, does the engine have compression? Or is it just a starter spinning?

From what I can tell, it is just the starter spinning.

Originally Posted by PeteCool

There's two sensors on the clutch pedal to detect if the clutch is pressed in or not. Maybe one is defective?

I would think if the sensor is busted you wouldn't get cranking at all, but since there is two sensors (pressure switches) maybe they have different roles and only one is defective.

Vacation pics should have locations and testing procedures for the switches.

Thanks, I will have to check out the vacation pics to figure it out.

The upper clutch switch is for the cruise control, the lower switch is for starting.

If the starter is cranking then the switch is fine. You can verify this by holding the clutch halfway down and trying to start (with the car in neutral). It won't even try to turn without the clutch all the way in.

Something else is going on.

I think it may be your starter actually not popping out the gear to the flywheel. Unless the engine is actually turning.

-Mike Paisan


11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.
Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.
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Originally Posted by AZP Installs

I think it may be your starter actually not popping out the gear to the flywheel. Unless the engine is actually turning.

Bingo. That's a bad starter solenoid. You could try to replace it, but it's probably easier to spend a few extra bucks and replace the starter.

Originally Posted by BAC5.2

Bingo. That's a bad starter solenoid. You could try to replace it, but it's probably easier to spend a few extra bucks and replace the starter.

+1

-Mike Paisan


11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.
Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.
Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs
"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"