Clutch Safety Switch for Starter

[fordman3]

Hey everyone, My '98 4.6 5-speed Lariat SC has developed a problem that has gotten progressively worse over the past few months. Many times it just refuses to turn over, as if the battery might be dead. I will have to keep turning the ignition off, clutching to the floor, turning ignition back on, over and over until it finally hits and cranks right up. I'm blaming this on the switch on the clutch that keeps it from starting without the pedal depressed. Can this get out of adjustment, to the point that even mashed to the carpet it won't let the starter engage? If so, how hard is this to fix? It's really getting annoying, and there's lots of times I think I'm gonna be stranded, and then it will finally turn over. Can anybody help? I sure would appreciate it.

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[fordman3]

Well, I have to correct a previous statement. It has finally just quit wanting to start altogether now. The starter doesn't even attempt to spin over. I've called the local Ford place and they say there is no adjustment on that switch, it's either working or not. That just doesn't help me. If anybody has any suggestions, please send them my way. Thanks a bunch!

[jwrape]

By pass the switch and see if it starts. If it does, go and buy a new one and replace.

You don't want to leave it bypassed because then your cruise control won't work.
Good Luck!