Minnesota Focus Owners Club

I know this is a Focus Thread but I thought I would ask anyways.

92-95 Escort with the 1.9 5spd.

*Problem*

Key is not in ignition at all, push clutch in car turns over it dosnt start just turns over till you let off clutch it also dose this when car is running.

Checked the starter and Replaced same thing happens.

Checked the clutch relay switch checks out fine.

I do reamember we had a 95 escort with the same problem the battery termanales were hooked up backwards when charged and blew a fuse of some sort. We have looked for a fuse of this sort and cannot find it.

Thanks,
Pat

I think it's a bad ignition switch, I could be wrong but thats my guess.

That has to be it. The car has a failsafe, it can only be started when the clutch is pushed in. The ignition switch is stuck ON, so every time you push the clutch in its like your starting the car.

OK That must be what it is i'll have to give that a try. I was also told to unplug the ignition and try pushing in the clutch then "should not crank over then *hense* ignition is bad."

Thanks,
Pat

FORDSVTPARTS wrote:I think it's a bad ignition switch, I could be wrong but thats my guess.

switch or relay?

focinite wrote:

FORDSVTPARTS wrote:I think it's a bad ignition switch, I could be wrong but thats my guess.

switch or relay?

Switch, They are prone to failure. The other thing that breaks is the little shaft from the lock cylinder to the switch but when that break it usually won't do anything.

I suppose a relay could cause it as well but since it seems to be linked through the clutch pedal position switch I'm guessing it's the ignition switch.

There wouldn't be power to the relay with the switch funtioning properly, would there?

The Key switch on the car works just fine it will start normal well kinda, other than the car turning over whne you push the clutch in. I am going to try to solve this problem today but the problem is the car is in a snow bank and a 100 yard walk through the snow.

Also do you have to have a special tool to get the switch out and in?? My brother has done one in his car and from what he reamembers that you do have to have that special tool.

Ok so I disconnected the Key switch and the clutch did not turn the engine over, so problem sloved? I will have to get a new switch to find out!