I have 89' F150 standard tranny. I just replaced the starter and negative battery cable. The start solenoid was replaced a year ago along with the battery. When I engage the clutch to start it up nothing happens. I replaced the starter because just prior to this I would have to slam the clutch pedal so hard that it would bruise my foot and eventually this method just didn't work anymore and the engine wouldn't turn over . Could this actually be an ignition problem instead of a clutch problem?
Thanks again.

 

there's a switch connected to your clutch that won't let the starter engage unless the clutch pedal is pressed. Symptoms of a failing switch include the need to jam in the clutch to get the starter to engage.

Check that first.

 

How do I go about checking that? I'm assuming it's the one with the ball chain running from the pedal to the switch. I've "played" around with it a couple of times but it doesn't seem to help. Also, if this is a problem, can I pick this up at a parts store or do I need to order it special.
Thanks again.
J

 

Might try just shorting it out at the connector with a piece of wire. Just make sure you're shorting out the right switch.

 

Sorry, I'm a novice at that kind of stuff. I need more instructions on how to do that.
Thanks,
J

 

if you do short it out make sure you dont accidentally try and start it in gear or youll be driving through your garage wall, buddy of mine did it in an older jeep, wasnt pretty. you can bypass the sensor with a piece of wire, just look at the 2 connections and use your head to which way the currents gonna flow

 

You have to get the right two wires because there is another wire on it that goes to the computer. Connect the two red wires with the light blue stripe. The grey wire with the yellow stripe goes to the computer. There are two types of clutch interlock switches, one on the clutch master cylinder rod and one mounted to a bracket that hits a stop on the pedal.

 

Thanks Sean, just to be clear, this is the switch that is linked to the clutch pedal with a ball link chain and it 15A125 250 V AC? Also, if this proves to be faulty where could I get one because I took it into the parts store and they were no help and told me to go to the local hardware store where they couldn't help either? Will a repair shop have them in stock. Sorry for all of the questions, I haven't been able to use the truck in over a month and it's getting a little cold for bike riding up here.
Thanks again,
J

 

I don't recall this switch being hooked to the pedal with a ball and chain. One is mounted directly to the clutch master cylinder pushrod inside the cab just after the rod hooks to the pedal, and the other older style is to the left higher up and has a tab that is released when the clutch pedal is pressed. I would go to the junkyard to find one.

 

Sounds like someone has rigged up the switch that you have now. If it's got a pull chain, and stamped 15amp, 125/250 volt a/c, that's probably some sort of household lighting switch. (like the chain hanging from a ceiling fan to turn it on/off)

Auto parts store should have the correct switch - it's just not going to look like the one that's there now.