Are twisting the key instead of the Black plastic tab that spins with the key when starting your vehicle?

 

After realizing you have a manual tranny, duh me, check the clutch neutral switch mounted on the top back of the clutch pedal. If that's not the problem you may have a problem with the PATS system (the chip in the key), which would have to be taken to a locksmith or dealer for repair.

 

I rarely drive it but when i do i use the big black tabs. I can't answer how he does it. He drives it daily.

What's the problem if he uses just the key?

 

Funny! Don't feel bad i have had a lot of duh me moments lately. Since I'll probably be doing this myself, can you give me more info on where this switch is and how to check it? Do i just replace it?

 

Can you be more specific on how to check the neutral safety switch? Should i be looking to see if its loose? Corroded? Or should i just replace it?

 

Just to clarify, I've not personally worked on a standard shift 150. But I have had the same exact problem on an 02 Ranger. The switch will be mounted towards the top back side of the clutch pedal. It may even go through the firewall and attach to the clutch master cylinder as was the case with the ranger. If its a 2 wire switch, you can disconnect it and ohm out the 2 connectors on the switch itself with a multi meter with the switch depressed to ensure continuity. If it has more than 2 wires, just replace it. I would go ahead and replace it anyway if not for anything but narrowing it down.

Sorry to be vague about the info, but I don't want to tell you the wrong thing and it hassle you to do the work to no avail. I can guarantee you there's gonna be a switch mounted somewhere on that clutch pedal that keeps the vehicle from being started while in gear. And if that switch is bad, you won't be able to start it traditionally.

Good luck and much props for trying!

 

Thanks so much for the advice. He used the jumper wire to start it this morning. I will have to wait until he gets home and then see what i can find along the clutch pedal.

Then I'm going to check any and all fuses and relays.

Is the clutch safety switch the same thing as the neutral safety switch?

 

Yes. Its more commonly called the neutral safety switch on automatics.

 

Great! Thanks so much. I'm hoping this might be it. If not i might scream. LOL

I don't mind getting dirty and working on my own vehicles ... I can do my own oil change, change plugs & wires, change a distributor cap & rotor, change a radiator and alternator but something like this frustrates me.

 

Now if I can just get you to hang out with my wife....maybe some of that rubs off! LOL