I have a 1999 ford ranger and I believe my Clutch safety starting switch is going out. Some times I push my clutch in and truck starts fine other times it will not turn over so I stomp clutch and then it starts. My question is, is there any way to bypass this switch?

 

Why not just replace the switch????

 

Because the switch is $60 bucks and if there is a way to bypass it then I would not have to worry about it going out again but if not then I will buy a switch

 

If you can't find a more reasonably priced new switch, then maybe consider one from a low mileage salvage yard donor, bet its price would be right.

 

You could, but there might be some collateral damage, so to speak. There are three sets of contacts in the clutch pedal position switch. One set is used to inhibit starting, one set looks like it's used to kill the cruise control and the third set goes to the powertrain control module. It's unclear how the PCM uses this input. This all assumes your Ranger is similar to my Explorer.

You would have to figure out which set(s) of contacts is (are) bad and modify the wiring. If your cruise works, then you know those contacts are good. However, if the bad set of contacts is in the circuit for the PCM, what's the effect of having this input in the incorrect state? Ford doesn't show you the logic so the only way to tell is trial and error. You'd need a wiring diagram and have to spend some time figuring all this out. If you factor in your time, you're probably better off just replacing the switch. But, I would still spend some time with a DMM troubleshooting to make sure the switch is the problem so that you don't spend money on a part that isn't needed.

If you don't need cruise, you could swap the cruise wires from the good set of contacts to the bad set. Of course, you would have to live without cruise, a feature that I would never miss. Then, you would have to remember what you did if something else goes wrong with the switch in 5 years.

And, if you have time, you could remove the switch and try to clean it. Some of these switches can be taken apart and cleaned, but you run the risk of breaking it or losing some spring-loaded doohicky that goes flying when the two halves are separated. Been there, done that. I usually do this as a stop-gap measure and out of curiosity, knowing that a new switch is in my near future.

I should also mention that when I experienced a similar problem with my '91 Ranger, it was because the floor mat had migrated underneath the clutch pedal. This prevented me from pushing the clutch pedal that last bit of distance needed to actuate the switch. So, check your floor mat first.

Keep in mind this switch is there for a reason - to protect you, or the person in front of/behind you, in the event that you try to start your Ranger in gear.

 

By the way, check Rock Auto. If you can stand the wait, you can get a switch starting at $20. Keep in mind the old adage.