i have a problem where the car will not start because i can not press the clutch down far enough to get rid of the cars safty feature.
it has been doing this more and more in the last fiew weeks. i would guess it is some sort of switch that gets turned off when the clutch is pressed all the way down than the car will start.
can some one tell me what to look for ?

thanx

 

It should be physical trip switch mounted with the pedal mechanism. Try pm-ing onasled, he has taken everything appart on his race MINI and could give you a more definate answer.

 

The switch is a hall sensor located on the side of the clutch master cylinder. It sends a "neutral" signal to the EWS and EWS module allows it too start.

Several conditions must be met in order for EWS to engergize starter relay

EWS must like the key in the switch
Start signal from Ignition switch
Neutral from clutch switch

 

Why can't you press down the clutch pedal all the way? This definitely would cause your problem if this is the case!

 

i can press the clutch all the way down .... it just will not start once in a while. it is getting more often as time goes on. i hope it is just a matter of buying a new switch .

 

Hard to say unless you can get it to "act up" and check the signals...the clutch switch by nature doesn't go bad(no moving parts to wear).