997.1 C2S manual will not crank intermittenly

[vince993s]

Several times before my car would not crank. Then after aggressively pushing in clutch it would start. But today was different, I returned to my car afte a short trip, put the key in the ignition and sat for a while and returned some text messages. Then when I was ready to leave, I turned key with clutch and brake engaged and nothing, no dash lights either. I turned key left then right several times and nothing. I tried to remove key and it was “stuck”. So I thought dead battery, I turned on headlights and nothing! Tried to Pull out key and with a tug it came out. Retried and nothing. At some point the message came on, “engage clutch” (not sure of exact words), Tried again, nothing. Also asome point the message “key 1” showed u as well. Pulled key out, again it was stuck, but I then  used the key to lock and unlock the doors and car started right up! Any thoughts?

[Ahsai]

Welcome to Renntech 

 

Sounds like your clutch switch to me. If key is left in ignition without starting car for some time, it will not start the car and that's a feature.

Not sure why your key got "stuck" in the ignition though. That can only be a mechanical problem. When it happens again, try jumper the clutch switch wires with a metal paper clip and see if that changes anything.

[vince993s]

Thanks for your response, from what I read, if the battery dies and the key is inserted into the ignition, it cannot be removed until the battery is restored or car is jump started.

[Ahsai]

Then I think it's a good idea to load test the battery just to eliminate it. Next is clutch switch and the ignition switch itself.

[vince993s]

Will do, thanks.