I own a '96 Ford Probe SE (MTX - Manual Transmission).  I've recently
been having problems starting the car, and I believe that there are 3
possibilities for this problem, I just needed help identifying which
one is the source.

Being and MTX, I need to have the clutch, and the brake pedal pressed
down in order to start the car, however, I don't believe the solenoid
that determines that the brake pedal is pressed is being triggered.

Also, I've noticed that I can't depress the brake pedal very far at
all, I'm guessing I can press it down around an inch, or a little less;
and when I press it down that far, the solenoid isn't detecting that
I'm pressing on the brake.

How sensitive should the solenoid that detects that I'm pressing my
brake be?  Is this going to be a problem with my brakes, the solenoid
deal - that detects I'm pressing the brake pedal, or a problem with
someting on the starter?

Thanks

Mike