Problems starting Ford Probe (MTX - Manual Transmission)

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mikedawg@gmail.com - 19 Jan 2006 15:48 GMT

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

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Backyard Mechanic - 19 Jan 2006 16:12 GMT

> 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
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> Mike

I dont recall having to depress brake to start my 93 SE.

Do your brake lights work?

IMO, most likely the starter or starter solenoid. If you hear no click,
and especially if you do.

Wedge yourself under the dash and check out the clutch-down switch.

Signature

Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

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mikedawg@gmail.com - 19 Jan 2006 16:15 GMT

I essentially get the same effect as if I had no pedals pressed down at
all. If I turn the key, there are no clicks, but the lights in the car
and radio dim. It is the same effect as if you were to step in your
MTX car and just try and turn the key without pressing any pedals.

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Backyard Mechanic - 19 Jan 2006 16:35 GMT

> I essentially get the same effect as if I had no pedals pressed down at
> all. If I turn the key, there are no clicks, but the lights in the car
> and radio dim. It is the same effect as if you were to step in your
> MTX car and just try and turn the key without pressing any pedals.

If the lights dim whether or not you have pedals depressed, then ???, meebe
battery? Or connection, from..

If ONLY when pedals depressed, that points to problems down the line. Like
I said, solenoid or stare OR battery or connection, from battery.

Signature

Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

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corij - 10 Oct 2006 05:41 GMT

DOES THE ENGINE TURN OVER AT ALL? SOUND LIKE ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL?
MINE 95 SE DID THIS AND IT WAS THE FUEL CUT OFF SWITCH & FUEL FILTER.

>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
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
>Mike

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