My S-Max has an intermittent starting issue.

Normally when you push the power button first time we wait for the "press clutch to start" to come up. When press the clutch the "press clutch to start" will disappear. Press the power button again and the car starts.

However now when I press the clutch pedal this doesn't clear and the car won't turn over. If I press the brake at the same time then the "press clutch to start" will clear, but still the car won't turn over.

I've replaced both the switches on the clutch pedal, and still the same issue. I've checked the starter motor, starter relay and fuse. All are ok. I've checked continuity from relay down to solenoid switch and power lead to the starter too both are ok. I've also checked every fuse and relay linked or remotely linked to starting that I can see, everything looks to be ok.

It's as if the car isn't registering the clutch is pressed. This is a bit of head scratcher ?

If anyone has any ideas or a solution it would be much appreciated in getting this issue fixed.

Thanks 

 

24 minutes ago, Johno7153 said:

I've replaced both the switches on the clutch pedal,

Just checking that you replaced both the upper and lower clutch switches (one blue and one black) and that you have each of them the correct way.

If you use the software FORScan you will be able to monitor the clutch switch(s) operation. Also you need to check that the push button start switch is fully operating.

Hi Unofix. 

Yeah I replaced both I got both the switches from Ford but they are both black the same as the ones I took out. I think the power button is working ok, as the lights do dip when pushing it on the second time to start. I also get power to the relay when the button is push, I checked that with a multimeter.

I downloaded FORScan the other day, but so far I can't get it to work on my laptop

Thanks for confirming the switch changes. 

I'm surprised that they were both black but if the old ones were the same then it must be right. Usually one switch is a 'normally open' type and the other 'normally closed' 

You are going to have to get FORScan working so you can see what the problem is. 

I think the problem i have with the laptop is i'm using an old ELM-327 adapter and win 11 isn't reading it. I've ordered up A obdlink-ex adapter last night. hopefully this will help to find the issue.

I'm sure the issue i'm having with the car is whatever sends or receives the signal from the clutch pedal switches isn't doing so. As far as can see there is no damage to the two wires going to the switches. The fact that the "press clutch to start" isn't clearing when the clutch is pressed make me think this. I have do idea though what is responsible in the circuit for this.  

I got to the route of this issue. It turned out to be a bad earth on the starter relay. I fixed by running a wire from that terminal on the relay to the chassis. I hope this helps anyone else who has the same issue.

Thank you for posting your solution. It will be bound to help somebody in the future so Cheers!