Manual Transmission Car Won't Start? Watch This First!

Hey guys! Recently I went to go take out my manual transmission Xterra and it wouldn't start! Like, it wouldn't even try. Very annoying. I immediately thought it was my starter and replaced it. It still would not start! After poking around, I determined that it was my Clutch Interlock Switch!!
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**This video is being performed by an experienced individual. Any attempt to repair automotive parts or its systems carries risk of personal injury. Always follow safe practices when working on vehicles such as using safety glasses, jack stands, not wearing loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied by these videos. Use the information in this video at your own risk. If you don't think you can perform the job then do not attempt it.
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#howto #diy #auto

[@Mejrfrog]

Hilarious sorry about this. I had an 06 manual and being my first xterra when it wouldn’t start, the salesman at the used car lot told me it had a kill switch so I would start it with the clutch out and just stick my foot up there and manually press the “kill switch” It wasn’t until I got another 06 manual transmission xterra to replace the first one that got totalled that I learned this whole mechanism and I actually kind of like it because I just took the little pad off this one too and now I have a “kill switch” don’t know how affective it would actually be to a car thief but I like being the only one that knows the trick to starting my vehicle 😂

[@Mejrfrog]

How you started it kneeling on the ground was I used to start my first one at the beginning too 😂

[@Rythecarguy]

Haha that's awesome, I really like that! I bet it would fool a TON of people trying to steal a car. Who would think that the clutch switch is not being hit!?

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Awesome! I just got an 06 with a manual!

[@BranC-oq2wd]

You can also just splice a wire between the clutch switch and the cigarette lighter. Then you have to put either a lighter or a accessory into the light outlet for it to start, but the clutch switch also works so you can't start it without the clutch pushed in for safety. I did that on my Frontier, which has an accessory port and a lighter port in the dash. I didn't need both.

[@lg_ballgloves7486]

Just got my first truck! 1999 Nissan Frontier XE that my grandpa passed onto me. He put over 3k worth of work into it before giving it to me so I was surprised to see that the truck wouldn’t turn over but the dash lights turned on. Well it ended up being the plastic piece on the clutch that clicks the sensor. I found it Broken on the floor. Thank you for this video it saved my dad from taking it to the shop to get screwed over.

[@jeffjafari-gm1dy]

Excellent video: 1- short and to the point without dancing around the subject matter 2- Excellent annunciation that made it easy to lesson to with correct speed of talk/presenting the material. Both annunciation and speed of verbal presentation made the entire video comprehensive. 3. This one is particular to the presenter of the video and that is his voice. It was a tune that fits a tv news broadcaster, or long story teller. I hope you have a job that you like and are happy with. Otherwise if you want to pursue a career in tv (any role including news broadcast, any talk show, or any commercial ) 4- very clear and eye- friendly video

[@Rythecarguy]

Wow, thank you for the very kind comment. I was a corporate trainer and worked in IT phone support for years before doing KZbin full time.

[@SonnyJimenez-bj5cg]

I can't thank you enough. This video literally saved me from spending a $160 on a new alternator I thought it was to start but I got a new starter thought it was a battery. Got a new battery saw this video as soon as I was about to go and get a new alternator and I looked at my clutch paddle and realized the piece of plastic was missing

[@freddievaldez6587]

Amazing. I'm sooooo thankful to you. I was about to do the same thing, considering replacing the starter. After watching your video, I checked my clutch pedal switch and sure enough, just like yours, brittle and disintegrated. I replaced it with a bolt and a couple of nuts just to make contact. My car is now fixed. Thanks to your video. God bless you with more practical wisdom. I am sooo grateful to you.

[@MasonObscura]

Had this happen to my '05. Bump started it by using a fire truck to push me up to about 20 mph. Went home, found the plastic on the floorboard, and it lead me to the interlock switch. There is now a nickel glued to the clutch pedal and hasn't failed me in over a decade of use.

[@Rythecarguy]

So annoying right?!

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Thanks for the video, Ry! Been a while since you have done an XTerra video. Looking forward to many more!

[@Rythecarguy]

You got it! Ill keep going.

[@gkelly486]

I just had this problem with my '08 Xterra. Replaced the starter first and then was looking into the starter relay, fusible link, and several other things until I realized a small piece of broken rubber at the clutch pedal was the culprit. Jury-rigged something to fit in its place and it starts right up every time now. Cheap and easy fix. Love your videos man, they've helped me out a lot!

[@Rythecarguy]

Hey thanks. Don't you just hate that? Some times it's the simplest things.

[@JoseRodriguez-ru4kw]

Hola Ry, Muchas gracias por tu video, me ha sido de mucha ayuda. Saludos.

[@milesb4231]

Cool! I wired in a clutch bypass for off-roading years ago and now I know to try that if this issue happens!

[@ryancrawford7747]

Hi Ryan! Ryan also here! Same thing happened to me. I pulled up at the grocery store went inside and came out and the Xterra wouldn't start. I was sort of dumbfounded as the battery seemed like it was working fine and immediately thought it was the starter as well. On my truck I do have Clutch start button where if you press it you can start it without depressing the clutch pedal. Got home and saw these little two pieces of plastic on the floor and discovered what had happened by looking at some Xterra forums. I bought the Xterra brand new and the first time I drove it, I was always curious why I would hear a clicking noise every time I depressed the clutch!! Great video!

[@BrianChristopherFranco]

Love the vids as usual! I had bought a certified pre owned 2000 Honda S2000 and the first place it went was to have an alarm and tent put on! The guy told me that he could install this new thing called auto start, but as it was a manual, I had to sign a waiver form that released them of any auto start issues that resulted in damage to the vehicle or anyone else's property or persons. They explained to just have my e brake checked regularly and never leave the car in gear to avoid any unintended forward or rearward motimg of the vehicle! Of course I tried this while sitting in the driver seat and given the chance, it could definitely build up enough speed to cause some serious damage! I actually had to replace the same little rubber stopper on a manual civic! Friend couldn't get it to start, dropped a bolt in the flywheel housing, and just threw parts at the poor car...I realized it was a manual after replacing the starter and nothing.... Held the key in the start position and moved the clutch up and down and didn't hear a clicking from a relay and thus, found the stopper to be gong and it was just going right through the hole! Lol I feel your pain buddy! This one was kinda long, my bad! Have a good one buddy! ✌️

[@Rythecarguy]

Thats wild, so other manufacturers are doing the rubber stopper method huh? Thats annoying. It’s something you don’t think of right away. Wild about the S2000. If you are the only person that drives it then its probably not a big deal but I would be worried if someone else drove it and I wanted to remote start. A lot of people like to put manuals in gear when they park the car, could cause issues!

[@tomtruesdale9400]

Just saved me a tow job! Thank you so much for this super consise video!

[@Rythecarguy]

Bro, this comment is why I make YT videos. I love this. Thanks for watching man.

[@freddievaldez6587]

Great info. Thanks!

[@jongugin9621]

Happened to me with my 2006 Xterra too. It was really puzzling at first. Luckily I found the solution on a Xterra forum. Glad I googled it before I called a tow truck lol. Such a cheaply made part for something so important.

[@Rythecarguy]

Agreed! Makes you think something far more serious is going on.

[@jongugin9621]

@@Rythecarguy yeah for sure. I thought it was gonna be the starter or something. Not a 10¢ piece of plastic.

[@snafujag100]

Ha! It’s finally spring up here, and changing from big clunky winter boots to running shoes precipitated exactly the same no start situation. Had me wondering for a few minutes! 😂😂

[@Rythecarguy]

Haha nice. It's amazing the simple things that keep our vehicles from starting

[@kalebbrown8130]

Thank you, it’s a relief

[@jthondacrf8926]

Awesome video

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks man!

[@TheNerdy1]

I had this happen on my 08 Off Road edition. I didn't know what it was, but thankfully my model has and clutch override button from the factory. When I found out what the issue was, the actual switch was broken and the pad was missing. Replaced the switch and I used a trim body panel plug. This was cheaper than the Nissan rubber plug.

[@Rythecarguy]

Heck yea. I like that method.

[@curtthechameleon]

Great idea for a video. I have a manual ,so much appreciated that this is something to watch out for.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks! I need to think of more videos that are not so technical or parts install videos.

[@davemarchand3381]

Jesus. Thank you. My switch wasn't hitting because my damn floor matt was in the way

[@rockyprivratsky5692]

Thanks for the video. I’m thinking that I can 3D print it, If my little plastic piece for my clutch switch fails.

[@Rythecarguy]

Ohh good thought!

[@robertquevedo1430]

Did solved my problem thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad to help!! 💪🏻

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

My nephew has a Mazda 3 with manual transmission. He had the same problem and he went out and bought a $300 starter. Then towed the car to my house to install it. Well, before I did anything I checked the battery, alternator, grounds, relay and all good. I put it in neutral and jumped the relay and the car started immediately. I did what you did next pushed the safety switch and started the car. Boom it ran. $30 later he was back in business and returned the new starter. Saved the iid $270 he didn't need to spend.

[@Rythecarguy]

Heck yea! Hopefully we bought you dinner or something. LOL

[@blthep1411]

Same crap on my 2019 frontier. Wouldn’t start the other day. Thankfully I have the dash override switch being a pro4x so it was only a minor headache. I solved the issue permanently by putting an M8 bolt/nylock nut in the pedal hole so now the bolt head contacts the switch instead. All I had to do to make that work was unthread the switch a bit to give my pedal more depth for the thicker bolt head. Works great. Btw, see that hole above your new plastic piece? There is supposed to be one in that hole too. It contacts the pedal bracket to provide a cushioned bump stop for the pedal. That might be why your lower one died, due to lack of The upper. Either way both of mine went bad. I am now changing the upper one on 10k intervals and my bolt trick on the lower one will never need to be messed with again.

[@Rythecarguy]

Damn, yall keep talking about this override switch and I have never even heard of it! Where is it? It sounds cool. Thanks for the tip on the other piece didnt even see that.

[@blthep1411]

@@Rythecarguy well I can’t post a pic, but if you google “nissan frontier clutch start cancel switch”, you should see it. I believe it came on all the Nismo and Pro-4X frontiers. Probably the Off-Road and Pro-4x Xterras as well. It’s really handy for when the stock piece fails.

[@BrukPeterson]

I'm missing the little rubber plunger thing that hits the clutch switch. I thought I found it on Amazon, but it wouldn't fit. Where do you suggest I look? Or what do I search for? I love your videos. I have a 2006 Xterra Off Road and I love it.. I hope you can help.. Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

The easiest way to do it is just call your local Nissan dealership and tell them you need the rubber bumper that hits the clutch interlock switch. They will order it for you and it's only a couple dollars. I bought two for the next time this happens.

[@Rythecarguy]

They can usually get it within one day if it's not already at the dealership

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Ry, what are your thoughts on wheel spacers to push those wheels out for a better stance? Too much stress on the wheel bearings? Unsafe? Or good to go? Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

I think if they are small or moderately sized you should be ok. I would just avoid the temptation of getting the cheap aluminum ones off Amazon.

[@williamcadwalader1226]

You just saved my ass! Thank you!

[@Rythecarguy]

So glad to help! Thanks so much for the super thanks. 🙏🏻

[@jkearl]

this same thing happened in my 07 off-road, but you can use the clutch start button to get past having to push the clutch pedal in to start it

[@Rythecarguy]

What is this “clutch start button” you speak of? I am intrigued.

[@TrayJayRecords]

@@Rythecarguy it’s a button for when you’re trailing. If you’re on the edge of a rock, stuck in mud or in an otherwise compromising position where you cannot afford wheels spin or rolling back you press the button with the truck in 1st, and turn it on for it to move forward by itself. you probably don’t have it if it’s a 2wd

[@nickwind2584]

Not bad. I own both manual and auto transmission cars and sometimes I forget to hold the clutch in to start it and panic when it doesn’t crank! I forgot to press in the clutch. Oof!

[@Rythecarguy]

Haha I do the same!

[@EMdemo]

The worst is when you're driving the automatic 05 Pathfinder and approaching an intersection that you've timed (with your 06 Frontier 6sp) and will get a green light if you down shift ... Needless to say, i never realized how violently fast and hard my left leg can hit a pedal. And by pedal, i mean the brakes. The seat belt literally kept me from flying forward as i clearly was unprepared for the impromptu brake check.

[@fuelinjectedrc]

I had bought mine not running from someone. Rebuilt the the motor and went to start it nothing.. luckily mine has the clutch cancel button and was a quick way to check and it fired right up

[@Rythecarguy]

Niiice! I bet that felt good hearing it turn over.

[@fuelinjectedrc]

@@Rythecarguy Definitely! You didn't have any videos for taking the heads off but once I got to the timing it was easy after watching the videos ha

[@antoniocabezas7142]

Happened to me a month after I bought my frontier in 2018. Took the switch off and soldered the wires.

[@Rythecarguy]

Ohh I like that idea, as long as I'm the only one driving it LOL

[@Theregoeslouis]

I SWEARRRRRRRRRR, I should of watched your video right before I went and replaced the CrankShaft Sensor hahah, only a $34 part but whatever, I went under and pushed the clutch interlock switch in and my car started

[@Rythecarguy]

Frustrating huh! I replaced my damn starter thinking it was the issue before I figured it out.

[@enochmartin7190]

Hey Ry, I've got a 2009 X that I flooded a few days ago. The engine still runs great and was driving for at least 20 mins afterward but there are some electrical issues like being stuck in 4lo and now I can't start the vehicle after turning it off. Nothing happens when I turn the key or try to push start it (even by pulling with another vehicle). Do you have any suggestions for steps I could take? The water was maybe three inches deep inside the cabin, everything is pretty much dried out by now

[@enochmartin7190]

Fuses are good and I took apart all the connectors I could find and have been drying stuff with a heat gun. Battery is good too

[@Rythecarguy]

I if it does not even try I would pull the starter and get it bench tested. It sits really low on the transmission bell housing and would've been submerged if the floorboards were also submerged.

[@enochmartin7190]

@@Rythecarguy thanks, I actually was able to get it to turn over a few times with my jumper box on the battery, so I can tell the starter is good but now I can't get that again, even with jumper cables. I got a battery charger and it's been charging overnight so we'll see what I can get today.

[@curtthechameleon]

Also, not Xterra related but I bought several sensors for my Aerostar and it ended up being the Computer. Hundreds of dollars worth of sensors. Figures. Haha

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh no, that’s so annoying. I recently bought a Saab so I think this might be the story of my life soon. :D

[@mclehed77]

Hey ry could u have put a small bolt n nut with a piece of rubber on the pedal instead of buying that piece from the dealer ? Just to don't have to deal with that again , even tho u got 2.

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh yea, before I bought the stoppers I used a piece of rubber and duct tape.

[@mclehed77]

@@Rythecarguy ok

[@sneaks01]

Same exact thing happened to me!

[@Rythecarguy]

Craziness! What a dumb design.

[@sneaks01]

@@Rythecarguy Love your channel buddy! Keep up the great work!

[@tavernierfl6653]

Hi I have a 2006 Nissan Xterra 5sp manual The car starts and idle perfect but ones I put it on 1st and give it throttle it doesn’t get any RPM and has no power…. The head gasket was replaced due to overheating, than mass air sensor was replaced, the throttle body was replaced and now I’m having this problem….. Can someone help? Thank You

[@Rythecarguy]

Does it rev up and just not go anywhere? Or does it bog down when you try to give it gas?

[@tavernierfl6653]

@@Rythecarguy Sorry I couldn’t reply before but yeah it starts and idles and it revs while it’s in neutral But as soon as I Put it on first gear and tried to go it bog down

[@fernandoaguirre6556]

Should’ve watched this before spending 300 dollars on a new battery and a new starter, it started right up when I pushed the button with my finger on my 2000 xterra

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh man, I bought a new starter too. The battery should be able to be returned pretty easily.

[@AlphaNature_]

Exact same thing happened to me. Stupid plastic part just falls out.

[@Rythecarguy]

So annoying.

[@jamesrodgers8486]

What if you've changed that switch, and it still does nothing. I pushed the button in as you did and nothing. The battery is good, and the starter relay is good. Possibly the starter, then?

[@Rythecarguy]

Yes. Possibly the starter. It's pretty easy to take out. I have a video on it. You can get it bench tested at a automotive parts store. Before buying a new one.

[@jamesrodgers8486]

Thanks, since this question, I have seen a video where the starter relay was pulled and bridged to test starter. I did the same, and the car crunk (so it's not the starter either) I've wondered if it's the wiring from the clutch switch to the next plug in. Thoughts?

[@eddieeelit2312]

did you ever fix this issue im having the same problem n swapped everything out loosing hope :/

[@BranC-oq2wd]

I replaced my rubber plug with a small bolt and nut. The head of the bolt bumps the switch and will last a lifetime.

[@Rythecarguy]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@podnucmo5]

I remember throwing a ziptie on that plunger in my MR2. I absolutely loved being able to lean through the window to start it since I'd warm it up in the cold. Go ahead, someone lecture me about how unsafe this is. 😅

[@Rythecarguy]

I'm SO surprised to hear that. 😂

[@morbidelm2783]

my car won’t turn on if i accidentally start the car in 1st gear and stall…

[@khontsuen]

Saya mengalami masalah yang sama. Semua isyarat indikator menyala, tetapi enjin tidak dapat dihidupkan. Start kosong, dan tiada apa² berlaku. Saya akan berusaha mencari bahagian yang belum terpasang sepenuhnya.

[@mikemorgan4670]

Yeah.....vehicles, lucky they start at all!!!

[@Rythecarguy]

Tell me about it! I'm gunna be so nervous to turn the key on my Titan rebuild when it comes time.

[@mikemorgan4670]

@@Rythecarguy I would be too, but you are meticulous and competent and took your time Still😬😬😬

[@randymarchant737]

I keep a spare one in the glove box

[@Rythecarguy]

That's what I'm talking about 🤘🏻

[@Ricky16317]

That's exactly what happened to me about a month after I bought my X. Did some light wheeling in Moab, thought I'd killed it and had my in-laws haul it home on a flatbed trailer, all for a stupid little plastic nub. Horrible design

[@Rythecarguy]

Agreed. Bummer you had to go through all that trouble.

[@glnstercroooz51]

I have a 2001 nissan exterra and every so often It won't start,the clutch switch was hanging busted with the contacts exposed,I would press both together when it wouldn't start,but this last time it didn't work,I replaced the switch and still no click sound or lights,I also tested the battery and the battery is fine,any suggestions?

[@Rythecarguy]

If you take the switch back off and touch the contacts will it start?