Anyone know why my 2003 Elantra will not start?

[jmplante]

My Elantra GT is only 1 year old, has 13,000 miles and the ONLY problem is that recently for no reason it will just not start. It does not turn over, but all the electricals turn on. The first time this happened I waited a few minutes, tried again, and it started. Ran great for about a week. Next time, it happened again and I had to have it towed. The dealership mechanic started the car right up when it arrived at the garage. They checked the battery (works fine), the starter, the alternator, ignition switch, and they couldn't seem to identify the problem. I've been driving it and it's been okay but now, 2 weeks later, I have the same problem. It is a 5 speed manual and if I pop the clutch I can get it to start, but this problem keeps happening. Anyone know what it could be?

[NorthernYankee]

Prolly the Clutch interlock switch...it might be bad or needs to be adjusted.

--NY

[jmplante]

Thanks for your help! Appreciate it!

[NorthernYankee]

No Problem...I hope that it helps, if it is the switch it should be an easy fix.

--NY

[yevRPS]

it won't start cuz you touch yourself at night ok i'm j/k here....but yeah NY is onto something here. if everything you say was checked at the dealer indeed checked out ok the clutch interlock switch would be the next thing to take a look at....i'm actually surprised they didn't at the dealership. btw there's a DIY on EGT on how to disable it all together. http://www.elantragtclub.com/id406.html good luck and let us know how it turns out

[vabeach_03]

JM..... i had that problem a while ago. and thinking aobut it, it was right around 12-13K miles. brought it in and it they replaced it. no problems now.

[jmplante]

You guys rock!

[skycam]

I have the same problem with the clutch interloc. The switch seems to like the clutch about an inch off the floor for it to work. I haven't had the problem during the summer but during the winter it happens maybe 30% of the time. I've never not got it started though just play with the clutch for a few seconds and it fires right up. If you turn the key and nothing happens hold the key in that position (start position) and slowly lift the clutch it will start. There is a DIY on elantragt i think that shows you how to bypass the interlock. Remember that the car will then be able to start in gear which is dangerous and embarrasing especially when people are around and there is a curb in front of you and you hit the curb and your friends laugh and point at you, I've never done it but you know what I mean.

[JacksonJ]

I've had similar problems. Just one question, do you have rubber floormats? if so the mat maybe going up too high and getting under the clutch pedal. It may not be a faulty clutch interlock switch if this is your problem. When my car won't start, I just simply pull the mat down to where it should be and it has no problems. Just another thing you could look at.

[jmplante]

Yup, it is the clutch interlock--you were right!

[NorthernYankee]

Damn I'm good...I'm glad you got it all fixed. Oh and welcome to the site I hope you like it here.

--NY

[jriverat]

I ran into your thread today, while researching the "Won't start problem". Boy are we glad I ran into you. I went outside, and "Played" with the clutch. Unbelievable. 14K miles, and the switch goes bad. You saved us a lot of grief. Thanks a million and God Bless!