I have to practically push my clutch pedal through the floor on my 2000. Is this common? Is there any way to make adjustments that will not require the leg of a place kicker to start my rig?

 

I know very little about 2000's, but it looks like they have a hydraulic controlled clutch. Check the fluid in the master cylinder (it should be near the brake master, but smaller). If it is full, try pumping the pedal. If it is low on fluid, and you need to pump it, it is a leak or bad slave cylinder. If it is full and you have to pump it, it is the master. If none of the above, check back for instructions on how to adjust the pedal.

 

No, it's not the fluid level. It's got something to do with the sensor that's under the floor where the clutch pedal touches the floor when depressed. That sensor must be depressed in order for the vehicle to start. On mine, you need to push on the pedal really hard to activate the sensor. I'm just wondering if it's this hard on all 2000 4runners and if not, what I can do about making it somewhat easier to depress. It's fine for me, but I'm about to teach my wife how to drive a manual transmission and she has leg problems. Just wondering if I can make it easier for her.

 

Mine 2000 SR5 is similiar... clutch has to be all the way to floor.

The sensor in question is called the Neutral Safety Switch (part no 8452024010).

I recently replaced this switch, but it didn't make much of a difference. Do a search on neutral safety switch and you'll see a few articles on YT.

-batsoff

 

try using the clutch start cancel button.......

the clutch is easy to push all the way down to the floor.

 

What about the warning that says not to use that unless absolutely necessary? I guess maybe with the vehicle in neutral it would be fine...

 

my 2000 does the same darn thing - and it really annoys me. ITs funny to watch people get in and try to start it = and they cant cause they arent putting enough force to the floor. Bump if someone figurs out a solution.

 

I use the clutch start cancel all the time in the winter, when I want my truck to warm up. Reach in turn the key hit the button, works every time. Just as long as your in neutral

 

I can't remember if that sensor is adjustable or not. Try climbing under there to see if you can find it. You really have to contort on the floor board or I have found its best to lay on your back on the floorboard. It is pretty easy to find and figure out how it works. It is very simalar to how the door adjar buttons are on the second gen 4runners, Its a long little white button (I think) that the clutch pedal arm depresses. If I remember I will climb under mine and look after work today.

 

x2 and I have been doing it every cold day (say 35 and below) since 1999. Pretty sure warning is only for doing it in gear, which I have never done.

My '99 is the same way. I have had dummy NYC garage attendants tell me my battery is dead because they don't push it all the way down. Fortunately, I only go to the big city two or three times a year. Especially because NYC has a big vehicle surcharge for 4Runners, even though it takes up less space than most full size sedans. Really fries me.

 

thats for if your going to be using it in gear to start it..... it's a safety feature that allows you to start the truck on a very steep incline where you can't roll back, and also if your engine dies and your on some train tracks you can use that to crawl forward over the tracks.

I've used it a couple of times in gear, and countless times not in gear.... i practically use it everyday.

 

Interested in keeping this going a bit.

I'm getting the impression that the Clutch Cancel Switch is a good way to start the vehicle when the Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) is acting up/going bad.

In Neutral only of course...one foot on the brake or the parking brake on.

Any other thoughts ?

I bring it up because we have had some cold weather hit here lately, yesterday mine would not start at around zero degrees, was time for a new battery anyways. Then today with the new Optima installed and about 7 below zero, again it would not start.

Remembered the switch and it fired right up. My diagnosis is the NSS does not like the cold weather, and it might be best to bypass it on those really cold occasions.

Had the battery checked-good voltage and over 1000 cold cranking amps-Red Top is rated at 700. Good alternator and starter activity said the youngish guy at Advance Auto.

Welcome other input from 5 speeders.

Safe New Year to all.

 

Isn't there some adjustment you can make? the switch is threaded right?

 

I gotta crawl under there and take a closer look vital.

I'm sure if I mess with it I can just break it completely....

 

I would guess it is possible that from the years the switch itself gets some dirt on it slowing it down in very cold weather keeps if from closing and making contact.

Yes there is always some wiggle room with adjustment.

This is one of the first things to be disconnected on any manual vehicle I own

I have a habit from years of parking with transmissions in neutral and emergency brake engaged makes a neutral safety sort of redundant .

Besides I like being able to open the door or reach in a open window and start the vehicle.

Although I do understand the need for this system around some drivers.

 

There are more recent threads than this that show the fix. I used a felt furniture bumper and another guy used a rubber amp foot to shim the flat spece where the clutch switch button engages against. 50 cent five minute fix.

 

thank you both for the input. I will crawl under there and try to understand the mechanics of how it 'engages'.

 

My 00 also is very hard to start so I use the cancel button every single time I start it.