Chevrolet Repair: 95 Geo Prism Intermitent starting problem, 95 geo prism, starter solenoid

Question
I have a '95 Geo Prism 5 speed standard.  I start my car by pushing in the cluch and turning the key.  It has always started right up. (I don't ever have to step on the gas.)  I am now having an intermitent problem where I push in the cluch, turn the key and the engine doesn't crank.  The only sound I hear are the chimes and or radio.  No sound from the engine.  I've been trying to find out if it has something to do with the mechanism where you must push the cluch peddle in to be able to have the engine turn over.  If you don't push the cluch in and try to start the car the same thing happens-the chimes and radio work but the car doesn't start.  Is there an adjustment for the cluch peddle or is the problem the entire starting mechanism?  Help.

Answer
Hi Val,
There is a switch, probably on the clutch pedal, and it may be bad, or just need adjustment.
Try holding the key in start, and pressing and releasing the clutch a few times to see if there is a difference.

Possible it could also be a loose wire connection, at the ignition switch, clutch switch, or starter solenoid, or it could be the starter.

Battery terminals dirty are often the cause of symptoms similar to yours.

But I really would expect it to be something simple and cheap, not a major problem.

That clutch switch could also be near the clutch. I haven't worked on a Prism. But I would look above the pedal.

Van