YACT: Why must you push in the clutch on a MT car to turn it on...

[Zenmervolt]

Most newer cars have an electrical interlock switch on the clutch pedal that will not complete the starter circuit unless the clutch is pressed down.

My older cars don't and I can start them with the clutch engaged.

The main reason is to lighten the load on the starter. Having to turn the transmission as well as the engine puts a little extra strain on the starter and it's less wear and tear if it only has to turn over the engine.

ZV

 

[thomsbrain]

my car's not manual, but i removed the part of my automatic that makes it so you have to push the brake to take it out of park. the part died and it was stuck in park... so no more part and everything works properly again. talk about the apendix of cars.

 

[AdamSnow]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
It's most likely a safety thing... it makes perfect sense to me...

I agree...

A friend of mine has a Nissan NX2000 (old) and he can start it without pushing the pedal.

 

[imported_Phil]

Why are there so many people on here that try and start a car without following basic driving instructions?

Clutch in, start car, clutch out so I can put my seatbelt on - LURCHH, the car springs forward and dies.

Lessons required.