Clutch pedal is stuck / won't fully depress

[bdragonluigi]

Hey, I just bought a 1985 Pontiac fiero gt as a project for my first car before I get my license. The clutch pedal won't go all the way down, I think the slave cylinder is seized. And I can't get the engine to turn over because the the clutch won't fully depress. Anyone have experience with this? Help is greatly appreciated

 

[melsg5]

What will starting accomplish if you cannt shift?
Cracking open the hydraulic line will permit the pedal to go down but what are you going to do then without fixing the problem?
You could also jump the clutch pedal safely switch assuming it has one.

 

[bdragonluigi]

I am trying to get it to were I can troubleshoot the engine because it has been sitting for some time

 

[omologato]

I am trying to get it to were I can troubleshoot the engine because it has been sitting for some time

The only thing stopping you from starting the engine would be the clutch pedal safety start switch which @melsg5 has already correctly pointed out.

Block the wheels

Place transmission in neutral

Jump out the clutch pedal safety switch in order to crank the engine over

The switch is a non-latching momentary switch, pull the connector off the back of the switch and place an electrical jumper between two wires to "close" the switch so the start circuit can engage.

______________________________

 

[bdragonluigi]

Okay thank you.

 

[omologato]

Okay thank you.

You are welcome.

Most likely the switch is "normally open" type and when pushed the switch "closes" making the electrical connection hence the need for a jumper.

I typically beep test the switch with the pedal in the non-depressed state to see if it is in fact normally open. The other possibility but I doubt it is for the switch to be normally closed and when you push the pedal it opens the contacts and circuit. In this case all you have to do is pull the connector off the switch for the circuit to go open and start the engine.

To reiterate.

Pull connector off of clutch safety switch and try to start the engine. If it doesn't crank the switch is normally open which means you need the jumper. Install a jumper to the harness side connector to complete the circuit and crank engine over. One of the two scenarios will work for you.