o/t Dodge Nitro 2.8 diesel wont start

My Dodge Nitro 2.8 six speed diesel has been absolutely great over the past 15 months but not now.
Last week it wouldnt start after sitting for 15 minutes, tried turning the key 20 or 30 times with absolute nothing happening or noises from starter. She then starts right up and runs as normal for the rest of the day start stop etc. Again at night after sitting for an hour or so wouldnt start but after much fiddling around I did get it to start by moving the gear lever between neautral and reverse with the ignition switch turned to the start position. Car wont start now even when doing this, starter does occasionally make some encouraging sounds but only momentarily.
Looks like it could be an electrical issue, local shop cannot look at it until next week.
I thought it might be a clutch postion switch (safety device) clutch needs pressing befor starter can be engaged. Could also be the starter, earth or even imobiliser. What do you guys think.
Clutch position switch connector has three wires but I dont know which to connect together to bypass the switch?
Any help or advice very welcome.
 
Buy a code reader. All the newer cars are so full of sensors they will set a trouble code for just about any problem.
Sounds like the clutch position sensor. I doubt it's the gear selection sensor because it should start in any gear as long as the clutch is disengaged.
If you're going to keep the car for the long term should buy the service manual for it. Cost for the manual on CD probably not too much. The one for my 2003 Dodge 3500 was $90. It's been well worth it for me. Good luck with it.
 
Diesel nitro?? another "american" made car with a diesel we can't use in our own country. By the way what kind of mileage you getting with it??
 
Why is the natural reaction to disable it? Go to the Dodge dealer, get a new switch, swap it in for the old one, problem fixed.

Seems more sensible than trying to burn your car to the ground by crossing wires randomly.
 
Regular driving say 50 mile trip up and down gears and some town driving 31mpg. If I drive really easy 50-60mph and dont accelerate quickly I have occassionally managed 40 mpg on a 100 mile open road trip. 37mpg on open road taking it easy can be done without too much trouble. Performance wise I think its about the same as the 3.7 or 4litre gas that you guys have. They have lots of critics over here but I think they are great until she wouldnt start.
 
I'm sure he just wants to by pass to confirm the switch fault before spending $$$$ at the dealer. North American cars are about the only ones with clutch safety switchs.
 
Bill, good to hear you can get diesel Nitro there. Is it RHD? VM engine?
Buickanddeere needs to read your post and learn about the advatages of diesel.
 
Does it possibly have a "neutral position" switch also? You're right,it does sound like one of those "safety devices" Maybe it won't be excessively expensive.
 

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