I have a 2000 Ranger XLT. I'm having problems with the clutch safety switch I believe..basically when I drive down the road everything is groovy, I shift gears no problem but when I start my truck I have to stomp the clutch to the floorboard to get started..sometimes that don't even work and I'll have to stomp and turn the key 6 or 7 times to get started...what can I do to fix or find out my problem??

 

Well me not being a ford technician i would say to add a spacing bracket to the switch to push it closer, I am not entirely sure as to where the switch is on this truck, but i work on international trucks, and their prostar series has had this issue a lot, i know we usually add about 1/8" in spacers and use longer bolts and it works fine.

 

Its just a cheap plastic switch on the clutch rod and i don't think it can be shimmed its a cheap part though maybe $10 bucks at the parts store and will only take maybe 10 mins to swap out.

 

Just to qualify the issue, the clutch safety switch passes 12volts to the starter motor switch.
So engine will not crank/turn over if the clutch switch is not closed, if engine is cranking, clutch switch is not the issue.

"Engine won't start" is a bit ambiguous, that could be clutch switch if engine isn't turning over, or it could be spark or fuel issue not related to clutch switch, if engine is turning over.

2000 Ranger could have a PATS(passive anti-theft system), this also disables starter motor regardless of clutch switch, if bulb is good dash board light should be flashing if PATS has disabled starting.
Turning key off and on causes new read of PATS key, it also re-primes fuel system