Weird Starting Problem

[fullhart]

I have a 95 SC2 with 172,000 miles on it. The engine was replaced 10/05 (at 151,000 miles, the alternator 9/06, and the battery 11/06.
When I tried starting my car this morning, It wouldn't start. I had dash lights, radio lights and 5 dings (seat belts?), but when I turned the key, no start, and no sound. I have two keys, and tried both of them, still no start. I had the clutch depressed all the way to the floor, and tried starting in both first gear, and neutral, no start. WEIRD part, I turned the key all the way to start, THEN pushed the clutch in, and it started fine. Drove to work, and everything was normal (ABS light is on, but it has been for awhile before the start problem). After I shut the engine off at work, I restarted it immediately with no problem. I have a carpet mat there, so to eliminate it as a possibility, I took it out after I got to work. Can the mat get jammed too far up there that it will interfere with the clutch switch, or full depression of the clutch? I'm going out around lunch to see if it starts ok without the mat being there.
Any ideas about it starting after the key is fully on, and then depressing the clutch?
I'll let you know if it starts right up during lunch.
BTW, I'm not a mechanic, but I read these forums for ideas.
Thanks,
Larry

[BarnOwl]

Sure the mat can get bunched up enough to do that but, I'll bet you have dirty/loose battery terminals.

[Sir Trews]

I had my 94 SL2 do that same thing... drove into the drive.. shut it off... went to start... nothing... had all the lights, bells and whistles, but on starting...nothing... alt had died and took the battery with it. Check those terminals and if nothing still, get the bat checked.

[fullhart]

Okay, I just went out to start it, and it started with no problems. I'll keep an eye on it, and let you know if I get the problem again.

[madpogue]

Yuh, sounds like a one-off episode with the clutch switch. Another reason I just made a little jumper out of a piece of 18ga wire and two male terminals, and bypassed the switch. Oh, gosh, now I have to depend on my feeble brain either to throw it in neutral or mash the clutch before I trip the key.