Manual Stop & Start - Engine Didn't Restart

[Standard Dude]

With my previous car I got into the habit of switching off the engine when waiting in long queues (temporary traffic lights, etc) just to save fuel.

I tried that this morning with my recently acquired 13 plate Verso 2.0 D4D but upon trying to restart it plain blank refused to start! No engine turning from the starter, it just didn't turn the engine, just a faint click. As far as I could tell the usual lights were on the dashboard. After several more attempts (combined with some random fumbling of keys, taking them out of the ignition, pulling handbrake on, gearstick waggling, scratching head, clutch pedal prodding, switching off the radio and some sign language to the driver behind who thought beeping would help, it eventually started!

Once at my destination with the car parked up, I was able to repeat this problem and again after many failed attempts it eventually started.

Anyone know what's going on?

:help2:

[Parts-King]

You might have a faulty or badly adjusted / faulty clutch pedal switch, get it back to your dealer for checking. Of course it could be a dozen or more other things but start at the most likely ;)

Kingo

[FROSTYBALLS]

Are you fully depressing the clutch pedal when trying to start the engine?

[Standard Dude]

Thanks for the prompt reply!

Are you sure my car will have a clutch pedal switch? Bear in mind that my car doesn't have proper start/stop - I was manually (attempting to) starting and stopping the engine with the ignition key.

[Standard Dude]

Hmmm... you guys might be onto something - I installed new mats very recently and I wonder if the pedal isn't dropping as low because the mat is under the pedal! I'll check and report back! Many thanks!

[Standard Dude]

Yup, that's exactly what it was!

I now realise that if the engine doesn't start I can just keep the key at the starter position and just put a bit more pressure on the clutch pedal to push it further down into the mat and it'll start up.

Thanks for the prompt help! ;)