new car - unfamiliar

[Lilac Wine]

I just got a new car a few weeks ago (well a 1997, but new for me)
It is a standard, and has some auto theft thing in the ignition (a little button you push when you start the car)
Somtimes when I go to start it it won't start. I have my foot on the brake and clutch down, usually in first gear. When I turn the key nothing happens. So I take out the key, put my foot on the clutch and the brake, then it will start (somtimes the first time sometimes it takes a few times.)
I had an inspection done when I got the car, and it said the starter was fine. Does anyone know what this could be? Could it just be the annoying theft system, or the starter, or am I just dumb and there is a secret to starting a standard that I don't know about?

[fast95pony]

Most cars (all ?? ) with a manual transmission will not start unless the clutch is fully depressed.Are you pushing the clutch in fully ??
FYI pressing on the brake pedal is not required on a manual transmission car. BTW posting the type of car might help too.

Edit : just read your sig : 97 Cav . D'oh !

[rice_eater]

i'm pretty sure that the button by the starter is for when you take out the key

[Lilac Wine]

yeah, I have the clutch and break in all the time.
does it matter what gear it's in when I start it?

[bspot]

Nope, but if your clutch isn't ALL THE WAY to the floor, it won't go. Try really stomping on it. If you have thick floor mats it could be the problem.

[Lilac Wine]

I guess I should take a look to see if the floor matt is in the way