truck playing games

2000 Tacoma extended cab, 2.7 L 4x4 with 3 " lift. This problem has been going on for about 5 months now, at least with notice. At first, I start the truck with clutch in and it would crank, then stop and then crack again a few times, all with the same turn of the key. At first I thought my foot wasn't pushing down on clutch enough but it seemed to get worst by the month but not all the time, I think when it sat without being used for a few days is when it would happen. Then acouple of weeks ago first start of the day turn the key, all lights, the ring noise when door is opened, etc. was strong but nothing with the engine. I'd wait a minute and it would click once when the key was turned but that was it, I'd wait a minute and turn it again and it would start. Last week same symtom but would not even get a click when key was turned so I would move the shifter around and get out to push the truck alittle forward or backward, get in and it would start. I took it to a mechanic and they said my battery was dead, but was hard to believe because again all lights and indicators were strong but I got a new battery anyway. All was fine for a week and yesterday went out to start it and WAM, same symtoms. I fear this could be a costly problem because the mechanic has no clue..............HELP anyone?

 

I agree, sounds like a clutch switch. Does it exhibit the same issue if you deactivate the clutch switch and try and start it?

 

So here's what I'm gathering... sometimes the engine turns over n starts, sometimes it just makes a "clicking" noise, other times it does nothing. Am I correct?

 

Yes this is correct.

 

I have not, I have a mechanic working on it.

 

I'm gonna say it sounds like a starter or solenoid switch. Possibly a dead spot in the starter?