When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
For a few months now, every once in a while the car will not start. It doesn't turn over or crank at all. I wait 3 minutes, lock the doors, unlock the doors, open the door and then turn the key. It usually starts after the second time throught this ritual. Today while driving the security light came on and stayed on. It shut off when I got home and restarted the car. Anyone heard of this before?
For a few months now, every once in a while the car will not start. It doesn't turn over or crank at all. I wait 3 minutes, lock the doors, unlock the doors, open the door and then turn the key. It usually starts after the second time throught this ritual. Today while driving the security light came on and stayed on. It shut off when I got home and restarted the car. Anyone heard of this before?
Does the security light flash during the times when it will not crank?
If the security light is flashing when you attempt to start, the pellet in the key is not being read. Clean the key or try your second key. If still flashing, the contacts there are shot and need to be replaced. Bill Curlee has an excellent write-up with pictures to assist you there. The other possibility is the ignition itself.
If it's a 6 Speed, make sure you depress the clutch pedal far enough
As silly as it seems, if you don't push the clutch pedal far enough when starting, the car won't turn over and it seems like it's dead. Then you release the clutch pedal and try again and it starts. Seems like a random problem you can't repeat, but it's only the depth that you push the clutch when starting. Happened to me a couple times.