Sometimes car turns over, others it doesn't

This is one of the last 2 issues with my car. I am always able to get it started but here it goes..

Sometimes when I turn the key over the car doesn't turn over. Nothing. Like it's not in drive. I can do it 3-4 more times and eventually it will crank and fire up easily. Possibly an ignition switch or passkey problem is my guess, but I would love others to take a stab at this.

I'm thinking ignition switch as well, possibly dirty contacts in the key cylinder. I have no idea how to clean it, maybe someone will chime in.

have you tried moving the shifter back and forth to make sure its engaged in park?

Chicken wrote:

have you tried moving the shifter back and forth to make sure its engaged in park?

Yeah. The sales guy originally told me I could throw it from N to P but that didnt help. Sometimes it still wont start in N. It's not a linkage problem, and when it starts I do no wiggling of the shifter.

take three steps up...

Someone here, albertj I think, spelled out a simple process of cleaning with a Q tip dipped in rubbing alcohol or an electronics cleaner. Not dripping wet, just dampened. Wipe inside the key slot, then follow with dry Q tips. As I recall it anyway.

Chicken wrote:

take three steps up...

I must not be the only one drinking tonight

I'll try to do some searching for the cleaning method. Thanks!

I'd consider checking at the soleniod for power.

Reason being is VATs should give you a three minute time out after 3?? bad tries.

That sound logical guys?

BillBoost37 wrote:

I'd consider checking at the soleniod for power.

Reason being is VATs should give you a three minute time out after 3?? bad tries.

That sound logical guys?

Sometimes it takes 5-6 times or even more to get it to crank over. Never has it taken more than 30 seconds though. That isnt crank time, just the amount it takes to recognize I'm turning the key over.

It's a strange problem for sure.