intermittent wont crank

Today i stopped at a drive thru, shut my car off for about 30sec. went to start it back up and nothing. all the lights would come on but wouldnt crank. i pushed it out of the drive thru and it started right up. ive read it could be the chip in the key ? i read if the security system finds a problem with the key it disables starting the car for about 3 min. and thats about how long it was.

I guess the only fix for this is to get another key ?? any other ideas?

dpmeeks wrote:

Today i stopped at a drive thru, shut my car off for about 30sec. went to start it back up and nothing. all the lights would come on but wouldnt crank. i pushed it out of the drive thru and it started right up. ive read it could be the chip in the key ? i read if the security system finds a problem with the key it disables starting the car for about 3 min. and thats about how long it was.

I guess the only fix for this is to get another key ?? any other ideas?

1) check the keyway with a cotton swab (QTip) wet with alcohol (dry gas) to clean it as you check it.

2) ig switch could be worn out, happens at this age, replace electrical part of the assembly, parts at dealer, parts store or rockauto.com

Don't you also have the security light on while driving thread?

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I think you will need a new ignition switch. But check the key out thoroughly like albert suggests.

deekster_caddy wrote:

Don't you also have the security light on while driving thread?

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I think you will need a new ignition switch. But check the key out thoroughly like albert suggests.

Key can be checked by visual inspection (is the chip ground smooth? Might be needing replacement (but not likely).

Ignition keyway can be dirty; the contacts that touch the chip are just inside the keyway. Clean with a cotton swab dipped in dry gas (alcohol)

If the keyway cleaning does not work, most likely the switch (electrical part) needs to be replaced. When I replaced mine I replaced both keyway and switch since I was in there. Switch comes with new dummy key, so if you do this you have to buy key blanks that will work with your car, that match the resistance of the chip that is in your old key (measure with meter or take to dealer and match up to your VIN).

Albertj

May be a thought to check the connections on your starter as well. If the problem occurs after checking out the ignition switch. I would advise giving the starter a few taps with the hammer, if/when it happens again. If the engine starts after that it's a very good indication of a starter going bad.

It hasnt done it anymore yet.. the PO said his wife had it happen to her once and she moved the steering wheel around and it started back up. I cleaned the keyway out with a swab and alcohol .. it was pretty dirty so hopefully thatll take care of it.