Starting problem - intermittent

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I sometimes have problems starting my car. Key turns, nothing happens. I turn the key to auxiliary, then off, then it normally starts, but sometimes I need to do this several times. Various dash light problems, too. I brought the car for repairs. 1. Brand new starter helped for a few days. 2. Brand new battery and cables - didn't help. 3. Oil pan gasket and timing cover gaskets stopped fluid leaks. 4. Ignition switch fixed. Still having same problem with intermittent starting. Testing shows good solenoid and alternator. What is wrong? Can anyone help with this? Also - check engine and antitheft lights go on and off. Dash lights sometimes don't come on, or they go off while driving. Could this be related? Cold/heat/humidity don't matter, dash lights are intermittent.

What makes this problem better or worse?

intermittent- no pattern

How long has your 2002 Mercury Sable had this problem?

couple months

Visitor

in Anoka MN

Mar 2, 2021

1 Reply

Popular Answer

DaveJMon Mar 3, 2021

"Ignition switch fixed" - what does that mean? And, are you referring to the ignition key cylinder, or the electrical ignition switch? Being that you have dash lights concerns related and intermittent no crank when turning key that varies when turning the key to auxiliary mode -- my initial inspection would like around the electrical ignition switch and the key cylinder. Can't really suggest much more, but that's where I'd put my attention. www.repairpal.com/repair-shops

Dreasuraon Mar 4, 2021

Thank you for advising. Ignition switch - it was "loose" when I turned the key, and wouldn't engage at all. I brought the car in, the steering column was disassembled and the actuator was replaced. The overall problem is better than it had been. I've come to realize that the "babysitter" lights (when more than one door is opened after parking) are contributing to the problem. If I close all doors, reinsert my key, turn it to auxiliary position, then off and remove my key, I don't have the problem the next time I start up. The dash lights though - it's a little unnerving when they just go out for no reason. I wonder if I need to check continuity in fuses. (Is continuity the correct word?) I also wonder if that's going to help anything - but it certainly can't hurt.

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