Hello,
This problem started about a year ago and was very intermittent. It has now become a daily problem and we're desperate for a solution.
Here's the jist: turn the key-nothing happens, power everywhere, engine not cranking-nothing. One of the first times this happened, I had it towed to the garage, and the driver actually drove it off the flat bed - of course it started the entire day for the mechanic. For the last year we've mostly been able to get it going by putting the car in neutral for a moment and then it starts, more recently this doesn't work, at least not at first. My hubby has several procedures he tries which include putting it in neutral, waiting a minute or locking and unlocking the car, or a combination of the two (also likely involves much swearing or praying). Sometimes it's an hour before it'll go.
The mechanic currently is suspecting the 'neutral safety switch'. He got this idea after my hubby told him the reverse lights no longer worked (they were intermittent for a while). Also, when locking the car, I noticed the driver's side lock doesn't always go all the way down (no idea whether there's any relation, but it always seemed to me like it was the anti-theft thing activating somehow).
I hope I'm in the righ forum. Any advice is really appreciated!!!!
The problem sounds very much like a bad neutral safety switch (which is mounted on the left side of the transmission. Either that or a bad connection at the starter motor itself. Hold the key in start and move the gear selector between D and N. If the engine cranks you definitely have a bad neutral safety switch.
The driver's door lock is totally unrelated. The alarm system doesn't affect starting or ignition system operation at all. The alarm is strictly a visual/audible warning during a break-in attempt.
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