Bought my 2002 in 2002. Terrific car. Only minor problems until this summer. Four times in the last month, with the key turned to the start position, the dash board lights do not come on, the starter motor does not turn over (no clicking), the car does not start and the security light on the console does not light. This seems to happen often (but not always) after I have just opened and closed the trunk lid. Installed new battery and new grounding cable. The last time it failed to start, it started 12 hours later without doing anything to the car. Dealer thinks it is mostly likely a problem with the security system, but can't diagnosis/repair because it started every time at the dealer. Also, sometimes the chimes sound after removing the key from the ignition. Dealer thinks this might be an independent problem, unrelated to the starting problem. Any ideas?
Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Tue, 08/09/2011 - 10:50
The chime sounding after the key is removed sounds like the little gold door on the key barrel doesn't always clap shut when you takeout the key. The key pushes it aside when inserted, and it needs to close when you pull it out. Look at that the next time you have the chime stay on.
The other issue is more a power problem I think. Either the ignition switch is getting temperamental or a power relay is getting intermittent. The relays I would question are R4, R7, R18 and R21 in the picture. The power box is under the bonnet, the central box is above the drivers left foot.
Good luck!