Is the ignition switch prone to going out? I have the chip on the key and I'm not sure but I think its going out, here'* the story. About a week ago I went to start my car and in Run all the accessories would come on with no problem. I put it to start and everything shuts off. I let it return to run and everything comes back on again. Seems like what would happen if the ecu thought I was using the wrong key and cut the ignition off, right? So trying everything I get a passer-by to jump it, after 3 tries it starts up. So of course I run and buy a battery and it works great for about 4-5 more starts. Then just today it did the same thing. After trying for about 5min I just put it back and forth over and over and about the 10th time it started up as if nothing was ever wrong. I dunno what to think, when it doesn't start I hear a relay going off behind the glove compartment (or under the hood on that side) and I'm not sure what to think. Do relays half *** go out? I thought it was either they worked or didn't, maybe the signal is getting lost between the ignition and the starter. Any ideas?


Jason

Your battery is pooped out. The load applied when you try to crank the starter is basically wiping it out; voltage recovers when you release the key.

No, no, not at all. There is nothing wrong with your key. (To answer your question, if you were using the wrong key, the starter would refuse to crank, the fuel pump would not activate, and the "Security" light would remain solidly lit for three minutes afterward, even after you take the key out.) The fact that everything is going dark on you indicates that your battery is nearly dead.

You've got a flaky cable connection somewhere, most likely at the battery or possibly at the starter solenoid or engine block ground cable connection.

It sounds like what you're hearing is a relay enabling the starter and/or the fuel system, as it should. Usually you don't hear this noise simply because the starter is normally cranking the engine by then.

Get your battery cables properly cleaned. Pull the bolt out of each cable terminal so that you can clean the contact rings underneath. I have a feeling you're going to find a lot of crud in there.