I was going to ask if you bought it used, but see in your signature that you're the original owner. Interestingly enough, his was silver also. Is there a silver curse?

What might be helpful is that once he finds his records, it will at least show what didn't work on his, and you may be able to eliminate those things. It may be a place to start.

Edit - Also, the dealer through which he had the lease and did the servicing work has the reputation of being one of the worst service departments in the area.

I'm with Rogue. It seems to me to be a secuirty issue.

Before I bought my 02 SE, I looked at a Mitsubishi eclipse I believe a 98 model.

It was a theft recovery and the lady at the lot said it wouldn't start. You have everything but motor correct? That is what leads me to believe it is the security system.

Back to the Eclipse the lady described all the same symptoms as you Paul.

CAUTION: stupid question content, the car is around you all the time??
In the garage at night, always safe?? Could it possibly have been tampered with??

The igntion and neutral switches are good places to start but I have a gut feeling it is Security related.

Much luck,

Tim

Paul, it would be a shame to see your Bonneville get sold, you have put so much into that car to just let it go. Frustrating though, I understand that.
I don't see your transmission going anytime soon though...you shift kitted it, that smarts it right up...not sure if your leaks water, probably doesnt see to much of that..I'd play it by ear, it might just go away..or it might make itself more obvious as to what is wrong.

It'* been quiet for a few days now. I must have scared it by threatening to get rid of it. Darn car listens better than my daughter.

I will play it by ear for now and see if it happens again.

Runs like a scared rabbit. This new exhaust has really woken it up.
I'm afraid I'm going to get a ticket very soon if I don't cool off. Caught myself doing 100 kph in a 50 zone yesterday. Bad me.

Next time you go to start it and it won't crank, hold it in the 'start' position but move the key around. In, out, up, down, left, right (A, B, A, B, Select, Start...but i digress), and see if you can get it to start that way. Or, with it running, wiggle the key around and see if it'll die. Fairly easy way to check for a failed ign. switch.

Paul...Just use the miles vs kilo'* that you mentioned to Randy and I ...I'd give you a sporting chance with that one.

Sorry Bill.....no comprendo. :?

Um I'm no expert or mechanic but I had that type of problem with my series I in my 89. I know this is a long shot but no one has mentioned the coil pack. That was my problem, seemed worse in the very hot weather. Either worked great or not at all......just a suggestion for another trouble shoot, but again I'm no expert!

It seems that both times when it died the car was hot. (warm) Could be a component that is warmed by engine heat. (something in engine compartment)? Loosen and retighten All engine area ground points and wiggle the eyelet to assure a connection.

I was wrenching around taking peoples advice and looking for loose connections.



The power connection to the underhood fuse box was loose. Now, it wasn't real loose but it wasn't tight either.

I wonder if that would do it. :? I sure hope so. Keeping my fingers crossed.