This one is probably headed for the dealer. I just haven't made up my mind whether to drive it there now (risking a monster disagnostics effort that doesn't come up with the right solution); or, waiting until it fails completely and having it towed to the dealer. Or maybe taking it to a locksmith to check out the ignition switch.
About two months ago, the engine failed to crank on the first turn of the ignition key. Second try was successful. Acted like a bad solenoid or a dead spot on an armature. A week later it did the same thing, batt voltage was down to 11.2 volts so I threw a charge on it. Ok for several days then it acted up again. Checked all the grounds and cables between the battery and the load center. OK for several days then it failed to crank again on the first try. Replaced the three-year old battery.
Couple of weeks later I was back to the same problem. Swapped ignition keys and cleaned the contacts on the resistor bead (figuring it was a PASS key or security issue -- this car uses ignition keys like the old system on the C4). Again, things were OK for a week. Then it was sometimes taking two attempts. To reduce the accessory load when the key is turned on I started turning off the a/c before shutting down the engine.
Now, sometimes it won't crank on the first try but always makes it on the third attempt. Last Friday I was in the boondocks, miles from a tow-truck and it took four turns of the key before it cranked. That caused a 'pucker wrinkle' in the middle of the driver's seat.) For the last four days (probably a dozen starts), no problem.
Makes no difference whether the weather or car is warm or cold. Or, where the steering column is positioned.
If I recall correctly, 2002 has multiple modules whereas 2003 & '04 have a less complicated system.
Anyone else had this problem? Any thoughts?
tks in advance
-- pj