We just got back from a road trip through New England. The first day out I parked in front of the motel and went into register and drop off the bags. When I came out the car would not turn over. The battery was OK. There was something like a relay or immobilizer that was not letting the car turn over. There were no messages, no check engine light, no nothing. When I turned the key something would click like a relay, but nothing happened. It was the same in P and N. It didn't matter if the brake pedal was depressed. It didn't matter if the gas cap was removed. It didn't matter if the steering wheel was moved. It didn't help to jiggle the keys. Finally when it did start, about 10 minutes later, I had the key turned to the start position and was holding it there for several seconds. Finally it started cranking and started immediately.
Here is what I found:
It always turned over and started when we got gas (4 times). I left the key in the ignition and didn't lock the doors. I would start it immediately after finishing pumping gas.
If I shut off the ignition and then immediately restarted it, it would always start immediately.
It usually would restart if was stopped for more than 15 minutes.
It usually would not crank if it was stopped for more than 5 minutes and less than 15 minutes.
It would always start within 10 minutes of failing to turn over.
One time after stopping for 35 minutes with the doors locked, it would not restart until 10 minutes after unlocking the doors and fiddling with it.
Usually if we stopped for more than 15 minutes with the doors locked, we could count on it to turn over and start immediately.
Sometimes when it would not turn over, it would turn over if I left the key turned to the start position for several seconds.
I say the battery is good because no lights dim when it fails to turn over. No relays chatter.
This car has had the software update for the Electronic Throttle Module.
Any ideas?
I have an appointment with my dealer for Oct. 26, but would like an idea of what to look for. It is also getting the 82,500 mile service.