While driving my girlfriends 2002 Grand Cherokee, sometimes the system would refuse to start. I'd have to take the key out, hit the 'unlock' button, then try again. Once or twice I noticed a 'security' light on the dash as well, but it's not a big deal.
Yesterday something new happened. I went to start it and nothing. I was just starting to release the key and try again and it started.
I know, perception is a strange thing, but I swear it was well over a second from when I turned the key and it finally engaged the starter. Maybe even two whole seconds.
I'm under the impression that the key just sends a signal to the body computer to start, and the motor could actually be started just from commands on the vehicle bus. But I wonder, what could cause the delay like this?