98 I30 Intermittent Start Problem

A week ago, my I30 was not able to start after parked for about an hour. Turning the key to ignition position did nothing, no sound, no crank, no engine start. The electrical system seems okay as radio, lights and window were all working. I had another car to jump the my car just to make sure it's not the battery, same. I left the car at the spot and came back the next morning, thinking to tow it. I tried to start the car just for the heck of it, and it started. Over the week, I drove the car to work and back, no problem. Then it happened again yesterday. I was filling up the gas tank at a station, then the car won't start afterwards. Same syndrome, turning the key did nothing. Then after about two hours or so, the car started fine.

After we drove the car home, I tried a few times to start the car, didnt have any problem.

What could be the problem? It seems like it's something with the ECU or security since nothing happened when the key is turned to ignite position. Could a faulty starter cause something like this if no cranking occured? I noticed that the car makes a strange noise, sounding like a motor running too fast (eeeee sound), for a few seconds when the car starts for the first time, usually in the morning. I changed the battery last weekend, but I noticed some green fluid accumulating on the battery terminal, could this be a problem?

Is it better to take the car to the dealer since they might have seen this problem with other cars?

Thanks!

...Is it better to take the car to the dealer...


How many miles?

Generally: stealer$hips are tuned to the max to rob u. Your problem is your problem... You have to be rich desperado to take u car to a dealer, most probably they cannot find it as the intermittent fault is not on at that time. But they will swap some very expensive part which has no relation to u problem, and charge :( There are exceptions of course, and any shop may do this. Seek references...

After survived alive a heinous 'repair' (like assasination attempt) to my car steering, I am for DIY! Any time I can destroy my car - all for free...

- First thing is to clean u batt terminals, buy contact grease and use it between the teminal and connector.
- If batt, fuses, ign switch, inhibitor relay are ok, then least u hear is a click from starter solenoid.
- If no noise, problem is NOT starter or its solenoid.
- If its ign switch, turning the key furiously back and forth for a minute, will most probably cause connection and startup. If not, problem lies at batt, fuses, inhibitor relay. (clean batt, measure voltage above 12.0V, replace if necessary)
- Inhibitor relay is not activated : theft alarm, clutch sw or A/T tranny selector sw do not enable
- change relay, clean contacts
- check, replace fuses

Clean contacts: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/14
Starter circuit, maxima: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/5

Have a nice day!

.

Thanks for the pointer! That's exactly what I fear about going to a dealership since it's difficult to prove whether the problem is fixed or not.

The car has 100k miles...There was no click when I turned the key. The radio and the light did go off when the key is in the ignition position, although that's the case during normal start up.

Thanks again!

...to a dealership since it's difficult to prove...

In some cases youre charged for swapped parts like plugs - and possibly never know that nothin had been changed. According auto magazines, one of the biggest problems is 'disappearing' airbags. Nice salaray extension ? for a 'serviceman'... Can owner know for sure if the airbag is still there? No, typically dont. Nice clean robbery when u even dont know you have been robbed.

If the problem is known, price fixed, its ok to use dealership IF:
- better have that written down...
- repair limited only to the problem
- youre allowed to watch
- youre known to be the one paying this fun
- always demand the used part
- tell them I want to inspect the job & parts later, currently overseas

I use very seldom a shop, and only those which allow me to stand by. I can verify with my own eyes that I get new parts ... Best (90% off) deal is when the old rusty clunker gets rotten exhaust seals swapped: their price catalogs are built for new engines... The mechs very seldom have any clue of troubleshooting, even less on intermittents. And just check the 'help' the confuzean service manuals give. All flowcharts based on factory floor -new cars.

It could be the key itself. They told me if the chip goes out in the key then your car won't start. You may be having problems with it. Cost $130 to replace it here in Atlanta.