2002 engine will not start

[derhahn]

My 2002 Intrigue will refuse to start at sporadic times. The ignition will not even bump the starter. All the electrical systems work during this time, but the starter will not even engage at all. I wait 10 minuts and it will start fine. Sometimes it will require that I put it in neutral or in gear for a moment before replacing in park and starting (found this by accident). I replaced the ignition switch and it had no effect on this issue. Help!!

[LittleHoov]

The fact you mention that after you take it out of park and put it back in it will start make me immediately think that something is probably wrong with your park/neutral safety switch...its a switch located...on the transmission i believe that recognizes when the car is in P or N and allows it to start, that would be my first guess.

Do you have a Security light that stays on while this happens?

[derhahn]

The key to it starting is the 10 minute wait. This might happen 3 times in a week and it might not happen for 3 months. I had it towed 3-4 times before realizing the time issue. I can leave and come back and it cranks 90% of the time. The other 10%, I put it into neutral or drive and then back to park and it fires right up. I have tried shifting it as soon as it malfunctions and at various times during the 10 minute wait with no results.
It does not have any check or service engine lights on during any of this, nor does it register a code for any of this. I do have the "theft deterrent" light come on from time to time while driving and can not get anyone to explain why. I asked if that could be part of the problem and was told that it would cut the engine off after it was placed into drive, and not cause my type of problem.

[LittleHoov]

Originally Posted by derhahn

The key to it starting is the 10 minute wait. This might happen 3 times in a week and it might not happen for 3 months. I had it towed 3-4 times before realizing the time issue. I can leave and come back and it cranks 90% of the time. The other 10%, I put it into neutral or drive and then back to park and it fires right up. I have tried shifting it as soon as it malfunctions and at various times during the 10 minute wait with no results.
It does not have any check or service engine lights on during any of this, nor does it register a code for any of this. I do have the "theft deterrent" light come on from time to time while driving and can not get anyone to explain why. I asked if that could be part of the problem and was told that it would cut the engine off after it was placed into drive, and not cause my type of problem.

If youre having a "Security" light come on I think that is the source of your problem. You were also informed wrong, if the Security system is kicking in, it will not allow the car to start....unless someone waited oh...about 10 minutes.

Im not very familiar with the common problems on these cars that make the Security system engage, so you may have to wait for someone else to chime in, but im thinking thats definetely at least part of your problem.

[derhahn]

Is there any way to have the "security" light issue checked? I would imagine that it would have to be observed while it is actually happening since it does not throw a code.

Thanks for the help on this issue. I has resulted in way too many headaches and foul language up to this point.

Derhahn