Re-posted here from General Tech as requested.

Over the past few months, various silly little problems which I am starting to think are related. Latest has been no starting. Ignition lights etc fine, starter turns over but engine does not fire. I have had this DII for 10 years and kinda "know it". It has always fired up first time. It was intermittent so I lived with it for a couple of weeks but then it started to be more frequent. Finally got it to a shop who couldnt find it and then called to say they had found the problem and installed a new fuel pump. Fired up OK but then the problem is back again the next day.

Now I have another new issue. Can't open the rear door. Lock on dash and key seem to trigger something. I can hear a click but the lock doesn't open.

I have discovered, and it could be a fluke, that when the car won't start, I put it into "drive" and turn the ignition key. Most times, when I then turn off, remove the key and try to start again she fires up. Other times, I move the shift into neutral and then back to park and she starts.

So I'm starting to think this is a computer issue. Has anyone ever come across this type of thing before?

PS, some of the door locks don't actuate either. This has been an issue for some time. Wondering whether its all part of one issue.

Any insights welcome.
Thanks
Mike

 

When it wont start does it still turn over or is there just nothing?

 

Yes. Turns over fine. Just doesn't fire up. In my head, I have a theory that something needs "re-booting". the last thing I tried was turning the ignition with the car in drive. Then turning off. Moving back to park with ignition on and then trying again. She fired up. Of course, since the issue is intermittent, I have no idea if that action is re-booting something or its just a fluke.

Thanks for your reply.
Mike

 

Next time it happens shift into neutral and then try and start it.
It could be a bad neutral safety switch.

 

Hi.
tried to start from Neutral. Didn't work. I then switched off and tried. no luck. then into drive, turned key..locked out of course. Turned off, back on in park... bingo.. she starts.

Now I will try to repeat that process next time this happens.

PS, she stopped one time when at idle in drive at a traffic light. Hasn't done that before!

these cars are so much fun.

Mike

 

The nuetral switch would not even let it turn over so I would not think that is it. The door locks probably have nothing to do with it either. Since you said you have had it 10 years I am assuming it is a 99 or a 00. I would be willing to look at the CPS as the culprit, it will allow the engine to turn over but not fire. When they go out they may work sometimes and not others and really have no ryhme or reason for when they work and dont. They are fairly inexpensive and can be changed in about 20 minutes.