I had a GMC Canyon p/u that did that.......bells, lights, buzzers all worked, but no engine crank. Turned out to be the engine immobilizer being activated by a bad ignition switch. No crank for 10 minutes......after 10 minutes it would crank/start fine. Never knew when it crank over or not.

 

The ignition was next on my list. It just seems so strange that it is sometimes a problem and other times not. But I appreciate that input! Replacing the ignition switch still would be cheaper than taking it back to the mechanic who wants to keep putting new parts into my almost 16 year old car.

 

I assume that you checked all the battery, starter, and ground cables since you did the starter and the battery. That would be the first thing I would look at.

Have you ruled out the anti theft system?

What does the key symbol of the dash do when it will not start?

Does it have and aftermarket alarm?

 

It does not have an aftermarket alarm. I'm not sure how to determine if that might be the problem. I posted a video of what happens when I turn the key. Please excuse the dashboard litter

 

Does it make any difference if you try to start with the gear selector in Neutral instead of in Park?

 

The link that shows what happens when I turn the key.

 

I haven't tried starting it in anything other than park but I was reading a few posts about that. I will have to wait until the problem occurs again and try that. Thanks

 

I quickly learned you didn’t turn the motor off when gassing up or entering a car wash. Hit and miss, never knew when it would act up.

 

The green key symbol should flash a couple of times and then go out. If it doesn’t there is a problems with the key/immobilizer. I could not tell 100% from your video but I think the green light does go out.

 

Try it with your second key, assuming you have one. Does it do the same thing? That might help narrow down if it's an immobilizer chip issue. However, when I had an immobilizer issue, it would crank, but not start, so I have my doubts.

Aw, nuts. Cranks but doesn't turn over.

Came to start it this morning and it cranked but just wouldn't start. :frown: Possibilities?

www.piloteers.org

I'd check again carefully for loose, frayed or corroded cables and connections, including grounds, around your battery, alternator and starter.

Then, there's always the outside possibility you have the bad solder in your main relay.

I'd check battery, cables, alternator and fuses as suggested.

However, if none of that bears fruit, here's a possible relatively easy and inexpensive fix that might be worth trying down the line, if you don't even have fuel pressure.

It's just re-soldering a bad solder on your main relay PCB, and the only real challenge is just knowing about it and finding it.

Engine dies while driving

I just had this problem and got it fixed. I want to share the solution to help others. My vehicle: 2003 Honda Pilot EXL 203,000 miles Problem: While driving on the freeway, the engine suddenly dies. No CEL. If you try to turn it on again, the engine just cranks but would not turn ON. If you...

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Just throwing it out there, FWIW.

BTW, speaking of throwing, is it throwing any codes?

 

i literally jjst had the same issue and i clean the mess out of my batery connections and its been working great since

 

In your case, which specific connection(s) did it for you? Share.

 

It could be the transmission range switch, they get worn out over time. To test it, if it doesn't start when it's in Park, press on the brake and shift to Neutral then start it.

 

And the winner is....
So after many hit-and-miss attempts (I thought the spare key had fixed the problem), it seems that putting it in neutral consistently works! I had to wait for the problem to happen again so that I could test it out. But lately, I have had many opportunities.

 

When you shift to park, what gear lights up on the dash? As mentioned above sounds like you should change the neutral safety switch (transmission range switch).

 

Seems I'm doing a lot of agreeing with the fellow forum gurus today.
Chakras must be aligned.

Change the neutral safety switch (transmission range switch).

 

It’s because we’re not talking about engine oil or tranny fluid.😆

 

Or tires.