Problems starting

[bsaucy81]

Hi, I am new to the site, but am hoping someone might have some help. I have a 2001 9-5 SE Wagon with 92,000 miles and a few months ago the car began experiencing problems. Here's the generaly scenario - I will drive the car somewhere, turn the car off and when I return, the car won't start. For example, this weekend I drove to a restaurant about 10 mins from the house and when we came out of the restaurant, the car wouldn't start. The engine doesn't make any noise, but all of the lights and everything come on (so its not a battery issue). I generally have to sit and wait for 5-60 mins and it will start up again. Also, it always happens after I have driven it somewhere and turn it off and then try to start it again.

I have taken it to my local dealer on 3 occassions and everytime, the car works perfectly for them. They told me that there could be a few things wrong with it and they tried replacing the starter relay. It wouldn't start for me 3 times this weekend, so it wasn't the starter relay.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

[19016c]

This is a classic case of a bad crank position sensor.

[toxicavenger]

if the car doesn't even try to turn over then do a search on the forum for neutral safety switch. now if turns over and NO start then do a search for cps.

[walmark]

Originally Posted by bsaucy81

The engine doesn't make any noise, but all of the lights and everything come on

I'd say it's the Neutral Safety Switch/Neutral Position Sensor.

If it was CPS, the car would crank but not start. With NSS the car won't even crank, right?

EDIT: Toxic, you beat me to it!

[bsaucy81]

It doesn't crank at all. The lights all come on, but there is no sign of life from the engine. Thanks for the advice thus far, I'll do some research into the NSS.

I am a little baffled why the dealer wouldn't figure this out as quickly as you guys did...

[MacNoob]

It's not CPS.

It may be NSS.

It's more likely a loose positive battery cable at the starter.

[toxicavenger]

MacNoob might be right so check the connector at the starter and make sure it is tight with no corrosion on it. next time it does it you can pour some water on the NSS under the battery and see if you car will start.