yvk_99

Had the spark plugs replaced end of January

Ignition switch/starter replaced couple months back.

Couple weeks back on starting on cold mornings I would get a slight shudder on the steering wheels and then everything would be fine the whole day.

Since last two days it would not start on first crank early mornings, second crank everything was fine.

Today it took several cranks to start even in the middle of the day (weather around 41 deg F)

On half full tank put fuel cleanser in tank, drove around.... filled up tank(without switching off ignition, did'nt want to get stuck at gas station)....had a faint burning smell while filling gas.

Drove back home. Now after several cranks... car just would'nt start.

Also the instrument cluster lights for Airbag/brake etc are really DIM when key is turned halfway to ON position (clockwise).

Previous when I would turn key clockwise halfway all lights would be BRIGHT.

Any suggestions would be really helpful.

Thnks

Fuzzbeaner

If lights are dimmer than usual, it could be as simple as the battery. How long have you had yours?

moribundman

Maybe your alternator is dying? Either way, your battery seems to be going.

JWG

your volt meter in the car show? If you do not have a volt meter in the car, buy a cheap one from harbor freight or anywhere and measure the voltage.

yvk_99

This is what I did....

I tried jump starting the car nothing happened.

Then disconnected the jumper cables....closed the hood....sat in the car wondering what next to do.

I tried cranking the car again but all I got was some sparks (meaning the cranking noise just b4 it should start up)....nothing happened... again all light in dash were dim except mileage indicator....which was bright.

All of sudden as I was adjusting the key...I saw the "OK" light show up....all other lights were bright just as they should be (AIR BAG etc) and the car started.

Turned the car off...tried again....would not start.

So it looks like only after "OK" is lit up and I try again immediately from the "OFF" position the car starts...

Could it be fuel related...etc ?


Thnks

yvk_99

BTW I changed the battery in Jan 2003. Thnks

Fuzzbeaner

From what I hear, a bad ignition switch can do all sorts of weird stuff like that...

Judge

Side of the road mechanics, :: turn on your headlights, do they look dim. If they are dim, than the battery is suspected. Yes a voltage meter is more accurate. If you use jumper cables, is the problem solved?

yvk_99

Looks like it is not a battery problem. Please refer to my previous two posts.

Jretal

my x's volvo did the same thing... she wiggled the key a lil bit and suddenly it started.

Might want to look into that, or maybe the connections into the ignition switch itself.