I also have an 02 4.6is....it does the same thing. Mine will actually do nothing when I turn the key to the start position, and will continue not to work until finally it will click and start. Sometimes I have to turn the key on to start multiple times to get the starter to engage.

Another symptom of mine is some starts are really fast (starter motor), but about every 4th start will sound like the relay is not allowing full voltage to the starter, making for a slower than normal turn over speed....when this happens, I also get an odd sound out of the interior speaker for the key in ignition/lights on annunciator.

wondering if anyone else has this symptom?

Thanks.

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2002 IMOLA RED 4.6iS.