Truck won't start sometimes

[MarkR]

When I turn the key to the start position I hear the starter kick for about 1/2 a second then nothing. I get the lights and the steering wheel moves but no start. I turn to off then to start and everything starts up. This happens every so often. Here lately once a day.
The dealer has looked at it twice and they can not find anything wrong with it.
Does any one have any suggestions?

Thanks'
Mark

[crosvs]

yup, i've had the same problem:

while the starter is electric -- e.g., you don't actually have to HOLD the key over for it to fire up -- you *DO* have to "hold" it for at LEAST a 1/4-1/2 second or so. In other words, just "tapping" it over seems to be insufficient.

At least, that's been my experience with it.

FWIW, i also checked in with the dealer as i noticed this problem shortly after getting the car back in aug 2004 ... they too confirmed that there is nothing wrong.

hope this helps,

--marc

[MarkR]

When I turn it I allways hold it all the way in the start until it starts. I wouldn't think me holding all the way would be a problem.

Mark

[crosvs]

hm. ok then, that IS strange. sorry, i don't know what to suggest ... how frustrating that our problems are so similar yet so different ... i hope someone can help discover what's wrong! good luck!

[itu-baba]

I have the very same problem you have. Sometimes, the car just will not start. I have to remove the key a few times before it starts. Have you been able to sort out the problem you had ?

[supersteve]

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...rting+problems

Pull the cover off the column. Disconnect the wire bundle from the starter switch. Spray the switch and the wire bundle contacts with contact cleaner.

[lovethesport]

same problem, dealer says noting wrong----wtf

[elric75]

Mine had that problem on rare occasions. Dealer putting in new ignition switch in the steering column seems to have fixed it.