I have been having this problem for awhile. I tested the starter and cleaned up the connections. It worked better for a few months. Then it started acting up again, so I replaced the starter. This solved the problem for awhile. Now the problem is back. When it happens I noticed that if I rapidly switch between the gears back and forth several times the car will start. Sometimes it appears to be sluggish to start. I am trying to decide if it is the neutral switch or the battery cable. Any ideas of how to test?

 

For the battery cables you would check resistance with an ohmmeter or digital multimeter set to ohms. Check both the power and ground cable. I've seen them break under the insulation where you can't see the problem looking at it. Also, if they are corroded then maybe a simple cleaning will fix it.

To me, if I have to wiggle and jiggle the gear selector in order to start the car then I've found a problem that needs fixing.

It's possible you could have both issues. I'd start with cleaning and checking the battery cables. Once both are known good then look elsewhere. My .02

 

anybody found out y s40 wont start off key new starter and alternator still nothing and battery no clicking its manual starts when towed 2005 2.0d

 

What year? If yours is the 2000-2004 with auto trans have you tried placing the car in neutral? Does the car make any noise when turning the key to start? Have you checked voltage at the starter while trying to start it?

You need to give us allot more information.

 

its 2005 manual no clicking nothing new battery

 

Clutch pushed in? Not sure how to bypass the clutch safety switch to check that either. I've had to replace the ignition switch in my 2005 automatic due to similar symptoms. It's a PITA to get to the backside of the switch too. It's doable, but it's not fun. Once I replaced it it was totally obvious the switch itself had gone bad. The new one felt so smooth and offered just the right turning resistance.

 

Check the neutral safety switch. Check all the connections. If that proves okay, change the positive battery cable

 

If anyone is still wondering. After driving myself nuts i hooked up a jump button to my starter and it started right up so it it has to be in the ignition somewhere

 

Sounds like the ignition switch itself.

 

Hey man you have a second to help me out ? I’m having similar issues and have replaced the whole ignition cylinder and it started fine before that job but now it’s doing this

 

Ethan - you're just going to have to figure out what you did wrong when you replaced the cylinder. Make sure the part is 100.000% identical, and quadruple-check your installation.