I've got a 2012 v6, 6 speed coup with 160k miles. On cold mornings when the key is turned to the start position, all the idiot lights come on but the car does not crank. If it try to start it a couple of times, eventually it will crank. Once it cranks, it always starts. I've replaced the battery, ignition relay (under dash), and ignition switch, and negative battery cable. I've cleaned the connections for the body ground and the engine grounding strap. The vehicle has reported no codes except for a P0720 that is due to a vehicle speed sensor that got damaged during a clutch replacement and corroded the connector terminals (a new one is on order). I'm not 100% sure, but I think when the no-crank happens, I don't hear the fuel pump running. It's hard to tell and I usually only get one chance for the no-crank. Once it cranks, it is usually fine for the rest of the day. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

starter

 

I replaced the starter with a new (not remanufactured) one last weekend. When it cranks now it is much quicker cranking, but it still has the same problem. This weekend, I'm going to replace the clutch safety switch. That is last thing I can think of. Some suggested it could be an ecu problem, but I would think that would show some kind of code.

 

no CEL codes?

 

The vehicle has reported no codes except for a P0720 that is due to a vehicle speed sensor that got damaged during a clutch replacement and corroded the connector terminals (a new one is on order).

I replaced the clutch starter safety switch this weekend but the weather has been relatively warm and I have not experienced the no crank problem. I did notice when testing the old clutch starter safety switch that I got continuity between pin 1 and 3 when the swithch plunger was depressed a few millimeters. I didn't get continuity between pin 1 and 2 unitl the switch plunger was depressed almost all the way. Don't know if this indicates a problem with the switch but I thought it was strange, I did test the switch after storing it fully depressed in the freezer over night.

There won't be too many more cold nights before spring so I may have to wait till next winter to continue chasing this gremlin.

 

neutral safety or ignition switch would be next. can you start it in neutral when it's complaining?

 

Even if the car is in neutral, I still have to press the clutch pedal in to start. I've tried starting it with the clutch pressed in and the shifter in neutral, but it still doesn't crank on the first try when cold. I'm replacing the VSS this weekend. It's shouldn't make a difference, but at lest the speedo will work again and the CEL light will go out..