2005 S Type 4.2 69K miles.

I've been having intermittent problems with it not cranking (i.e. turn the key, all electrical systems come on, but no crank). This has happened 3 or 4 times, but each time I've eventually (after 2 to 5 key turns) gotten it to crank. When it's not cranking, there is no "clicking" -- no noise at all.

My first thought was a bad starter; but I've had starters go in other cars and I haven't noticed those tell tale noises (brush noises, then eventually just clicking) AND I read in another thread that these starters rarely go bad.

Any thoughts on what else it might be?

 

Maybe a problem with the ignition lock / key transponder (SCLM). You should have a 2nd key - try that for a while and see whether it has the same effect. If so, at least it's not the key!

The idea is: the PCM will not try to start the engine if it's not happy with the security (detected via the transponder/SCLM/etc).

 

Thanks for the suggestion about the SCLM.

It was the starter. Kind of a pricey repair, but done.

 

on my 4.2, I've had an intermittent problem like you, lights on, but nothing after that; It is always fixed by either jiggling the gear lever, or moving it to N then starting. There is a neutral safety switch (prevents starting in anything but P or N) on the side of the gear shift (buried) that can either be adjusted a tad, or it is dying.



Try the jiggle...let me know how it works next time.

 

I don't know if this is the same issue, but my son and I just went through the same exact symptoms although this was in a Saturn redline, it is a common problem with the saturns and the chevy cobalts. It is the ignition switch (not the key part) for us it was a $30 part 5 mins to install but it takes 30 mins to program the new switch because of the security. The ECU has to recognize the different switch. Not that I am saying that the jag is like a saturn or a chevy far from it, but if you have full power and no clicking when you try to start I would say it is a security issue. Good luck! and there will be probally be some one more knowledgeable than me to help. Paul