Have a "sporadic" start/no start problem with the 2002 S. Most times, it starts right up, but sometimes, nothing. No clicking, no buzzing, nada. No difference in outside temps...whether it's been driven for awhile or parked for awhile. It can NOT start at anytime! When it won't, all the lights are on in the dash, electrical seems to be OK. Sometimes I have to wait for awhile...and THEN it starts up (which is embarrassing when the tow truck shows up). The car has also had problems with getting out of park, when parked on an hill-incline. Not sure if the two are connected. But..the start/no start problem is the biggee. I can't park anywhere now where I think a tow truck can't get to it! Suggestions on what it might be...anyone else have this mystery start/no start problem?

 

Do you have special tow rates now?

I think the two must be connected, could be a linkage problem so there is no signal to show that you are in Park/Neutral allowing the car to start.

Have you searched? there used to be many similar problems with the early cars.

 

That fault can be a start-inhibit program associated with the lever. Just bang the lever hard into park and see if it then cranks/starts. I do believe there is a microswitch involved that's not properly actuated sometimes. Often it's not a faulty switch, but that it's not being pushed enough. Easy to check.
Always go for the simple/easy/cheap things first.
Leedsman.

 

If the car is immobilized then the PATS light on the dash top will blink (rapidly, then a 2 digit code)

If it is NOT IN PARK (or N) then the engine will not start.

You should be using the handbrake when you park to prevent damage to the gearbox and selector lever. I replaced DOZENS of selector lever assys when I was at the dealer. I did the REVISED INTERNAL CONTROL LEVER procedure as well.

here is some info.

bob gauff

 

Thanks for all the responses. Nice knowing I'm not in the woods alone (and yes, getting to know tow drivers is a plus :-)
I've come up with two possibilities. First, the "park/neutral safety switch" on the transmission linkage. repair place said that would likely cause the occasional no start problem. also called another Jag repair place ..said it sounded like a bad starter relay. Taking the car in for the park/neutral switch first. It's a process of elimination..may be costly, but have to start somewhere....will keep everyone informed. Thanks!