Hello everyone! Here is an explanation of my mystery starting problem. It developed about 1 1/2 years ago. I've just been living with it.
Here is what happens:
First start of the day.
I turn the ignition key to start the engine and nothing happens.
No noise, no crank, no nothing. There is power to everything, just no cranking or clicking.
I installed a new AGM battery when this problem first developed. It made no difference.
In the display it says "CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE".
I've never ever had a problem with the cruise control.
So, at this point, I open the hood (bonnet), I go around to the right side of the vehicle (USA car), I remove the cover in the corner of the engine bay, close to the windscreen. I uncover the positive connection to the electric system. I pull up a bit on the starter relay to expose the connections underneath. I take a jump wire and make the connection between the starter relay and the positive connection point.
The engine cranks normally and fires right up.
This only happens for the first startup of the day.
If I drive the car for only a short distance, such as 1 mile, when I try to start it again, it won't start. I have to go through the procedure again. BUT,
if I drive for a longer distance after the first 'jump start' of the day, the car will start normally with the key every single time, for the remainder of the day.
I have replaced the starter relay. No difference.
Why would this only occur for the first start of the day? Once I get it started, using the jump wire, the "CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE" message disappears.

 

l only have 2003 diagram handy so can't be 100% certain but it looks as though you may be jumping the starter relay, not pump relay.

 

Good catch!
I have been reading a ton of posts and I guess I had fuel pump on the brain!
You are correct, and I have corrected it.
Thank you.

 

I suppose it may be possible the gearbox park/neutral signal is preventing the start, but after a bit of a drive it comes good, have you tried starting in both. With your jump procedure you are bypassing the transmission module. Try cycling the shift lever.

 

I’ll try that tomorrow.

 

Perhaps worth checking the wiring harness to the fuse box for damage Just a thought... simple things first.
Phil

 

With the "CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE" displayed, the ABS light is on? If ECU isn't happy with the ABS there won't be any Cruise Control. If the ABS idiot light is not on, you my be having an issue with the brake switches. If the one switch isn't working, then the Cruise Control will not drop out when the brake pedal is depressed.

 

No guidance here but heat is expanding something enough to make the connection necessary for starting.
wj

 

I'd be checking all the grounds

 

This morning I tried your suggestion.
I put the shifter in Neutral.
The car started right up!
I was amazed.
Change your name to Mr. Genius. I guess I need to replace the switch. Is it difficult or expensive?

 

If it's a car with the 6HP26 trans, check the 2 small bolts under the car holding the shift cable to the trans side are present and snugged up (don't overtighten).

 

after Getting the “Engine Failsafe” warning once when attempting to start the car in Park, I tried to start in Neutral.

Sucess ! Now I can’t remember the last time I used Park to start the car. And no more reoccurrence of the dreaded “Engine Failsafe” warning either.

Z