Originally Posted by Macster

Try wiggling the key as you turn the switch or pressing in or trying to pull the key out just to vary the direction of the pressure present at the ignition switch.

Originally Posted by wwest

Second "code" key nearby, maybe even on the same key ring?.

Originally Posted by Macster

It reads like the ignition switch. Do you hang a heavy key chain from the switch?

The starting process begins with an exchange of an ID via an RF link between the car's security system and the RFID pill in the key module. The key's battery plays no role in this exchange.

There is an RF signal beamed to the key. The ring around the ignition switch "hides" the antenna. This signal energizes the key's RFID pill which then transmits its ID. The security system processes this and if it agrees with one in its table of IDs allows the engine to start.

My 2nd hand info is the RFID pill either works or it doesn't. There can be some flakiness in the initial RF signal or in the return signal by the key RFID pill if the ignition switch has been messed with. But if no one has been at this then this is unlikely.

Try wiggling the key as you turn the switch or pressing in or trying to pull the key out just to vary the direction of the pressure present at the ignition switch. If you can cause any variation in the car's starting behavior then the ignition switch is the most likely culprit.

However, I note your car is equipped with a Tip. There could be a problem with the neutral or Park sensor so if the fooling with the switch doesn't seem to have any effect then the Tip and these sensors may be at the root of the symptom.

Originally Posted by Chrono

This, I believe, is what was eventually starting the car, as opposed to my tribal dances around the door lock. I still think it's the switch.
My issue has since "disappeared", which means it will occur again at the most inopportune time.
Lots of good info in your post Macster, thanks.




Funny, that BECAME a problem after the fact. On the first occurrence, I didn't have my 2nd key. Later, when I did, I had the multiple transponder issues compounding the original issue.

Originally Posted by jellonailer

Mine was the clutch switch. Changed it and it works perfect.

If the clutch switch is out it does not always warn - "depress clutch"

Sometimes it just doesn't start. All good now.

Originally Posted by dalancroft

My wife's car was also having problems starting, even with the clutch pushed all the way to the floor. It turned out to be the clutch switch, which the dealer replaced at no cost, and all is well now. It's like a $10 part and maybe 10 minutes labor.

Originally Posted by Spiffyjiff

does anyone know if a PIWIS/recode is needed after changing an ignition switch? as i (think i) understand it, it's the RFID chip in the key that allows the ignition to unlock and for the car to start and that the slot itself can be turned by a simple blade. but does the ignition module store the correct "code" which allows starting? or does the module simply read the RFID and pass on the info to the ECU (which passes it back as accept or deny, etc)?

the workshop manual doesn't have any follow up procedures after the section on removing/installing the module (besides how to remove the key manually if it gets stuck in there).