New owner, With a question

[lamsv]

I recently purchased a 2000 Q45 10th Anni. I have been pining over a Y33 for years. Unfortunately, they are not easy to come by up here in Montana. Luck was shining upon me, as this beautiful car came in on a trade local to me. The car is everything I hoped it would be so far!

My question though. It has an issue starting that is leaving me scratching my head. About every 4th or 5th time I try to start it, I turn the key to "ACC", all the lights turn on, my seat and steering wheel return to my position... but as soon as I try to start it, all I hear is a click. I turn the key to off, and retry and it almost always starts right up with out an issue. It is not the battery, not the alternator. It might be the starter solenoid. I saw there was a service bulletin for this problem though. Had to do with the immobilizer. Is this a common problem on the Q45? It has yet to leave me stranded, and is more annoying than anything. Any ideas what the problem could be?

Thanks!

[Lokim]

Does your "Security" lamp flash or stay on solid while trying to start the car? If so, time to get the FSM out and start troubleshooting. If not, suspect the starter relay or starter solenoid...

[lino]

Welcome to Nico.

You can download a copy of the F.S.M. here if you don't already have one:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/

[lamsv]

I will look to see what the security light does next time it happens.

I'm leaning towards the relay or the solenoid though...

Thanks for the link to the service manual! How do I determine if I have a 2000 or 2000.5 model?

[Lokim]

Probably by the date of manufacture on the door sticker.

[lamsv]

^ Duh. One of those "should have thought before I spoke" moments.

[Lokim]

It happens to everyone...