I own a 2003 explorer nxt. Sporadically over the past year a problem has developed. When you turn the key to ON, lights turn on,radio turns on, etc. When the key is turned to START, everything goes dead: no horn,lights,radio, door bongs, etc. If I hit the remote start (that was installed at the dealership from which I bought the car new), the vehicle starts and everything works fine again. This has done this with my wifes keys and my own, and only happens on the first start of the day. I brought it to the dealership and they told me there was no way to diagnose that problem without leaving it. They would try to start it every morning until it happened and then give us a call. I explained that it could be months before it happens again (it's happened 4 times in the last 8 months) and the guy said, " I guess we'll see you in a few months then.".

Just wondering if anyone has heard of this or had this happen. The remote starter was $500.00 at the dealer and the only reason I had them install it was for fear of having the electrical systems not covered under warranty if an aftermarket one was installed elsewhere.

I checked the TSB's on the Explorer and found nothing under ignition so at this point I'm stumped as to what options I have. Wife LOVES vehicle and doesn't want to replace it. Any thoughts???

 

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