Hi,
I' ve owned a 1999 Montefor 2 years. The headlights, not just theDRL's stay on when ignition is on. Might not be part of the problem, I don't know. A year ago it would not start, no lights, no radio,no clicks, nothing. I turned the key on and off a couple of times and wiggled the shift lever and it started.Since than it has died a couple of times, but restarted right away,so I changed the plugs, wires, and added fuel injector cleaner. It's been fine till today. I was backing out of my driveway and it died. Itried like above to no avail. I checked the battery wires, they were tight and looked fine. I got back in the car tried like above again, samething.I had the key in the on positionthan everything came on andI was able to start it, I shut it off and samething happened. I triedlike above and added flipping the light switch on and offagain and it started. Tried spare key ( in case it was theanti-lock thing), it started both times. tried once with the primary keyand it started. I don't want to keep driving it on faith, so I want to ask someone smarter than me. Any ideas?


Update: It has ran fine since 1-5-07. Today it woud not start the door dinger sounded low on juice, so I fiddled with the battery and it started. Coincedence maybe? Because I tried to start it again and nothing. I put a battery charger on it the door dinger sounds better, butit just clicks when I try to start it. WhenI release the keyto the "on" position all thelights in the cabin flicker
Thanks, Vern [align=right][/align]

 

This part of it sounds like you have a bad battery... I would get the battery tested and replaced if needed as a starting point.

 

Thanks for the response. I did replace the battery and it starts now, but I know that isnot the answer to it's problems

Vern.

 

I don't think it was the answer to all it's problems, but it's a good place to start.

Any codes? You may have an ignition control module going bad.

 

the icm wont stop power with key on....

sounds like a bad ignition switch. they have been known to fail. a failing ICM would show misfires your car just isnt starting.and not showing power when you turn the key... would make me suspect the key/lock (ignition switch)

keep us posted

 

I would have the starter tested as well......

 

Thanks for the advise. I'll check the codes today and have the starter tested.

Vern

 

I checked for codes and came up with nothing, probably because I changed the battery. I have not had the starter tested yet. I will let you know when I come up with a solution.

Thanks, Vern

 

Quick question, while I'm waiting for a code. Could the ICM or ignition switch cause the headlights to stay on when the key is in the on position?

 

Is your car equipped with auto on headlights? It could be that you have something covering the sensor on the dash.