Several possibilities. Is there a Service Engine Soon or Check Engine light illuminated on the instrument panel? Most often however start only after 2-3 key cycles indicates a plugged fuel filter. When did you replace the filter last? It should be replaced about every 15,000 miles.
Upon turning the key to the "run" or "start" position, the computer engages the fuel pump relay which in turn pressurizes the fuel rail at the injectors. If the computer does not see a crank signal (engine running) within 3 seconds it then turns off the fuel pump relay. Continuing to crank the engine at that point does no good. A tight (plugged) fuel filter may make it difficult for pressure to come up to proper level for engine start within this 3 second time-frame. Consequently, 2-3 key cycles helps to build the fuel pressure allowing engine start on the 2nd or 3rd try. This condition is more prominent early mornings and in cold weather. If you continue to run a tight fuel filter, it WILL eventually cause failure of the fuel pump, which is an expensive repair.
If however you know you have a fresh fuel filter and the Service Engine Soon light is on, then have Autozone to pull the error codes from the on-board computer (they'll do it free) and post them back here for assistance.
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A couple of ideas-- you may have already considered. Is this an older car? If so, then some old cars get moisture in them on the electrical parts like say on the wiring harness or wiring. Another cause could be the battery is a bit weak. Go to Advance Auto or Autozone and get the battery tested. Then they getting the started tested. I hope this helps you! God bless!
SOURCE: 2001 s-10 wont start sometimes
first thing i would do is this take a test light put it on the small wire on starter and have someone turn the key to start, it should light up bright, (do this when it does not want to start like you discribed) if it does i would say its starter selanoid, if its a weak light, than your problem is in that wire between starter switch and selanoid. also chk.that small wire and see if it has a fuseable link. also chk. the main post on starter, they been known to come loose and it will do what you discribed. it will be the inside nut on main post behind positive cable the one that tightens up to selanoid.if its loose thats your problem, be carefull it tightens to plastic on selanoid.
SOURCE: car wont start...sometimes
Sounds like a bad starter solenoid, usually cheapest and easiest to replace the starter and solenoid as a unit. It is always best to check for power between the solenoid and the starter with a test light, if the solenoid clicks but the test light doesn't light up you have found the problem in the solenoid.
SOURCE: 1997 nissan sentra car wont start when I turn the key
need more info. it look like your cranking motor is getting bad.
SOURCE: car wont start when turn the key for sometimes 20 tries
Manual transmission you need to step on the clutch. Auto you need to step on the brakes.
SOURCE: my nissan 350z sometimes stalls after starting
after i replaced the battery in my 2003 350z, it would stall immediatly after i cranked it on unless i gave it a little gas. I fixed this by cleaning the MAF and throtle body valve. Total supply costs were $15 and took about 20 minutes. My Z is not only fixed but runs smoother and cleaner.
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