Cranked but wouldn't fire, Neutral safety switch?

[barneyhyphen]

2000 LX 470. 216,000 m.

Always starts on the button and absolutely no hint of a problem until this morning. This morning, cranked healthily but no hint of wanting to fire after 4-5 attempts.

Pulled all mini fuses in engine bay fuse/relay box, checked for blown fuses (none) and reseated all. got back in the car, wiggled the gear selector and car fired up on first crank.

Would the neutral safety switch prevent cranking OR, allow cranking but prevent firing? I'm thinking it would prevent cranking, yes?

Thanks.

BH

 

[AimCOtaco]

First check is the security system.

Make sure when you insert the key that the red security light on the dash (center near outside temp/clock) stops flashing. If it does not it will crank and not fire as you describe. It would mean the system has failed or does not accept the chip in the key you are using.

Were you in Neutral or Park?

 

[Bismarck]

It's likely the immobilizer.

 

[barneyhyphen]

Thank you very much so far.

BH