I have a 2007 XLS with 36800 miles. Just got an oil change 3 days back. The chrysler dealer didn't had the air filter to change and told me that he has ordered one and will be there within two days.

Yesterday morning I tried to start the car in the morning and it didn't start. After 1-0 - 15 minutes it started and everything looked normal. The temp was in 50s. I know it was not the battery because the dealer had all checked and everything was fine. Did anyone had anything like this happened. Is it possible that the dealer when checking the airfilter didn't put it back correctly? I am going back to the dealer to replace the airfilter today. Any inputs appreciated.

 

Does not sound like an air filter issue to me.

What did the car do when you tried to start it? Did it make a clicking noise? Did it do anything out of the ordinary (besides not starting)?

 

There was no clicking sound. It just sounded normal when turning the ignition. Just got the airfilter changed. The Chrysler dealer put the Mitsubishi OEM filter. He said everything looks normal.

 

Several months ago my wife went to start our Outlander and it wouldn't start. What happened is another key on her key ring was touching the Outlander key and that interferred with the Outlander key from sending the correct code to the ignition. After she made sure the other key wasn't touching the Outlander key, the vehicle started right up.

This is part of the anti-theft engine immobilizer feature. Check your owner's manual and you will see they warn you if anything interfers with the key from sending the correct code to your ignition the vehicle will not start.

If you have the fast key (keyless ignition), its possible something was interferring from the fast key transmitting the correct code.

I'm not saying this was your problem, but I did experience this one time with my Outlander so its at least a possibility.

 

I think azjake has the right idea. When I worked for Honda, people had the same kind of problem of their vehicle turning over and not catching. It was due to them putting the key in the ignition and turning it too quickly and not giving the car a chance to read the transponder in the key.
Even though Mitsu's system is different, they probably work on similar principles.

 

Thanks Azjake and everyone. I hope that problem was one time. Since then so far it is doing good.