Thought some might find this interesting........

A couple of days ago, we got into Bellissima to go to a grocery store and she would not start for us. When I put my key fob into the ignition, we heard some clicks, and a key icon came up on display. The car didn't start at all. I thought that it might be a problem with my own key fob for the car, since the plastic "halo" has broken off, and took Ocius to the store instead.

Then the next day, when Olga tried to start the car, the same thing happened to her! Before trying to contact the dealership about the problem, I looked through the drivers manual, but was unable to find the icon listed in ignition problems. I finally remembered that my Jag used to have a similar problem with turning of the key in the ignition if I had the steering wheel cranked over too far, upon turning the car off. I then put the fob in, turned the steering wheel back towards a neutral position and VOILA---Bellissima turned right over!

Just thought I'd share this with you guys, in case anyone else runs into the same thing, and doesn't know what it might be.

Happy Holidays!!!

 

That's great info. Does anyone know what the purpose of having to turn the steering wheel to center is?

 

Turning the steering wheel a bit takes pressure off the steering lock, just like in a regular ignition car. When the pressure is released, the lock can disengage, and the ignition switch can move to the next position. Voila!

 

Oh ok...Just wondering if there was a practical purpose for this or if it was just a mechanical quirk.