first thing my mechanic did was to replace the starter. That obviously did not fix the problem, but eliminated that from the equation.

 

Did you keep the old starter, or get a refund? My '07 starter is still original.

 

and........... donated cabbage to your Mechanic for his unnecessary work.

 

Go with cleaning the contacts as sugested by others. If your rig is not garaged its a common problem with carbon blocking conductivity.

When your mechanic changed the starter did he buff or clean the terminal lug from the relay?

 

The DIY forum has switched to advise for my incompetent mechanic.

 

OK, well Due to my reading these threads, I took a look at the key I was using and my original H3 spare. The key I was using was very worn, so I did switch to the non worn key. Hoping it makes a difference. I also lubed up the key hole with some graphite. And, YES, I bought some CRC Electronic Cleaner and cleaned out the connector block as recommended. Now I just have to wait and see if I get the problem again.
No, I don't have the old starter. Oh well, but I guess I contributed to his new Maserati......
Thanks for everyone's help. Time will tell. If it happens again, I'm going for the replacement of the passlock as in that YouTube video.

 

I only have 1 oem key, and I never lubed my key hole? Wtf does that do?

 

On another thread in these forums, I did what someone said, search PassLock. Some people were saying they thought worn out keys made a difference. They were suggesting to try another one, or cut a new one. Also some said flush out the dirt and crime in the key hole and then lube it with dry lube. I am trying several of the easy suggestions before I go all in.

 

I learned over 25yrs ago, the internet is mostly filled with B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T! Still the same today, yet you can learn from the internet, when you weed out the bs.
Let me clean up 15+yrs of numerous possible bs repairs for you:
Passlock activation, is caused by contact failure at the ignition switch!

 

Thank you, and Yes, I did the CRC thing on the location you suggested. Hoping it takes care of the problem.