I am having 2 distinct intermittent starting problems with my car, hope someone can help:

My battery has been load-tested and is fine. The mass air flow sensor was cleaned recently with alcohol on a Qtip. The OBD reader is not returning any code. The car has 50k miles, was serviced at the dealer a few months ago, nothing reported. The spark plugs were routinely replaced at the time.

1/- No sound at all when key is turned to starting position. Happens with engine cold or hot. Putting the shift lever in Park or Neutral position has no effect. The engine will always crank and start after a few tries, just like magic. Runs fine once started. From my readings of the posts on this site, I suspect the starter relay may be defective. Am I on the right track? if yes, can somebody post a picture or show me where to find this relay? Anything else could cause this problem?

2/- Engine cranks strongly, but will not start. Happens with engine cold or hot (all accessories being turned off, I can hear a faint sound with key on position 2). When this happens, depressing the gas pedal fully will get the engine started every time. Runs fine once started. Fuel economy is good. Again, from my readings, I suspect a defective fuel pressure regulator. Am I on the right track? If yes, can somebody tell me where to find this pressure regulator and how to test it? Anything else could cause this problem?

Thanks in advance

Definitely sounds like the ignition switch, could cause BOTH of these problems.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Thanks for the advice Gilly, the ignition switch did come to my mind because there was a problem with it when the car was new, that was fixed under warranty. Your assessment kind of makes a lot of sense, because what is the chance of 2 different components (starter relay and fuel pressure regulator) failing at the same time to give those symptoms during the same period of time, right?

So it's one bad component giving 2 different symptoms!

Is this a DIY job? does it require any special tools?

Thanks again.

You should be able to do it yourself......well, maybe, I guess YOU are the determining factor. Most guys who would ask if it's a DIY job can probably do it, no special tools. I was just posting on this topic in the last week, let me know if you want me to link you to that.
I don't think it's fuel pressure regulator though, you have to look at a pinout of the switch to see what the crank/no start half of it might be. It's an easy switch to replace but yeah lately they seem to be getting alot of bad contact problems in em.
If you have a multimeter, the best diagnosis, before you get in to buying a part, is to check for power at the small terminal on the starter solenoid to make sure power isn't getting to it, this is with the key in start and in the failed state.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Please do point me to your post, thanks.

I am quite agile mechanically, electrically, and electronically (I have a good multimeter, enough standard tools, and have access to a scope if need be), and should be able to do a lot of things myself, unless it takes special tools.

My problem is I don't know where the components are located in the first place, and need help in getting to them. Hope you can guide me with that.

Thanks again.