HELP! My car won't start

[jick.cejoco]

Problem Description

While doing a reverse on a very slightly uphill curve, the car engine stalled but with all electrical devices still running (ie Aircon, headlights). I turned off the car but it wont start again. There was no crank when I tried to start the engine. What baffles me is this constant humming sound when the key is in "on" position.

A Newbie's Attempt to Resolve the Issue

I checked the battery power/terminals/life; it seemed ok... everything is running bau (ie Aircon, headlights, wipers, horn). I just had this car tuned up before Holyweek. I was completely bummed out.

Call a Friend

Starter solenoid problem? Alternator? Fuel Pump/Relay? Timing belt perhaps? I thought of these things but I wanted to be in denial. It's 1130pm, I'm not sure if there is a mechanic available to service my car. I'm about to panic. I don't have cash with me (300php lang). I skipped my usual atm withdrawal due to the "mala-nora aunor movie line" at cybergate.

I called Kuya Boy (driver ni Lolo) na lang for consultation. He told me na it could be one of the three above. Na I could have it towed (waaah, 1K daw ang tow..putek mahal) na lang, drop it at my Lolo's house at Pasig. Then, he could look into it the next morning.

It's a Miracle!!!

After succumbing to his idea, I was asked by the guard to move the car so it will not pose as a risk to other drivers. At this point, I was thinking.. "automatic to di mo pwede itulak, pano kaya to?". But I remembered na may power sya. So I asked the guard and my colleague to push the car after I put the key in "on" position and put the gear in neutral.

After this exercise, I prayed that sana mag start na sya. One last try bago mag cab pauwi. Not realizing that I left the gear in neutral, I keyed in the key then tried to start the engine. Lo and Behold, the car cranked and it finally started. Weeee!

I need your input

What do you think happened? I'll be bringing it in to have it checked pero it would be nice to get numerous diagnosis. thanks!

Notes

- My car is a 1998 Lancer GLXI Automatic
- Timing belt was replaced by CASA back in 2005
- Tune Up and Change Oil done a wk before Holy Week
- I drove the car from cybergate to central (mga 1Km lang ang layo)
- naka full tank ang kotse

Thank you po sa mga magiging inputs ninyo peeps.

machoba,
as per your vehicle not cranking intermittently, one of the causes for automatic drivetrain starting system is the park/neutral switch or as other car manufacturer calls it inhibitor switch. the contacts inside this switch usually gets worn out an preventing a complete control circuit to your starter. if it did recrank in neutral or might, cross your fingers,in park is because the contacts sometimes completes the circuit again. this is the same purpose and causes the same problems as in a clutch switch or manual drivetrains starting systems. this device however, is installed for safety reasons that you can not start the engine while in gear.
jick