05 allroad wont start.

[AK_92_V8]

My car won't start. I turn the key it it tries to turn over. I know it is not a engine problem. The car runs and shifts 100% and no CEL. This can happen a couple times a week or as little as once a month. It has to be electrical because when I turn the key to run the center display shows the PRND1 reverse light up like (I think) is the transmission is in fail safe mode or something. It usually starts 100% after the car sits for a bit. I am at a total loss. My local repair shop is too. When this happens the volt gauge is around 8.
not my car in the video but I think this is my problem.

[AK_92_V8]

update went back a few hours later car started 100% fine drove it home

[G0to60]

I had something similar happen with my wife's old VW Cabrio. Occasionally it would crank slow or nothing and then we would wait an hour or so and it would fire right up. Turned out to be the starter was about to crap out. Replaced that and all was good.

When it tries to turn over is it sluggish or does it sound normal?

[vtraudt]

Starter solenoid is my guess.
Have this problem currently on a 2009 Journey. Sometimes it won't crank at all (tried different keys, tried the remote start). Hammered on the starter. Cleaned the starter terminals and fat power wire connection.
Sometimes it goes days without a problem (1 week at dealer, could get it to act up), sometimes several times a day.

Dealer refused to take take starter out ("need to first know what it is"). TOTALLY random (so far could not determine hot vs. cold engine, hot vs. cold air temp, short drive/long drive, restart after minutes or standing for a day).

Will likely just do the starter swap myself, rather than having wify get stranded again somewhere.