Having an intermittent crank no start condition. Does it when ever it feels like it. Can crank and will not start. Turn key off and sometimes may start and sometimes will have to turn off and retry again. Sometimes will start and then die. Replaced the battery several months ago. Does the system have to be reset after battery replacement? ie: we have a 2006 Explorer and after battery replacement wouldn't keep running. In svc. manual under battery replacement says have to do certain things to reset system. Wondering if this might be the case.

Check the wiring harness where it goes into the door for shorts.
I had a 95 camry that was having intermittent electrical issues and found wires shorted to each other where the door opens and closes.

is key worn down try another key --ignition switch may be failing -check and test relays loose or corroded connections --starter failing

When was the battery changed last? What condition are the battery cables in?

Could be a cold start solenoid is intermittent or sensor to it is flaky.

2008 Ford Escape Have To Push Key In Ignition Very Hard ...

www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Escape/2008/.../have_to_push_key_in_ig...

push key switch in hard to start 2nd time (3 reports) ... Our next step is to replace the lock housing assembly or the ignition lock cylinder. ... The ignition switch on my 2008 Ford Escape randomly turns over -- apparently when it feels like it.

Ford Escape ignition switch no start switch replac - YouTube

? 1:10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv8tDCf83Vc
Jan 28, 2014 - Uploaded by mosaitogo
Sometimes vehicle would not start when crank/start pos. ...having to push in on the key because the tip of rod is jumping out of switch . .... I currently have my ignition switch dangling down, and I just manually turn it with a screw driver .... Thanks I had this issue since last year with My Ford Escape 2008 but ...

22 Ford Vehicles No crank/ No Start Trick - YouTube

have the switch itself (nd not the key and barrel ) for correct operation
Check the immobilizer operation as the receiver for the fob is around the front of the barrel

I am having the same problem with my 1998 Accord LX. I realized that when I turn the key and the green key light does not come on my accord has no chance of starting. I changed the main relay thinking that was what I needed to do but I was wrong. The car still does not start. Before I changed the main relay there was a chance for the car to start after so long. But now nothing. I am stumped because I read about related issues and I feel it could be the starter, or the interlock relay, or the ignition switch, or it can also be that my car just doesn't recognize my key anymore and I need it reprogrammed. I am stumped. Have you found anything?

Sounds like the problem is in the ignition switch - I would have another chat with that dealer.

I had an intermittent no-start condition on my 2005 Saturn Vue. These are totally different vehicles, so this is only a suggestion of theory, not an actual fix. Sometimes the vehicle would do NOTHING on a key turn. No lights, no clicking, nothing. The only thing that saved me was that it broke hard while under warranty. It took them a week.

Problem was a bad connection on the theft immobilizer system. The ECU was sensing ignition switch tampering. On the molex style connectors, the pins are retained in the connector by a tiny little tab. One single pin was loose on a connector under the fuse block.

Removed and replaced starter.