Every once in a while when I turn the key to start the car it will do nothing for a second or so then the starter engages full speed and the engine starts perfectly. I don't even have to turn the key harder.........I just wait for a second and then it starts perfect. Doesn't happen every time. I've checked and cleaned all the electrical connections. I'm assuming something is close to death. Is this more likely the ignition switch or the starter/starter solenoid? Thanks!

 

When was the last time fuel filter was changed?

 

Does it crank before starting or is there an actual pause between when you turn the key and when the starter tries to spin the crank?

 

i have the same problem i think, when you turn the key to start the car all the electronics work but it doesn't crank but i have to turn the key back off and do it again and it will start, i havn't figured out what it is maybe the key switch????

 

JVC--I had the same problem, only I sometimes had to turn the key a dozen or so times. I replaced the ignition switch, which didn't help. The battery was old and testing low, so I replaced it and it was good for about 10 days, then it happened once again. This time I added a ground to the starter. It's been another 10 days with no problem, but I've got my fingers crossed...

 

Check the grounds for the starter...sounds like it isn't grounding right...

 

Thanks for the input so far. Fuel filter replaced 2k miles ago. Once starter does engage it spins fast and car starts immediately..........just a pause between when I turn the key and when the starter engages. Obvious that I have an electrical issue........I have cleaned all the physical connections so I assume I'm down to either the ignition switch or the starter/starter solenoid.

 

This same thing is happening to my 96 as well...get in the car, turn the key and no cranking at all. Turn the key back, try again, and it works. I've replaced the starter, battery, fuel filter, full tune up, and added multiple 4 gauge grounds to the starter and other places in the engine bay. The problem still persists but not as often as before. I'm thinking it could have something to do with the alternator but not a 100 percent on that.

 

I have a 97 i30 with the same problem that I am trying to research and fix..if it's even fixable or just the way the car is. You turn the key and there's a one or two second delay and the car starts up. I just replaced the Starter and car has a new batt, but no changes..what can it be?

 

This sounds to me like the ignition switch itself. There are typically spring-loaded contacts inside and if the spring gets weakened from overheating or something or if the grease they use inside thickens and causes the moving contact to not move as freely then it would cause the problem you mentioned. If it were my car, I would remove the switch and take it apart clean it and put it back together, possibly with new springs, if required.

 

i have a 13 wire grounding kit, thats hooke to almost everything and my battery is bad i think, it's brand new but they can still go bad, guess it's time for a warranty

 

Sounds like electrtical part of the ignition. O.E part # 487501E411 $35.02.

 

exact same problem in the 96 GLE i just bought. 9 times outta 10 the car will start perfectly when you turn the key and then theres some random times where i have to wait through a full second or two of silence (nothing is moving) before it ignites. i actually made a thread about this and most peopel suggested the ignition. i guess the solenoid is another good possibility. either way its not that bad of an issue.