Hey guys I have a 97 accord 5speed and sometimes when I turn the key all the way there will be like a 3 to 5 second delay before the car does anything and then you hear the starter and it starts up fine. I cleaned the battery terminals and thought it was doing better but its back again and tends to be worse the colder it is outside but other times you can hear the starter as soon as the key is turned as if there were no problems. Any ideas?

 

Try the caveman test. Hit the starter with a broom handle or something while someone is turning the key. If that makes it start, then you need a starter. (Or at least new contacts in the starter solenoid?)

 

well so far the car will always start for me there is just a delay sometimes before the starter kicks in like the key is in start position and nothing happens for a few seconds.

 

The MT Accord has a starter relay which couples the ignition switch start signal to the starter solenoid (all should probably have this but AT's don't). Suggest replacing or temporarily swapping w/ identical relay to see if that's the problem. Relays sometimes get sticky.

Otherwise, it may be a failing ignition switch not generating enough voltage to the starter relay.

good luck

 

Since it doesn't happen all the time, it'll be tough to pinpoint.

There's a small wire at the starter. The "starter signal" wire which is energized when you turn the key to START. If this signal is being delayed, then look at the components "upstream" like the interlock relay.

If that starter signal is prompt, but the starter itself has a delay, then you'll want to look within the starter or it's relay (the relay on the starter).

Problem is you might have to try it many times with a voltmeter hooked up, before you can "catch it in the act".

 

I read of other people having this same issue maybe somone here has had this happen and knows the problem?

 

You've had several suggestions to pursue. What about trying those?

good luck