My 89 accord lxi 5 speed has no problem starting usually, but this morning it was 14 degrees out and I went to start it and it didnt make a single noise and all the lights were still on and didnt dim. Tried to repeatedly turn the key and also pumped the clutch a couple times and still nothing. Finally I held the key in the start position and after about 20 seconds it cranked over and fired right up. It has done this a few times now. What could be causing this? Is my starter just getting worn out?

 

I'd start with testing the battery. While it is out of the car being tested (don't drive the car to the store and have it tested as the alt will be charging it and not give good readings) make sure the cable ends are clean - also clean the "other" two contact points of the ground cable where it connects to the body and then the trans.

 

I actually popped in a different battery and it did the same thing and both batteries are only about 2-3 years old. I hope its not a trans problem...

 

There should be a small wire going to the starter. When you turn the key to start the car, that wire should get 12V. Use a volt meter or a 12V test light to verify that wire is getting voltage.

 

Sounds like your starter is freezing up.