Starter Slow to Engage

[spg356]

Guys,

'98 5 speed with 99k miles, I've owned it 4 yrs and started with 41k miles.

Since I've owned the car, the starter has been slow to engage. I turn the key and there is a pause of anywhere from a split second to two seconds before the starter begins to crank.

To remedy this I have:

-replaced the electrical portion of the ignition switch

-replaced the clutch microswitch

-cleaned all grounds and connections at the starter

It never got better but it never got worse, until now.

It still starts but the pauses are always longer than shorter. Sometimes I have to release the key and let out the clutch and then try again. I am just worried that soon it will not crank at all.

Any Ideas?

Thanks!

PS it is not the floormats preventing the clutch pedal from pressing all the way down, it still does the same thing with them removed.

Edited February 14, 2012 by spg356

[JFP in PA]

_{You didn't say anything about the battery; load test it, check the terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary, check the cables for resistance, replace if necessary..............}

Edited February 14, 2012 by JFP in PA

[Cassiebox]

x2

battery or cables seem suspect...

[spg356]

JFP and Cassiebox,

I cannot believe it, it was the battery. I never bothered to check it all this time since the car would eventually crank (at what seemed a normal rate) and it never lost its charge.

It tested bad with only 440 CCA.

A new battery and good to go, it now starts to crank without any delay.

I am always appreciative of the advice given here,

Sebastian

Edited February 16, 2012 by spg356