Ignition delay problem, 98 CRV

I have a 98 Honda CRV which I very much enjoy. When I turn the ignition
key there is a significant delay between turning the key and the starter
kicking in.

All the panel lights up as expect, just the actual starting is delayed.

Sometimes it takes 4-5 seconds. Only happens once in a while but seems
to be getting more frequent.

I just had the ignition switch replaced as part of a Honda recall so
that wasn't the problem.

Ideas?

Thanks!

 

Battery condition tested? can get a free test from auto zone type
stores. Battery cables and ground wire in front of engine all tight
and corrosion free? cables on starter clean, tight and corrosion free?
could also be a starter solenoid going bad. I have the same vehicle
(126k miles) but have not experienced the same problem. How many miles
on yours. Has there been any work done to the vehicle just before
these symptoms started? What does the dealer say.

 

My son had a CRX that was doing the same thing it was a bad ground cable off
the battery, we also replaced the ground cable that attaches to the radiator
support to the engine.

Tom

 

I have 114,000 Km which is about 68,000 mi. No other signs of electrical
trouble although I have smelled some kinda electrical smell from under
the hood although very faint and only after it is warmed up. Maybe it's
related. Funny how I didn't put two and two together. Duh. The solenoid
is also a good possibility. The dealer didn't think it was the battery
but I didn't press the issue since there was a recall on the ignition
switch and that was the best course of action and the time.

 

Tom, I will look into this. Thanks

 

I had to rebuild the starter solenoid on my 94 Integra;when I turned the
key,I would get "click-click-click" like the battery was dead,but with a
new battery,and after several tries,the motor would crank and start
immediately. The solenoid contacts were worn down to half original
thickness at the contact area. My starter was a Denso model that was
supposed to be a "replace-only" repair,but I found a site for new contacts
and plunger for $30. Getting the bottom starter bolt off was a bitch;it's a
LONG bolt,and hard to access with a wrench.Replacing the contacts and
plunger was EASY after that!

 

I've checked the battery, it indicates it's ok. The cables all look ok.
Just every once in a while (maybe 1 in 20-30 starts) there's that delay.
No sound, no click-click. In fact it is much like when you try to start
it with the clutch not pushed in (there's a safety switch to prevent
starts with the clutch engaged). The starter just won't go until after
waiting for about 1-4 seconds and then it kicks in without any problem.

Someone out there must have seen the same issue but I've searched the
newsgroups and the web without any luck.