delay when starting

[clintlaf]

On my 04 LeSabre Limited every so often when I start the car there is a delay when I turn the key. I replaced the starter and starter relay.

 

[Alan 55]

On my 04 LeSabre Limited every so often when I start the car there is a delay when I turn the key. I replaced the starter and starter relay.

Welcome to the group. Concerning the delay, how much time is involved? Seconds? Minutes? This may help the trouble shoot process.

 

[clintlaf]

a few seconds

 

[Mad_Coachman]

Does it start every time?

 

[clintlaf]

Does it start every time?

yes

 

[Alan 55]

yes

There is a possibility that it is a security issue regarding your key, lock cylinder or other related components. To start with the most simple things first, do you have multiple ignition keys for this vehicle?

 

[clintlaf]

There is a possibility that it is a security issue regarding your key, lock cylinder or other related components. To start with the most simple things first, do you have multiple ignition keys for this vehicle?

yes

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

When you say delay is the engine turning over several times then starting or you are turning the key and the delay is in the starter reacting.

Was this a problem before the starter and relay were replaced, after or were they replaced to try and resolve this problem.

 

[clintlaf]

When you say delay is the engine turning over several times then starting or you are turning the key and the delay is in the starter reacting.

Was this a problem before the starter and relay were replaced, after or were they replaced to try and resolve this problem.

It is when I turn the key there is a delay ( it sounds dead silent ) then it starts. The starter was replaced because it needed to be & hoping it stopped the delay. The relay was to stop the problem.

 

[Homer Jay]

Check the connections at the battery for corrosion. Also, not knowing the age and health of the battery have it load tested.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Below is a link to the fuse and relay boxes, not sure which relay was replaced but it may be beneficial to check all ignition label ones are seated and don't have any type of discolor on the contacts.

Redirect Notice

Check the ground at the frame end that it's clean and secure. As Alan 55 mentioned it may be the ignition switch itself there are other posts on a similar problem but there doesn't seem to be a common solution.

 

[Alan 55]

yes

Concerning the issue of the delay, it is possible that the delay is a very brief period in which the security system does not recognize the key but then it does in fact recognize it. Since you have more than one key you could do a test to determine if using a different key may produce a different result. You could also clean a key with some isopropyl alcohol or similar product to test the results.
These things are a long shot but easy to do and little to no cost.

 

[clintlaf]

Below is a link to the fuse and relay boxes, not sure which relay was replaced but it may be beneficial to check all ignition label ones are seated and don't have any type of discolor on the contacts.

Redirect Notice

Check the ground at the frame end that it's clean and secure. As Alan 55 mentioned it may be the ignition switch itself there are other posts on a similar problem but there doesn't seem to be a common solution.

Concerning the issue of the delay, it is possible that the delay is a very brief period in which the security system does not recognize the key but then it does in fact recognize it. Since you have more than one key you could do a test to determine if using a different key may produce a different result. You could also clean a key with some isopropyl alcohol or similar product to test the results.
These things are a long shot but easy to do and little to no cost.

I'm using the other key and I'll see what happens

 

[-Regal-]

How old is the battery? I would load test it as previously suggested.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Sounds like ignition switch. But domt take me at face value for it, I’m not the owner or in ppperson diagnosing your car. You should start with the simple checks laid out. You wanna do the easy stuff first before you tear into things or break old plastics or replace superior OEM components (mostly) , etc

check grounds, check your starter cable to battery for resistance and proper connection(technically it would be your power distribution box.) goes check switch, use some contact cleaner in your lock(I say contact cleaner as it won’t hurt passkey or gum anything up, ) the. Use a dry lubricant made for locks, get that worked around. Is your delay every time play with the column, tilt it, pull it, bop it, gently tap around the base, Any different? Next you wanna check your fuses, key condition, snd important to a large degree, check for codes. Body codes can only be read by a uplevel scan tool so a mechanic trip to read codes for 50 is still cheaper than a tool, keep that in mind. Knowing what the BCMA AND VTD report is important here.

if no issues at that point, tell us I guess but it’s gonna require getting more technical.
I mentioned check your keys. Are they bent, have you tried other keys, does your security lamp flash or stay lit etc
A bent, worm key may not be turning it fully and it slip sticks in the column to the right spot after holding it.
my last park avenue I could take the keys out of the ignition while running. Didn’t harm a thing. No idea why.

 

[clintlaf]

It still has a delay with a new battery, replaced starter and ignition relay. It does it every once in awhile

 

[millbrilesabre]

Sounds like ignition switch. But domt take me at face value for it, I’m not the owner or in ppperson diagnosing your car. You should start with the simple checks laid out. You wanna do the easy stuff first before you tear into things or break old plastics or replace superior OEM components (mostly) , etc

check grounds, check your starter cable to battery for resistance and proper connection(technically it would be your power distribution box.) goes check switch, use some contact cleaner in your lock(I say contact cleaner as it won’t hurt passkey or gum anything up, ) the. Use a dry lubricant made for locks, get that worked around. Is your delay every time play with the column, tilt it, pull it, bop it, gently tap around the base, Any different? Next you wanna check your fuses, key condition, snd important to a large degree, check for codes. Body codes can only be read by a uplevel scan tool so a mechanic trip to read codes for 50 is still cheaper than a tool, keep that in mind. Knowing what the BCMA AND VTD report is important here.

if no issues at that point, tell us I guess but it’s gonna require getting more technical.
I mentioned check your keys. Are they bent, have you tried other keys, does your security lamp flash or stay lit etc
A bent, worm key may not be turning it fully and it slip sticks in the column to the right spot after holding it.
my last park avenue I could take the keys out of the ignition while running. Didn’t harm a thing. No idea why.

I know I'm bumping an old thread but I just wanted to say, if someone else finds this in a search like I did, dont overlook this post! I honestly didnt believe it could be the key, but I have 2 so I decided to try the other one anyways and sure enough, the car starts right up every time with the 2nd key! glad I found this post because I was about to buy a new starter.