My '92 Loyale delays in starting

[TheEmpireStrikesBack]

Alright, so after 7 months I have finally got my car running again. I asked a friend of my mom's to give it one more jump the day after Thanksgiving, and this time I let the car run for almost 2 hours to get the battery charged up. So it's not an alternator or battery problem like some here were saying, but now the only problem is that every time I go to turn the key, there is a delay for some seconds before the car actually starts/cranks. Anybody have any idea what that could be? Starter relay? Ignition switch? The starter itself? The starter is new and was put in back in April but may not necessarily mean it's good. Anybody have any idea?

[MR_Loyale]

My guess is the delay is the fuel pump getting up to pressure. Try this, turn key to on but not start. Listen for buzzing of fuel pump.  Once it stops, crank engine.  This is normal behavior.

Edited December 2, 2015 by MR_Loyale

[crazyhorse001]

If you hit the key, and have to hold it before the starter engages, then its normal for an old subie. Somehow as they age they dont get enough power down to the solenoid. First thing to check though is the wiring on the back of your ignition switch. There is a screw that holds it on. It may be loose. If its tight you need to put a starter relay in to get full power to the starter. Tomorrow i'll post pics and details how i did mine.

[DaveT]

The wiring that triggers the starter solenoid to pull in, and crank the motor has many connectors in it;s path, and the ignition switch.  One or more has developed a small amount of resistance, which prevents the solenoid from pulling in all the way.  The high resistance is intermittent, so it varies, eventually gets to the point where it won't engage at all.

 

The add on starter relay fixed both of mine.

[l75eya]

Look up adding a new starter relay on these old gen forums. Insta-start soon as you turn the key. I did this when, as mentioned above, it got to the point where the starter was not engaging more times than it was.

[Dee2]

Add the starter relay.  You're going to need it sooner or later.  Do it now before you get stuck in some parking lot while your ice cream melts.