I turn my key and hold it there to start the engine and nothing for about 2-3 seconds. Then it fired up like normal. It's happend before but becomming more freaquent... any ideas? Doesn't sound like there would be too many possible causes.. Thanks!

 

sounds like your starter is about to buy the farm

 

Another person with a problem like mine.
Mine does it every once in a while, and no the problem is definitely not obvious. I'm inspecting ignition system right now, I suspect the switch, lock cylinder, or wiring. It's also plagued by the I'll start when I feel like it problem. Starts fine one day, next day takes some good cranking over...

 

When you say "nothing for 2-3 seconds" I assume you mean the starter is *not* turning. If so, I would suspect the ignition switch. One of our cars had a nearly identical problem and it was the switch.

 

If you get a new switch from a local parts dealer make sure and specify what type of tranny you have, they almost sold me one for a manual.
Luckily I always lean over the desk and stare at the computer screen to make sure they're getting me what I want.

 

That sounds identical to my car. All though I noticed it only struggles to start (by that I mean it is cranking but not firing) when the weather is very moist out.. like after rain fall, fog etc.. so I thought maybe my opti has a crack in it. Seemed to make sense.. I don't think the two problems are related..

As for what I mean but "nothing happening" Yes... is does not crank. Nothing what so ever, like I didn't even turn the key. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough.

So the switch huh? I'll look into that.. thanks guys. Just needed somewhere to start.

 

It does sound like the ignition cylinder to me also. I have had that problem in the past. You have two choices here. Either go to the dealer and get a new cylinder and keys or you can do the VATS bypass which is what I opted to do on mine. You can get the bypass module from Ecklers Corvette parts but you have to first go to the dealer to see which VATS key you have 1-15. Its alot less expensive to do the bypass believe me. Plus it will keep this from ever happening again in the future.

Barry

 

on a side note its 2OTL not 2OLT in your sig...its been bugging me

 

Actually I'm wondering if it's the portion of the switch that detects when he has turned the key to "Start". If it were the VATS wires, I believe the computer would lock him out for several minutes before allowing the car to start again. So, in this case I'm not sure the VATS bypass would help.