I have a 2003 cavalier and occasionaly when I go to start the car it seems like it isnt going to start and sounds like it is having trouble turning over but then it starts right up without ever letting go of my position on the key. Just wondering what might cause this.

auto / manual?

It is winter season, my car takes an extra sec or 2 now.

I think I have a similar problem in my 02 Cav, 2.2 ohv auto. Starter engages, then it is almost like a hydraulic lock, starter virtually stops turning,, then without releasing the key turns over normally and engine starts. No coolant leaks, but wondering about either a leaking fuel injector or ignition timing being way too overadvaced during start up, any thoughts out there? Only does this maybe once every 10 or 14 days
thanks
Jeff

Your starter should be turning this engine over with no hesitation...I would clean the battery terminals to start with...Starters are inductive loads and draw lots of current - without very clean and fairly tight connections, your starter may not be getting all the current it requires to forcefully turn your engine over...If your battery end is good, tight and clean, check the wiring on the starter and the ground (negative) terminal on the engine or chasis....all these endpoints need the same thing to function properly...clean and tight connections. On perfromance enhanced cars, staters may do this because of big displacement in combination with high compression.... However, I doubt this combination is causing your starter ...hesitation.

I had a similar problem on a '97...it got worse over time and wouldn't start without a boost. I changed the ignition wires and all is fine now. Thanks to my sons sugestion (mechanic).