Clicking before starting

Over the past month, i have been experiencing hard starts. At first I thought it may have been fuel related but the past two days leads me to believe it could be the ignition switch.

When I start the vehicle, the first couple turns of the key produce nothing but a click. The lights onthe dashboard do not come on. On the third or fourth try, the lights will come on and the car will start. I have no "check engine" light on when driving. Based on what I read fror other posters, this seems like the ignition switch is going. I want to confirm this before i replace it.

Is this consistent with the ignition switch going? Or are there other things that could cause this hard starting? Please let me know if you need additional information.

Sounds pretty typical.

Have you tried cleaning it? Sometimes that works just as good as replacing it, except its free.

I hate suggesting this and having it be a total waste of time, but Im just the kind of person who likes to try the free stuff first, I usually have more time than money.

I like free too. Now to find those instructions on how to clean the switch.

This sounds like a low current condition. = bad battery, corrosion on/in cables or starter.