Clicking before starting

[dtownfb]

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.

[LittleHoov]

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.

[dtownfb]

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

[panzer dragoon]

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