Ok guys my '95 Runner will just about do this 2-3 times a day. When you turn the key to start it it does nothing for about 2 seconds then it will turn over and start. Does anyone know where to start to troubleshoot this one??? I have also noticed that when you use the key in the back window to put it up with the truck off it goes really really slooooooow and the dome lights dim way down almost doesnt have enough juice to go all the way up. You think my battery may be going? I know this is a lot of amp draw with the truck off but have never had this problem before. Just wondered if the battery might be causing my starting problem too.......i dont know. Any help would be great, thanks!

 

I'd load test the battery first - simple, and may be the culprit from the symptoms. When you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens - no clicking, no whirring, no sound at all - that's usually battery.

If you hear clicking then it's probably the solenoid or starter.

A possible reason it starts after a few seconds is the draw of turning the key on actually does a tiny little jump start to the battery. In really cold weather it's good for the battery to first turn on the headlights (relatively low draw but enough to wake it up) then turn them off and turn the key.

Now, if the battery holds charge but is just drained then you probably have an alternator problem. i.e. not putting out enough to recharge the battery.

 

Thanks for the reply! I will try the load test first and hopefully the battery will be the only problem.....cheap fix i hope! Ill let you know what i find out

 

Try the load test (make sure your alternator is charging, too), check all of the connections, look for any corrosion. If you're still having issues, then the problem is probably buried in a wiring harness.