2004 Implala Turned key and held for 10 secs, then motor turned over. What is wrong?

Question

Turned key to start engine, nothing. All lights and electronics working ok. No clicking or noise of any kind. Finally, held key in "start" position for about 10 seconds and it started right up. New battery last week. Got to work, turned off, started right up. No messages on dash about problems. Any ideas? Car has 32k on it. 2004 Implala

Answer 1

Sounds like the starter relay has a problem. Once you activate the start segment of the ignition switch, it sends voltage to the relay. This voltage pulls in a latch or contact that sends power to the starter motor. A coil in the relay works like an electro- magnet. Once the coil activates and makes a magnet pull the circuit in making a contact, it sends power to the starter motor. Either the ignition switch failed, or the latch didn't pull in inside the relay.
Glad I could help. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

The answer about the relay is probably right but....
There is a service bulletin out on these cars issued March 06 for this condition.
The bulletin number is 02-06-04-015A and pertains to a battery connection problem.
The relay is in the underhood junction or fuse block (drivers side fender) and is the larger one on the right as you look over the fender at it. They are relatively inexpensive if you want to guess at a fix.
The computer actually makes the ground for this circuit based on everythiing being "ready" to start the car.
Check on the service bulletin first.

Answer 3

Possibly a theft deterrant issue - keys are coded and have chip in them. Could be ignition cylinder or switch too.

Answer 4

water in the fuel maybe, if its cold that too can cause poor starts,
low fuel pressure, have this checked at a shop or if youve got a manifold pressure gauge do it yourself.
cloged fuel filter, and clogged air filter.
reducing restriction is key to performance


EDIT: BTW fuel filters should be replaced once a year at MOST