bradenj

I have a 2005 2.3 hatchback. Standard transmission. When I turn the key, all the lights come on but no cranking at all. Do this several times and it will finally catch, start like normal and off we go. The dealer replaced the clutch switch, but the problem is still there, maybe worse. No loose wires at the starter and the battery is new. Any thoughts?

djs2571

there's a starter solenoid - that could have an issue too.
#1 is when it fails to crank, pump the clutch to cycle that switch contact - if it starts then without moving the key it could be a bad switch.
#2 - do the same with the ignition, wiggle it around from on to start and see if that's a bad connection.

Next step involves putting a volt meter to some of the different switches & see where the connection dies when it fails to start. BTW, the clutch switch connects ground to the starter relay and the ignition switch connects power to it - if I remember the diagram correctly. Debugging will probably take some time though depending how often it happens.
It's also possible there's a dead commutator section on the starter, so it depends where the starter stops if it's in the bad location. If that's it, it'll get worse as time goes on.