# Engine delay start **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ls, lexus, engines\ **Created:** [June 21, 2010, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-delay-start/50671 "2010-06-21T19:32:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![alpop1999](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@alpop1999](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alpop1999)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-delay-start/50671/1 "2010-06-21T19:32:28Z")
When I turn the key to start the engine I have to hold it for 2-3 seconds, while there is no noise from the starter (initially I thought the battery is dead), and then it starts. When I bought it, a month ago, when I was turning the key all the way it started, without the 2-3 seconds of delay. What seems to be the problem? Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Goldwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@Goldwing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Goldwing)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-delay-start/50671/2 "2010-06-21T19:58:30Z")
Make sure your battery and ground connections are cleaned of corrosion. Then look to the starter relay. Is there a CLICK sound at the starter or no sound at all? What year Lexus and how many miles? ---
**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 9:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-delay-start/50671/3 "2010-06-21T21:12:00Z")
It might be a problem with the anti-theft RF link to the key. ---
**Author:** ![alpop1999](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@alpop1999](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alpop1999)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-delay-start/50671/4 "2010-06-21T21:20:33Z")
Thanks for answers. 2003 Lexus LS 430 with 84000 miles. There is no click, or cranking when I turn the key all the way; it’s completely silence, like when the battery is dead; but if I hold the key in that position for a few seconds, it starts. This happened in the last 10 days. Before it started normally.