Starter issues

When I tried to start my 2004 Honda CRV it sounded like I was trying to start a running motor. It wouldn’t engage but later it started. Someone suggested this could be a problem with the bendix switch on the starter. Should I have the starter checked/changed or possibly just the bendix switch. My car was hit by lightening 3 years ago and several of the computers/switches had to be replaced. Could this be a result of that, or is it just age? It has 45K miles on it.

The bendix may very well be the trouble. The ring gear on the flywheel may have a bad spot on it also. It seems a too early to have a starter problem for your car but installing a rebuilt one may fix the trouble if it continues.

Could we rule out a battery problem?