Not Your Typical Starting Problem

[srjoecow]

2003 Spectra
I have been having this problem for about 3 years that has progressively gotten worse.
After the car has sat for awhile, your turn the key and the only thing that happens is the lights on the instrument panel light up (seat belt, check engine, etc) just like normal. But the starter doesn't crank. If you sit there long enough with the key turned it will sooner or later kick and start up and run perfect.
Problem now is that sometimes you have to wait 2 minutes or more for this to happen.
Starter is strong; battery is new; cables look good.
Kia dealer the last time I took it to them said they couldn't duplicate the problem; which I found to be unbelievable since it happens all the time.

Any suggestions other than selling it??

[ron1004]

Welcome to the forum.

It sounds like a bad connection on one of the main cables or ground straps - go through and check these starting at the battery towards the starter and make sure the engine to chassis ground straps are also good.

[srjoecow]

I cannot find any ground straps other than battery to engine block. Any idea where these can be found?

Thanks!!

[ron1004]

Originally Posted by srjoecow

I cannot find any ground straps other than battery to engine block. Any idea where these can be found?

Thanks!!

The B+ heavy wire should go to the main terminal on the starter, then there should be one or more heavy wires connecting the engine and gearbox to the chassis.

[1fastkia]

Theres also one that goes from alt to side of wheel well (or fasinity)