My mom has a 2002 that is not starting properly. You have to hold the key to start for a while before it starts, amount of time is never the same. Most of the time this is just annoying but today the car would not start at all this AM, started just fine this afternoon. We have replaced the starter with no change. Any ideas on where to look next?

 

Try hi Voltage wires, distributor, distributor rotor, spark plugs.

 

sorry forgot to mention that while your holding the key to start the starter does not crank for a few sec. When the starter finely cranks the car starts with no problem.

I know a key peace of info to leave out.

 

Which engine does the car have? How old is the battery? Are there any codes?

 

She has the 2.4 dohc, no codes and the battery is no more then 3 years old, theres some debate on which car got the new battery last year and which one got it 3 years ago.

 

Check the starter relay. Check the wiring from the battery all the way to the starter for corrosion at each junction.
That engine has no distributor, so there will not be any issue with a distributor or high voltage wiring. Wouldn't hurt to check the plugs.
Check the fuel pressure.

 

Might also be ignition contacts in the lock.

 

thanks for all the information guys

 

Turns out it was the ignition starter switch