When I start my 2005 350z, it takes about 3 seconds to start. I did some research and I was lead to replace the starter relay. I replaced it and it did nothing. Why does my car have a 3 second delay?

 

My guess is camshaft position sensors

 

Hi Jack. When you say: "...it takes about 3 seconds to start." do you mean you are cranking the engine for 3 seconds?

If you are running the starter for 3 seconds before the engine "catches" and begins to run, it is probably either what travlee mentions (a faulty camshaft position sensor) or a problem with fuel delivery.

I may not understand your question.

 

When I turn the key and push in the clutch, the car is silent and starts after 3 seconds. There is no cranking going on

 

I haven't heard of that. It has to be an electrical issue. Does the car have an after-market alarm?

 

Also have the battery load tested, These cars get kinda weird if the initial CCA isn’t there.

 

Try a different key.

 

I doubt its the key or battery, if it has no hesitation in starting one you wait the 3 second delay.

This sounds to me like a bad solenoid on the starter. You will need to replace the entire starter, as the solenoid is the smaller top part on the starter motor.

Essentially what is happening is the starter doesn't engage until the solenoid provides a link to 12V (battery power) when the key is turned. The solenoid is taking a few seconds (3 secs in your case) to engage and provide the 12V to power for the starter to wind up. Thus you are having a startup delay.

My guess is that the problem will get worse in colder weather or the delay in startup time will get longer over time. This is a frequent problem with starters that use a solenoid.

 

+ 1 for onecoolee

You've already replaced the starter relay (I assume the relay in the IPDM/ER fuse box since the solenoid is also technically a relay), and assuming you've already verified power is making it to the fuse box relay when you turn the ignition switch to the start position, then the next logical explanation is the solenoid. Of course you should check your starter/solenoid wiring with a multimeter for excessive resistance and verify continuity between the starter & IPDM (Also verify a solid ground).

There are ways to easily bench test a starter solenoid. I would suggest doing this before purchasing a new starter.
-Icer