2003 Kia Pregio Diesel Van just purchased 1 week ago. Owner claimed no problems. Just did an oil change.
Yesterday when I turned the key to start, the starter motor did not engage. No sound, I just hear one faint click as soon as I turn the key, then engine dash lights turn off, but nothing happens. After roughly 5 attempts the, 5th time engine started with no problems.
Today the same thing happened, although on the 4th attempt, the starter motor made a weak attempt to turn the motor over, acting like it did not have enough battery. After that it started without problems.
I'm guessing it is the starter solenoid is this correct?
Edit:
Thank you all for answers! OK so one said to check some things and edit/update this post, here it is: In the last week this problem did not arise, until today the car would not start over perhaps 50 turns of the ignition!
I uploaded a video to show what happens: https://youtu.be/K1vBdoX2D50
the squeeking sound is from depressing the clutch, not anything with the starter. When I turn the key, you can faintly hear a click from somewhere in the engine compartment, but nothing else happens. After 50 tries, it started without problem!
I checked the battery connections and voltage, both OK.
I also checked all the fuses. All looked OK, but many fuse spots in the cabin fuse box have no fuse in them, I am trying to track down if I am perhaps missing a fuse altogether? But I don't believe this would cause an intermittant problem.
It appears it is some wiring connection, somehow is not sending current to the starter motor. I don't know, where should I look next?