Every now and again when I go to start the car, when I turn the key to start nothing happens for a few seconds.

No code light on the dash, the self test has finished and the lights have gone out again. The motor doesn't try to turn over, the lights don't dim or anything like that. have had the battery replaced fairly recently, so its not that.

After 4-5 seconds the engine starts as normal. No warning lights or anything like that. Doesnt happen on every start, and when it does happen it can be either a cold start or warm start.

Wierd, doesnt bother me too much really, just curious to see if anyone has any ideas on what causes this?

engine size, year of car etc etc .....???????

oops. 2007 Grande Punto 1.4 Not sure if I need anything else?

I had this on my last car, it was on every start though. A mechanic once told me that it was wear and tear on the starter motor, the shaft was taking a while to move or something like that. (I have no clue about starter motors so forgive me if that's wrong)

It never caused me any problems, I just got used to it. I'd get in the car, turn the key all the way but not start the car, put my seatbelt on and then turn the key, that was usually enough time for it to be ready to start.

battery, that what happened to me. change it unless you have new battery