I noticed that my CL takes about 3 cranks before it starts up. This is roughly holding the key for 3 seconds in the start position. Is this normal?

I was watching a YouTube review of a CL and the car started up on the first crank which got me thinking to my 99 Plymouth Breeze and 02 Kia Rio which both also started on the 1st crank.

I don't know if "crank" is the wrong word here.

If this is not normal, what kind of financial damage am I looking at here?

 

Normal for most Honda's. Hold the key to on for a few 2nds & then start it.

 

Mine starts in 2 seconds unless its been sitting for about a week. Then it may take a bit longer.

OP - if the cranking doesnt sound "lazy", make it habit to turn the car to ON (without cranking) and waiting for the fuel pump to prime. With the stock pump you have to listen carefully since its faint. It should buzz for 2-3 seconds, then crank it.

 

More like a high pitch whine for my fuel pump.

 

Its been so long since I heard a stock fuel pump that I forget what they sound like

 

how old is your battery? My car started to take longer to start when the original battery was dying after 8 years

 

Ground cables will help too.

 

I would assume 11 years old since the car was so well babied by the previous owner (/sarcasm). I tried letting the fuel pump prime and it seems to start on the first crank.

My battery is grounded (I think) to the frame of the car, there is a negative Y cable that attaches to the terminal and then to the frame just above the driver side headlight...

 

Mine takes a while sometimes/usually. But like you are saying in the videos, the car was just running so its gonna start easier since it's warmed up.
Sometimes I think its gonna start quick and end up having to wait a second and try again. Poor starter.

 

I'm shocked and amazed if the battery is truly that old!