Few days ago when starting, turned the key to start position and there was a small but perceptible delay before starter turned. Today, on two occasions, turned key to start and nothing happens. Return key to off and try again and engine starts as it should. What do the experts here make of this, solenoid about to go completely faulty or I suppose could be ignition switch related. Anyone got approx costs for having these replaced at Skoda dealers?

Thanks.

Could be the solenoid, but before you spend money on that, what state is your battery in?

Low battery voltage could cause these symptoms.

car been starting great even on the very cold mornings so I am tempted to rule out battery and it started today no bother at second attempt on both the occasions when it had failed to do anything at first attempt.

Ok........it's also worth checking the earth straps too.

If you can get someone to hold the key in the start position (obviously when it won't turn over) try using a spanner or similar to tap the solenoid to see if it suddenly turns over....if it doesn't turn over try tapping the starter itself.....hopefully you can narrow it down.

Solenoid sounds most likely, or a loose connection as booke23 suggests, but it could also be the ignition switch. When it doesn't start first time wiggling the key in the switch, without releasing it from the start position, might show this up.

If you can get to the solenoid and check accross the main solenoid connections with a meter . look for nominal battery volts accross terminals with starter not operated . Then with starter operated, no more than 0.5v when starter running. More than this means dirty /poor contacts on solenoid.