Volvo Repair: ignition delay on a 240DL 1990, warning lights, dash board

Question
Hi Regis,
I have this 240 for 5 years now and never had any real problems with it even at 360,000 km,but for the last month or so,i've experienced some delay of about 1 or 2 seconds when i turn the ignition key on before the engine turns.when that begin ,the average of this delay was approx 2 times every 10 starts,but now,it's every time and it's getting worse, now i have to turn key off and try to restart 2,3,4 times before the engine turns! Also (it happened once) my lights started to dim hi & lo and all my warning lights went on in the dash board,i parked the car try to restart and would not go,so i went to this restaurant across the street stayed there for about 2 hours then i tryed to start and it worked but with that delay was still there  and to my surprise no more dimming nore warning lights.went back home for a 45 min drive and nothing happen. i'm not desperate since it always starts at the end,but i have this feeling that if i don't do something now i'm gona get stalled somewhere where i'm not supposed to!And before i bring it to the shop ($$$) i'd like to try to fix it myself like i sometime do (ie:breaks,suspension,fuel pump 2  years a go).

Thanks in advance for your time and expertise.

Michel Beauchamp
Mirabel quebec  

Answer
I would have the battery tested and the alternator to be sure it is charging properly.check the cables for any corossion.it could be a bad battery or corossion or may be a bad starter which you will need to have checked with a battery /alternator,starter tester.

Rege