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This thing (96 Bonne) cranks very slow when it is hot, that is after I have been driving for a while and stop for about 5 min, they crank it. In this case, it cranks very slow but it does start. Normally, it cranks just fine except for this one problem.
I don't think it matters but I have the security light on all the time. It appeared when I tried to change the bulb in my backup light and found out that the socket was too corroded and have not replaced the socket and bulb.
Any ideas. I have read about some wires in the column but have no idea what they are or how to check them.

Sounds like a bad starter to me, but double check the connections on the battery, starter, and the ground cable going from the battery to make sure they are clean and tight.

I have this problem with my truck when the battery cable comes loose halfway through winter. Actually just had to go out and tighten them this week again.

Have this same problem, very slight delay almost like battery is dead/low, then it fires.

I took the car into Advance auto parts for a free check, it showed the battery as bad -- but after replacement, the delay is still there, so...the Advance auto parts guy said to spray out the starter, maybe gunk was in there, binding it up? Sounds like a long shot.....

When driving for a long time, have noticed the charging gage starts to drift down to around 11ish volts

-- will have to test out the alternator, too, I guess, or are those two separate issues?

hi, you can test the altenator here...................http://easyautodiagnostics.com/misc-ind ... ternator-1

and starter here..................http://easyautodiagnostics.com/misc-ind ... ar-tests-1

sounds to me it may be a funky starter solenoid.

Either the starter isn't getting enough power or it is requiring too much power.
It would be best to clean up the battery connections at both ends of the cables, since this can easily be where the problem lies.
The battery cables can get corroded beneath the plastic, where it isn't readily visible..
To unbolt the connections you need an 8mm wrench or socket. Once the connections are off the battery, pry the bolt out and slide the boot cover off.
Use baking soda and water to neutralize and clean the corrosion, and then use dielectric grease to coat the connection.
Also clean inside the battery terminals. a 9MM cleaning brush works well.

The battery can't charge well if either cable's connections have corrosion on them.
It may be that the alternator is overheating because it's constantly working to charge the battery despite corroded cable ends.

Try cleaning up the battery cables as directed and see if that fixes all of the troubles.

Do let us know how things work out.