lights were dim it would not start

You mean starter does not engage/work? It sounds like the battery need replacing if no battery warning light was no before.

Right the starter does not engage right away, but wait a few seconds and everything works and it starts. The lights would no longer be dim and everything would work.

I was just wondering if there is anything else I should tell the mechanic before he installs the new starter?

Just to add to this one the lights usually dont dim when the starters fail.What happens usually is the starter solenoid fails and does even dim the lights.Before they replace the starter when it doesnt start make sure there is power at the purple wire to the starter with the key in the start position.

Ok thanks, also sometimes it doesn't always dim and not start, sometimes it just won't start and a few seconds later it will crank over and start. It seems to act up more in the extreme cold if that helps?

The starters usually act up more when there hot when they fail.Just take my advice and you cant go wrong.

Will do thanks. What would cause the lights to dim and then all of a sudden regain power, solenoid?

The starter could be dropping voltage sometime and sometimes not.You will have to check it like i said and also make sure all the connections are clean and tight.