How to get the self timer to work on a nikon d5100?

I do all the needed steps to turn the elf timer on, but when i click the shutter button it takes the picture right away! Can anyone tell me the steps needed? Maybe I'm missing some!

Perhaps you could read the user manual.

If you lost it, it's here: http://www.nikonusa.com/...100_EN.pdf

No, you are not doing all the needed steps or it would work. The needed step is to properly read the instructions in the owner's manual.

It explains how to do it on page 28 of the manual…

Press the menu button, select the 'SHOOTING MENU' and scroll down until you reach 'Release mode'… With the 'Release mode' highlighted, press OK… You will then be able to select 10 seconds, 2 seconds delayed remote, Quick-response remote or Quiet shutter release… Stick with the 10 seconds option, press OK and then hit the shutter release when you are ready…

Sorted!

You can also press the 'Fn' button on the front of the camera…(next to the D5100 badge).

They obviously didn't supply an Instruction Manual with your camera.
You should write to Nikon and complain!