How does the LED on pin-2 light? Is it on 50% of the time or 10% of the time? I am trying to find out if the counter (CD4017) is counting 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 or counting 0,1,0,1,0,1,
The LED on pin-3 should light first!
On the 555 pin 4 (reset) usually it is connected to pin 8 VCC. I looked at the details and the pin appears to pull its self high if left unconnected. I think it is OK to leave it NC but the new CMOS versions of the 555 will have problems with a NC on pin-4. Please connect it to supply just to be safe.
The CD4017 is very sensitive to unconnected pins. The reset pin might be floating. Double check the pins that connect to gnd and supply. (use ohm meter is you have one)