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Step 1.) HIT IT WITH A BIG STICK
Step 2.) CHECK CABLES.
Step 3.) FOLLOW RON'S INSTRUCTIONS.
Step 4.) REPLACE IT.
Starters aren't complicated at all; a small solenoid of one type or another kicks in when you turn the key (or press the starter button) and this makes a very high amperage connection to the battery, which causes the starter to rotate.
Most cars have the starter solenoid on the starter itself; Ford has a remote solenoid on the fender liner. GM starters have their solenoid on the starter, but they are infamous for their solenoid getting overheated and seizing up until it cools off again. That's why you see so many GM starter solenoid heat shields for sale everywhere!
Regardless of the make of car or the location of the solenoid, you can usually bridge the connectors on the solenoid with a piece of wire to test whether it works or not without having to pull the starter out of the car.
Identify the big cable that goes to the battery, and jump a lead from than connector to the smaller terminal on the solenoid. This should activate the solenoid, which will kick in with an audible 'clunk' and the engine may turn over but not start. Pull the coil lead to the distributor if you're concerned that the engine may start while you are under the car or you have your hands deep inside the engine compartment.
If there's no sound from the solenoid and you're sure you have electricity from the battery, try jumping from the battery lead to the big terminal on the solenoid. This should cause the starter to turn.
If the solendoid doesn't react but the starter turns over, you can replace just the solenoid, although it's usually more trouble than it's worth. If I were having identifiable starter peoblems I'd opt for a rebuilt (and guaranteed) starter.
BUT...I still say that the most common starter problems are caused by bad battery connections.
Good luck!
Steve
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