Intermitten starteing problems

[JAXBOSS]

Hi All. Have a 1992 XLT. Seems to not want to start at times, other times it will crank right up. Battery is good, plugs wires. I can turn the key and sometimes nothing at all happens, mostly though I'll here MAJOR clicking going on under there(hood). Im guessing the starter and or starter solenoid. Question is, how or is there a test to determine if these are the culprits? I followed the directions in the haynes manuel. Everything points to the solenoid, but Im not a great mechanic and would hate to buy this part all for nothing. Engine is brand new, but the starter has NEVER been replaced

 

[JAXBOSS]

What if the car starts with a jump? wouldn't that rule out bad connections?

 

[JAXBOSS]

Gimp, my man. I should have told you that I indeed did clean the terminals and connections.. It was actually the first thing I did. All cleaned inside and outside, both posts and connectors, as well as petrolum jeely added.

What I meant to ask regarding the jump start was aimed at the possibility of the battery cables being corroded from within, as I have read here that it happens more times than not.(if it starts with a jump, cables should be good)

I also have done a load test on the battery(its 2 years old) and it is fine. I have narrowed it down to the relay on the fender or the solenoid on the starter. Someone mentioned putting a test light on the solenoid, but another person confused me and said put it on the Relay!! UGH!!!!!

Relay check can be made by jumper cable from positive to the Relay? YES? IF so, which part of the Relay? top small diam connection, or one of the two side by side connectors?

 

[JAXBOSS]

Re: By The Way

LOl, yea bud, im in Jax Fl. The ole alhambra is still here. Havent been there in awhile though. I'll have to check out the chinese food up there in Kingland, usually go there for the seafood. Need to fix this POS first, actually its the ole lady's car, I drive an 88 Celica that has been nothing short of a dream to drive(and I dog it out bog time too).