The starter has been acting funny for about two months. When I would turn the key to start, it would be really sluggish like it was taking every ounce of battery juice just to turn over. Finally, it would slowly wind up and start the car. Once the starter got up to speed it sounded good although one time I started the vehicle and the starter kept "spinning" even after the car was started. I quickly cut it off and restarted it and it was fine.

Well, it died on me last night and I banged on the starter a little and fiddled with the wire on terminal 50. It started sluggishly, but it started. I thought I had fixed it.

However, today, it is dead once again and no amount of fiddling and cursing has helped. I have tested for continuity at solenoid "terminal 50" and ground and also at "terminal 50" and "M". Both tests gave me continuity so I am guessing it is not the solenoid. The battery is also brand new.

At first I thought it might be the starter but the Bentley mentions something about "ground straps" and voltage tests. I have no idea where the "ground strap" is. Also, I have not done the voltage tests recommended in the Bentley because I don't know how. I'm wondering if the ignition switch is the culprit.

I don't mind getting my hands dirty and tracing problems but I don't want to get shocked to death either. I'm a bit new to electrical work. What would I set my multimeter to to get the correct readings for voltage at terminal 50 while my wife turns the ignition? Is there a chance it is the starter motor itself? It is not turning at all.

Many thanks to anyone who can offer some insight to a newbie.