I have a couple of questions. I've been having an intermittent no-start problem that acts like starter of dead battery issues. Car will start fine and usually wait until I am out somewhere and crap out. I just get the "click" of the solinoid without the starter engaging. I can sit there and turn the key a few times and it may or may not start, or I can jump the car off.

My first question is would a dead spot in the starter suddenly heal itself long enough for the starter to engage?

Second question: Is it a dead or dying battery. Voltmeter on the dash shows low voltage with the key on but I'm not sure if that is supposed to be battery voltage or charging voltage. (by the way the volt meter drops into the red under load; headlights, blower, defroster, etc.)

Thanks for suggestions.