Grand Prix no start problem

I'm looking at changing a starter or maybe just a solenoid on a 94 Grand Prix GT. Not sure of the engine yet (I'm doing this as a favor for a friend - yeah, I know, be careful what you get yourself into!) I'm a pretty good "backyard mechanic," but haven't done a starter on a Grand Prix yet ( I own a 2000 GT, and the strarter replacement on that looks pretty straighforward). Any thoughts or suggestions? Is this one of those "extreme" cases that the Haynes manual says you may run into that requires removal of the exhaust or possibly lifting the engine? I can do a couple of hours labor, but since the car is stuck on the street, and I only have about six hours total to work on it, I don't want to get in over my head.

Also, I'm told that when the solenoid is jumped (ignition terminal to the battery terminal, the car starts, or at least used to.) I haven't seen the car yet, but dosen't the fact that the starter works when the solenoid is jumped mean that both the starter and solenoid are good, and the problem is elsewhere - possibly the neutral start switch? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

You are correct that if the solenoid kicks the starter and the car starts the starter and solenoid are good. I would believe that the entire problem may be in the ignition circuit that tells the solenoid to start the car. I would go to Autozone and get a remote starter switch. Clip it on and get the car out of the street or as you said just jump across the terminals and get it to start. Take it to a safe location where you can diagnose the problem and fix it there. It could also be as simple as a bad wire at the starter.

You are correct that if the solenoid kicks the starter and the car starts the starter and solenoid are good. I would believe that the entire problem may be in the ignition circuit that tells the solenoid to start the car. I would go to Autozone and get a remote starter switch. Clip it on and get the car out of the street or as you said just jump across the terminals and get it to start. Take it to a safe location where you can diagnose the problem and fix it there. It could also be as simple as a bad wire at the starter.

Thanks for the input, and the confirmation. I'll move the car and start looking for the simple stuff first (bad/loose wiring connection, maybe the neutral start switch).