Starter on a 2000 Grand Prix

Hello,

I think I need to replace the starter on my 2000 Grand Prix. The car is getting harder and harder to start. Do I need to replace just the starter, or the solenoid, or both? Or are they both part of one unit? I'm not sure how to diagnose the difference between a starter problem and a solenoid problem. If there is any.

what does it do when you hit the key? Just click, turn over slow, nothing, etc...?

If it does end up being the starter, just replace the entire unit. don't try just a solenoid, as that rarely fixes the issue.

Nothing. It doesn't respond at all when I turn the ignition. At first I'd have to try a couple minutes later and it would start. Then it got worse and a guy told me to tap the starter with a breaker bar to get the car to start. That worked for awhile, but now it just starts when it wants.

Is it possible that the ignition switch could be causing this problem too.

I haven't seen any problem with the ignition. When I turn the key the lights and radio and everything come on fine.

What you're describing are exactly the same symptoms I was having with our Jeep a few months ago. Took the starter in to get tested and the starter was bad. New starter = problem solved. Take the starter to any parts store and most will test it for free.

I'm working on it now. Luckily I have a little time to get this fixed without much of a rush. Has anyone changed a starter on this model? Because on my car there's a plastic guard blocking you from getting access to the bolts to unscrew the starter. This guard is is bolted in a number of places and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to take those bolts out to remove it. I was going to just snap the guard but I figured I'd ask first.