Starter Failure?

[snewganz]

My 99 lumina has been experiencing wierd starts for 2 weeks now and has finally given up. The symptome had been a groaning, slow spin from the starter, but engine would fire right away. Now all I get is a click. Earlier on with this problem, I took the car to AAP and had the battery/alternator checked, and much to my surprise both checked out great. I attempted to jumpstart, but to no avail. It appears that my starter is gone, but is it? The solenoid clicks, I have plenty of amperage from the battery, comfirmed many different ways, but the starter won't engage or turn. Is there anything else that could cause this, or should I run to AAP and grab a new starter Mon. morning? Any help please.

[nobody351]

it could be one of the three coils that the spark plug whires come from or your timing could be off hope this helps

[richtazz]

If the battery and alternator both check out, then you need a starter.

[snewganz]

Thanks to all who posted! As it turns out, it was the starter. I pulled it and took it to AAP to have it tested. It actually sparked tremendously and shocked the piss out of the clerk. I installed a new one and it fired right up.