(Dan Thomas) writes:

Often overlooked are the master and starter solenoids. These things
get burned contacts and they begin to present a resistance that shows
up as reluctant cranking. A voltmeter placed across the solenoids' big
terminals should show 13 volts when the system is off, and NO voltage
when it's on (or cranking).

Actually, get the meter probes on the WIRES, as the path
look like this:


wire-lug-nut-bolt-solenoid-bolt-nut-lug-wire

By measuring from the wire to the wire, you confirm that the lug's
well-connected to the wire, the nut is cleanly contacting the lug,
etc....

You likely want an analog meter (remember those) as it will be hard to
read bouncing digits on a DVM.
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