Hi all - 95 2.2 manual Legacy - starter clicks occasionally but eventually turns over - is this maybe the solonoid contacts, can this be solved by cleaning contacts, or should I just go ahead and replace the starter/solonoid unit altogether? It lookds like an easy swap. As usual, all input appreciated!

Do a search. Many of the mid-90's cars have had the starter contacts go over the past few years. Fairly inexpensive part, and not too hard to change out if you are bit mechanically inclined. Common occurance.

 

Commuter

Thanks - I have a used starter I picked up on EBAY I am going to slap in today(I am laid off, and it is still warm out so I will do that this a.m.) - I am curious how to replace these "contacts" on the bad one, I may just do it and have a spare again- my HAYNES manual shows how to separate the solonoid from the starter, but it doesn't say how to service these "contacts" - can any of y'all advise me on this? (and where to get new contacts?)

Thanks - I have a used starter I picked up on EBAY I am going to slap in today(I am laid off, and it is still warm out so I will do that this a.m.) - I am curious how to replace these "contacts" on the bad one, I may just do it and have a spare again- my HAYNES manual shows how to separate the solonoid from the starter, but it doesn't say how to service these "contacts" - can any of y'all advise me on this? (and where to get new contacts?)

Contacts (L shaped) are cheap and very easy to replace. You can get them at a starter/aternator rebuilding shop or even elswhere. According to some people here, you can just clean the plunger disc (bridging the two contacs when the solenoid is activated). In my case I got contacs and plunger for aroud 15$ USD (20$ Can).

I swapped the starters, and the EBAY one works fine as promised! ($20 - gotta love it..) - Cleaned the contacts on the original, keep it for a spare..