Chrysler Repair: 1996 town and country starting problems, solenoid switch, flex plate

Question
Hello, my 96' is making a very loud and rapid clicking/cluncking noise when i try to start it. my knowlege says to check connections and battery then starter. the thing that is bothering me is how loud the noise is.... i have never heard it as loud before and i have a fair amount of experience.... am i missing something? a relay or something? or are they just that loud in this car? also i am in the process of cleaning all wires and connections that i can get to without taking the harness apart, and charging the battery. am i on the right track? and do you think there can be somting else involved. thank you for your help and patience with a frustrated shade-tree

Answer
Hi Joel,
The sound would appear to be the solenoid switch at the starter motor. Most likely the battery charge is marginal, or the battery is reaching the end of it useful life. Try charging the battery and see if that solves the problem. That solenoid switch requires suffiecent current to activate the contacts and also to project the bendix gear to mesh with the teeth on the flex plate. If the battery voltage is dragged down by the starter motor demand at the same time then the solenoid unlatches. It might be a marginal connection at the battery posts.
Roland