Chrysler Repair: 1996 Town & Country Starting Problems, solenoid switch, starter solenoid

Question
QUESTION: I have been having more frequent starting problems.  The starter does not crank.  It clicks.  After repeated attempts it does turn over and start.  Other times it starts immediately.  Have already replaced the battery.  

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Tony,
I would suspect that the starter motor or the solenoid switch on the starter motor are getting marginal or that the red wire from the + post of the battery to the connection at the solenoid on the motor is not clean/tightly attached. The intermittency, even with a new battery, is typically due to oxidized switch contacts at the solenoid or worn brushes in the starter motor proper. If you always get a either a click or starter action that means that your starter relay, park/neutral safety interlock switch, and ignition switch are NOT the problem so you are left with either the battery, the wire from the battery to the starter solenoid, or the starter/solenoid unit itself as the problem. I would therefore believe the starter/solenoid is flaky and will need to be replaced to solve your problem unless by chance you have a worn/corroded battery cable/clamp interface or a loose/corroded connection of the other end of that wire at the solenoid switch on the starter motor. So examine the battery cable to be sure it isn't rotted out by battery acid and if that is not the case I would replace/rebuild the starter motor.  
Roland
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QUESTION: I failed to mention that this car has only 116k original miles. I wouldn't think that the starter would go.  Knowing this does this make you lean more toward one solution over another?  Also, do they still replace brushes on starters.  Whereas the battery was just replaced, I guess I am down to the solenoid, or the starter/solenoid unit (starter??).
Can you also give me the location of starter?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Tony,
A starter can begin to go at 100k so that is not surprising. The starter and its solenoid switch are generally a unit. My preference, if you have a local starter motor repair/rebuild shop, is to have the original one serviced and returned to me. Whether it is the brushes, or the armature, or the solenoid switch it to be determined. So inquire of such a shop. It is located on the lower side of the engine, I believe on the side closer to the front of minivan, and if you will tell me the engine size I can tell you specifically. You have to remove it from underneath. But just in case, check the red wire from the battery to the solenoid, looking specifically at the clamp/wire interfaces.
Roland
PS You can 'rate' this answer and consider a 'yes' nomination if you believe I merit it. Thank you.