Pontiac Repair: 1991 Grand Am starter/solenoid, starter solenoid, purple wire

Question
I have a 91 Grand Am with a 2.5 4 cylinder and a 5 speed manual transmission. Battery is strong, but it just clicks when I try to start it. Started fine until today. Push started and made it home, but now it just clicks

Answer
Hi Scott:

well it's one of 2 things either the starter motor is bad and that is why the starter solenoid just clicks or you do not have full battery volatage at the starter solenoid when you crank the car. You can test the purple wire at the starter motor when the engine is cranked. It should have the same volatge at that wire as what the battery has in it. If they match then the starter assembly is bad. Being as old as this is I'd just bet on the starter is bad. Good luck :)