How to check for sure if my starter is gone...

[mk2vr6]

My car decided to not start this morning and I have to go back to school on Monday so I want to make triple sure that my starter is pooched before I buy a new one.

When I turn the key, all I get is a loud click and then nothing.  The battery is charged.  The solenoid has power and is grounded properly.  But, when I try to jump the solenoid using a jumper wire and the starter wire i get no spark and no clicking.  

Is the starter/solenoid pooched for sure?

Thanks.

[745 turbogreasel]

remove it and run it on jumper cables.  it should spin vigorously.

[jtanguay]

i had the same problem but my battery was low... maybe you should clean the connections, and maybe even solder the positive right to the starter??? i did it and never had issues since!   also do the ground strap modification burn your money talked about.

i've always heard some weird noises come from my diesel starters but never had one 'die' on me.  did have the positive wire corrode right off though lol that was a fun one trying to diagnose...

[Black Smokin' Diesel]

Do like jtanguay said. Clean all your connections and battery terminals. You can even replace the wiring if you wish.

Your solenoid is clicking so it's working. The motor isn't being powered so it's either bad wiring or something's wrong internally with the starter motor.

[Op-Ivy]

Mine was doing the same thing a while ago. Cleaned all the connections and it works like a charm now

[745 turbogreasel]

Mine stopped cranking the car, but worked like new after I dissasemblec and cleaned it!
I was realy surprised.

[Jetta Fan]

If you're getting a click, it's likely the brushes or the windings inside the starter. I'd double check the connections etc like was mentioned above, but it might be time for a rebuild.