I am helping a friend with a 99 sunsation with a 496. We thought the starter was out because all it would do is click like a solenoid. Put a new starter on it and same thing. Any thoughts on what to look for next?

did you check the battery?

New less than a month old.

does the motor turn by hand ?

loose or corroded terminals or connections?

i agree

the motor will turn. 2 batteries both less than a month old. replaced starter and starter assist solenoid. still clicking, there is a mercathode on top of the solenoid. could it be that? any other ideas?

I would still test the batteries, regardless of their age. check voltage on switch leg of starter circuit. check all grounds.

or just move the shift control while holding the key in the "start" position.

There are two solenoids involved with this system. One is mounted on the starter and the other is a slave solenoid usually mounted near the starter.

The yellow wires with a red tracer are the ones you should be checking and messing with.

A remote starter switch is a great troubleshooting tool. Makes it easy to bypass solenoids.

Got it fixed, thanks for everyones help. I had a 2 pole starter and the yellow wire with the red stripe was on the wrong pole.