When I turn the key, the dash lights go dim and voltage drops. Even with heavy duty jumper cables on a known good battery in a running car, the same symptoms appear. Right after Christmas, I would prefer to replace just the solenoid, if that is the problem.
What is the best way to get it started in the meantime? Can I just put 12v directly to the starter?

Floyd, December 2005

Check to see if your battery terminals are clean, not sure clean them. Check the ground cable (black) to the engine block. It should be on the lower front drivers side of the motor. If in doubt replace/add a new ground wire from the block to the Batt -. Beware the fan!

walt, December 2005