Thread: starting issue

i have a 97 200sx ser that has issues starting. sometimes it will start fine other times i will just hear a loud click from under the hood. and sometimes i wont hear the click. its really annoying. the battery and alt are good. any ideas on what to test or try. im thinking it might be a starter issue but the fact that i dont always hear the clicking noise leads me to believe there is maybe a different issue as well. i tested the ignition switch and all seems to be fine there, sometimes i have to lift up on the key a little bit to get 12v on the one wire. i think it is black white or black yellow.

Starter... If it wont start, tap the selonoid with a screwdriver or something and then if it starts then you know its the starter but thats what it sounds like to me.

thats what i was thinking too but the fact that when it doesnt start sometimes i hear the clicking sometimes i dont. was trying to get a better idea before i spent money on a starter.