Any car people out there? Need opinions on car problem!

[xFenrir]

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege EX (1.8L) that I have had for exactly one year. It's been especially cold here (20's-30s, dropping into single digits some nights) and I've been worried since my car is old(er) but each day it starts with little to no trying on my part. Got off work the other night, car started just fine. Drove to the store, was there for about 15 minutes; came out and started my car... nothing. Power is there to some degree; the radio, heat, and lights all come on, but the engine does not start. I get one click when I turn the key and that's it. Battery looks new, no corrosion anywhere. Tried to jumpstart it but no luck. I'm planning to go tomorrow to check it out with a mechanically-inclined person, but I just wanted to get some opinions first.

The popular opinion is that it's the solenoid/starter. I am hoping to goodness gracious that it is since that is something that I can replace myself (with help). What do you all think? Is there something I should try first? I've seen most topics on this start with "Get your battery tested" followed by "get your starter tested". My dad even said that a solid hit to it could fix it, but when we went to try it, what he thinks is the starter is in a place where he can't really get a direct hit to. Bear in mind that the car in question is in a parking lot, not in a driveway (although if we can't get the starter out easily/at all then obviously it will be towed elsewhere). My other question is where exactly IS the starter on my car anyway? I've looked at diagrams but none of them say "here's the starter", unless they do and I just don't speak Car and Driver fluently enough.

Thanks!



EDIT: Holy smokes I haven't posted around here for at least 6 months or so, so hello again everyone!!

[norwegn113]

One click 99.9 % of time is the starter solenoid. Not sure on your car however location or if solenoid is part of the starter assembly on this particular car. Google and YouTube are a valuable tool for research. Best of luck.

[alucard0822]

1 loud click is usually the starter, usually a dead spot, sometimes corroded or a burned solenoid contacts, cold weather really tests a lot of parts. Sometimes tapping on the starter knocks it loose, and it might start, sometimes changes in weather, or getting knocked around on a towtruck will work too. To confirm, you want to test with a multimeter, there are 2 big lugs and small on the starter solenoid(built onto the, side of the starter), should have battery power to the terminal with the long battery cable at all times, when turning the key, power should go to the small terminal from the ignition switch, and power through the solenoid to the big lug with short cable. the nose will always be next to the ring gear between the engine and trans, IIRC on a 1.8 it should be in the back under the intake manifold, above the axle/exhaust, possibly with a manifold support bracket over it, could be wrong on the exact spot, haven't worked on those in the shop for quite a few years.