My daughter went out to start the max this morning and nothing happened when she turned the key (it was in Park). I went out a few minutes later and it fired right up. Since I've never replaced the starter in 200k+ miles I'm inclined to begin the dianostic procedure with the starter. Is there anyway to check the starter/solinoid on the car or is the only way to take it down to the auto parts store and have them test it?

 

Sure, just take off the whole starter and have it checked. It's easy. Did you juggle the shifter before starting it? The shifter has a switch that prevents the start from working if it's not in P or maybe N. So sometimes this mechanism gets loose or the swtich gets worn. Try digging around in this section for details. Or maybe Slither can help