Thanks to both of you for the guidance! I'll pick up a test light tomorrow and let you know what i find.

Another thing that's got me puzzled...with 11.3 volts to green wire why doesn't starter engage when ignition switch is turned to on position? Also, I can hear starter disengage after engine starts and key is released and switch goes back to on position.

From the posts I've read I gathered the 850 didn't have a starter relay. Where would i find it? Replacing it sounds much easier than trying to find a wiring fault.

Thank you for the response! Bad ignition switch was my first thought after new starter failed, so I replaced it with new switch. No difference in voltage readings. When original starter failed I bought a new one and installed it. Reconnected neg battery terminal, turned the key and it started right ...

I'm new to this, and, for that matter, any online forum. What can I say, I'm old! I've not been able to find what I need by searching so I'll ask. I have 1996 850 base with automatic. Recently replaced starter but new one failed after two weeks. In checking voltage on green starter wire I find that ...