I have a '98 caravan with the 3.8L enigne. Recently when i start it occasionaly i get this horrible noise from the engine and when i shut it off i found that the starter is still cranking the engine. can the solenoid be lubricated or should i replace the whole thing? Also if the solenoid is going bad should i just replace the whole starter assembly?

 

No the solenoid can not be lube, replace the starter.