Ignition coil corrosion and solenoid replacement

[Lothsahn]

I have a bad solenoid on my 1996 GTX. Starter is occasionally not working when I hit the start stop button. I always get a click when you hit the start button, but no crank 90% of the time. Jumping the solenoid works 100% of the time.

So I went to replace it, but it looks like one bolt for the solenoid is under the ignition coil. I didn't see anything in the service manual about solenoid replacement, sorry if I missed it...

To replace the solenoid, do I have to remove the ignition coil? It seems like I can't reach the bolt without removing the ignition coil. I know the ignition coil is high voltage, do I have to be extra careful replacing it? Do I need to discharge it somehow?

Also, one of the bolts on the ignition coil has a lot of white corrosion on it. Is this OK? How should I clean it up, if so?

 

[artr]

The ignition coil is a transformer that steps up the signal from the CDI to a high voltage to fire the plugs. Unless it is being driven by the CDI (during starting and running) there should be no stored high voltage on the output plug wires (or it would discharge through the plug).
I changed my solenoid a long time ago and I think I had to at least move the coil to get to the solenoid bolt. I remember reading something that recommended removing that coil bolt at the top of your photo that has all the black wires on it and cleaning the bolt and all the wire rings with a small wire brush to remove any surface rust or corrosion and then wiping off with alcohol or brake cleaner or contact cleaner. There are 2 other small faston connections to the coil that should be cleaned up also. I would clean the other coil bolt at the bottom of the picture the same way.