It's possible you may have corroded terminal connections at solenoid. Disconnecting battery and checking/cleaning terminals/connections at starter solenoid might be a place to start.
Don't have Chiltons so I'm not sure where you plan to measure to get 0.5 volts as an OK check on starter.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 110,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 125,000km
stock CD on LS, cass on LX
spoiler, tinted windows on LS only
4 wheel discs on LX only
All other available options on both
| 
