Wiring hookup on starter chevy cavalier

how about a bad starter?

If there is no cranking noise when you turn the key to the start position than check the following.

1. Make sure there is power at the large terminal/wire at the starter all the time.

2. Check that there is power on the small wire/terminal at the starter with the key in the crank position.

If both of those check out than replace the starter.

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This is a little confusing. Your title suggests that it's a cold weather problem, while your description suggests that it's year round. So, I'll try to help where I can on this.

If it's a cold weather issue, sorry, but can't do much about that. The only thing you can do is keep your battery charged. I recommend removing it on nights you know are going to be cold. Your best bet would be to replace the standard battery terminal clamps with what I like to call, quick release clamps. Then you can connect/disconnect quickly and easilly. All you have to do, is just lift the battery out, bring it inside, and place the battery on a block of wood.

If it's an issue that is occouring year round, including the summer months. Try to start the engine. Does it sound like it wants to crank? Do you get any sound at all? Depending on which it is, it could either be a dead/bad battery, or you need to replace the starter. Also, as in all my suggestions, check the wireing for frayed or damaged wires. Sometimes the most complex problems can be solved with the simplest sollutions.

recheck wiring to solenoid for correct hookup and or short

There are 2 wires to thr Starter. A thick cable which comes directly from the attery and a thin cable which comes from the ignition switch. it would appear from your description that one of these is either loose, dirty or has a bad solder joint. Establish which wire you are touching that makes it work, then you might have to replace the terminal on the end.

you have to find out the battery voltage when you crank it. Battery or starter problem.Need more info

I think there is a YouTube video on replacing a GM starter.
The wires with large eyelets go on the large center post, and the small wire goes on the post marked S.

Sounds like bad battery cables and/or ignition switch. I would clean battery cables thoroughly with wire brush especially the bottom end since they're exposed to road grime, etc... Also check to make sure you put small wires on solenoid on correctly. I've seen people get them reversed because they're looking at them upside down when attaching from under car. More than likely it's those small wires on solenoid.

Same issue I'm having. I isolated it down to the wires that connect to the starter. The wires that come off the relay to the starter seem to have a short. If I "Jiggle the wires while having someone turn the key it will start.

jack up thecar and put it on stands, disconnect the battery the starter is behind the radiator on the rear of the engine, remove the two bolts that hold the starter on, then lower carefully not to pull the wires apart, disconnect the signal wire firle the the main, just reverse to install

Most chevy cars have 3 wires. I main wire that comes from the battery. Another a little smaller wire that goes to the same post in the center of the starter solinoid. And 1 small wire that goes to the smaller threaded post on the side.