How to troubleshoot a faulty Audi A6 starter motor?

I have been experiencing issues with starting my Audi A6. I suspect it may be due to a faulty starter motor. How can I troubleshoot this problem and determine if the starter motor needs to be replaced?

One way to troubleshoot a faulty starter motor is to check the battery voltage and connections first. Make sure the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and secure. If the battery and connections are good, then you can try tapping the starter motor lightly with a hammer while someone else tries to start the car. This might temporarily fix the issue, but it is still recommended to get the starter motor replaced if it is faulty.

Another way to test the starter motor is to use a multimeter to check the voltage and current going to the starter motor while attempting to start the car. If there is low voltage or no current, then the starter motor is definitely faulty and needs to be replaced. If the voltage and current are within the normal range, then the issue may lie elsewhere in the ignition system.

It is also worth checking the starter relay and solenoid as these can also cause starting issues. The starter relay can be tested with a multimeter to see if it is working properly. The solenoid can be tested by bypassing it with a jumper wire and seeing if the starter motor starts working. If either of these components are faulty, they will need to be replaced along with the starter motor.