I am having a problem with my starter / ignition. It began making a clicking noise when I start my car about a week ago but never gave me a problem starting. Since I replaced the battery about 2 months ago and cleaned up the terminals very well, I just automatically assumed that the solenoid was failing and I figured that I had better get a new one before I get stranded somewhere. I replaced the starter tonight and I started the car and I still hear the clicking noise in the new starter. I felt the starter while I had a buddy start the car and I could feel / hear the clicking coming from the starter. I took it for a test drive anyhow to warm the engine and see how it would start after that. When I tried to restart it did absolutely nothing. I disconnected the battery wire from the starter and the solenoid wire and broke out the volt meter. The battery wire was getting about 12.8 volts, but the solenoid was only getting about 9.1 volts when I tried to crank it. I have since reconnected the wires and tried to start the car again and it now starts but still the clicking. I know that this isn’t right and it will leave me stranded somewhere someday. I am beginning to believe that I am having a start enable relay going bad since the solenoid is only getting 9.1 volts it is not engaging properly and clicks. If it is the start enable relay can someone please tell me how to get to it, I do know that it is located somewhere in the dashboard but where? Do I have to take my whole dash out of the car or just the instrument panel. I have a factory service manual but I can’t find the relay location in it. If someone else has a suggestion to my problem please inform me.

 

I know it sounds to simple but check the battery ground cable where it connect to the engine or frame. I can't remember where it connects, but follow it and check it with a wrench. Also on my 89 there is a braided ground strap under a bolt on the engine block above the oil filter and also some other grounds under a bell housing nut also above the oil filter. A loose ground will cause the kind of problem you are describing.