Will not crank the engine, starter doesn't respond, just clicks at relay.

[Superrcharge]

I have a 1997 Mazda 2300 pickup. The starter doesn't respond at all. It has a new starter on it and a new alternator also. All it does is click at the starter relay. I have traced a god bit of wiring out and cannot find a short as of yet. I am using a Power Probe tool called the Hook which is an excellent tool for this kind of work. The ignition switch and wiring seems to be all right. It has a start wire and a run wire plus a hot wire all the time when the ignition is in the off mode. I have found one fusible link and it is good. I know there is 2 more but haven't been able to locate them as far as the wiring schematic illustrates. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

 

[roscoe 0202]

there is another wire from starter solenoid on fender to starter it is 14 guage check that one
roscoe

 

[Dave Man]

Just an easy check, jump the solenoid (drivers side fender under the hood) with a screwdriver. The issue with mine at the moment is the contacts inside the solenoid are bad/dirty and it's causing the same issue. The solenoid click sounds exactly like the relay, but if it is the solenoid, the screwdriver trick should start it right up

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

IMHO if you had a short in the starter motor circuit, you would have blown the main fuse. Since your relay clicks, and you haven't noted total loss of electricity, I doubt it's a short.

It could be minor arcing somewhere that's bleeding current away from the starter motor... but not enough to blow a fuse.

Have you verified the integrity of the starter motor cable for corrosion, frayed connections, etc.?

 

[roscoe 0202]

there is another solenoid on the starter the 14 guage wire from fender mounted solenoid to the starter triggers the starter motor solenoid.
roscoe