when I manually operate the neutral safety switch I hear a clicking sound as if under the dash...or is it the solenoid on my starter which I hope is not bad as changing a starter in -20 degree weather is not how I envisioned spending my day off....Kris

There are several relays involved in the starting process to provide fuel and spark. There are no relays to spin the starter motor, the circuit is simply the key switch and neutral switch to provide 12 volt to the start solonoid. You do not really say what the problem is. Why are you manually operating the neutral switch? Does the starter fail to spin, engage and crank the engine?
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David Hunter

the starter does not spin, I thought maybe it was the neutral safety switch...but it is working ok...but there is a buzzing - clicking noise under the dash,hence my question about the relay....Kris

After having successfully repair several "no-start" situations, my advice would be maybe one or more wires going to the starter are to blame or it's the starter itself. To the best of my knowledge, the motor will still spin with a faulty fuel injection relay otherwise.

If the battery is weak you may hear relay(s) drop out when you hit the starter.
Have you tried a jumper from battery plus to the small connection at the solonoid.
--
David Hunter

If the battery is weak you may hear relay(s) drop out when you hit the starter.
Have you tried a jumper from battery plus to the small connection at the solonoid.
--
David Hunter

the starter does not spin, I thought maybe it was the neutral safety switch...but it is working ok...but there is a buzzing - clicking noise under the dash,hence my question about the relay....Kris

Dear Kris,

May this find You well. The only "dumb" question is the one not asked.

Yes. There are two relays, failure of either of which could cause a "no start" condition:
(a) the fuel pump relay (central relay panel, behind front center console ashtray). It is white, rectangular, and in the second (middle) row, on the end closest to the driver. If this relay is working, you should hear the fuel pump "spin-up" for a few seconds, when you turn the key to "on", but before you move the key to the "Start" position
(b) the fuel injection relay, in the engine compartment, on the passenger-side fender wall, just to the rear of the headlight (very dark brown, almost black)

Further, the RPM (crank) sensor - not a relay - can cause a "no start" condition. It is in the transmission bell housing, just behind the engine, and can be seen from the passenger side of the engine bay, just in front of the firewall. If this sensor's signal is lost (usually due to failed insulation of the wires, which lets in moisture), the fuel pump will not run.

The neutral safety switch should not affect the starter. If the starter turns, when the key in in the "Start" position, it likely is not the cause of this "no start" condition. Sometimes, though, corrosion on battery cables - under the insulation - prevents enough power from reaching the starter, that it will turn, but not with enough force to start the car.

I'd focus on the relays. Most carry spares on-board, as these things sometimes fail without much warning.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

thx,very helpful - I have a similar thing going on intermittently as of today

just for clarification, i took out the starter, had it tested, it was bad, replaced with a rebuilt one, car starts, but I broke the plastic shift lever that is under the car while I tightening top 18mm.

thanks ,Spook, I will focus on the relays. Kris