My 1971 corvette has decided not to start...new starter and starter solenoid. I have a relay that's clicking inside on the drivers side. Everything else works (electrically) as advertised. The wires connecting this are 3 wires....colors are: tan, orange/black, and red/white. Now I don't remember if this car had a starter disable/factory security system (Start interlock?)...any help would be very appreciated...thanks

I'm pretty sure the seatbelt interlock was later...'73 I believe. That looks like a horn relay, though it doesn't seem to make sense it would click except when trying to blow the horns.

The horn relay is on the driver side fenderwell, under the hood. It is also a "junction block" for other systems to get their 12V feed from.
The relay above is not that. Could be the wiper relay...
Does the car have power windows, or A/C?
Where exactly is this relay situated?
Whatever it is, it shouldn't effect starting the car. There is no "starter relay" on it, or any other Shark, that I know of. Did you have the no start issue before changing the starter? Is that WHY you changed the starter? Sounds more like you have a wiring issue. Need more info...



btw...the "starter interlock" was a '74/early '75 feature only. The only other thing that would keep any other year from cranking would be the neutral safety switch, or a wiring boo-boo. Adams' Apple2007-05-09 10:29:13

If it is the neutral safety switch, you will get nothing when you turn the key.  It could also be the ignition switch on the column under the dash.

I know this is a dumb question, but have you checked the clutch interlock switch?  You know, the one that operates when you depress the clutch pedal and allows 12V to get to the starter soleniod when you turn the ignition key.

The only 3 wire relay connector I can find on the diagram is for the 'lectric winders. It shows an Orange/black, a Red/white, and a Pink...could your "Tan" actually be a faded pink?
Still, this relay will not be related to your starting issue.

It's probably the window relay...but why in the world it be clicking when the ignition is moved from "On" then to the "Start" position??? The trans is an automatic....and the starter needed changed because of the bendix breaking on the last one. Previously the car ran and started fine....one day it just didn't. I told my girl to jump a direct lead to the starter solenoid and the engine turned over....the problem is more than likely a fuseable link or something in the column to the solenoid. Thanks you guys for your very quick responses. I'll phone in some more trouble shooting tonight. Oh....forgot to add...this relay is under the drivers dash. I can't be more specific because it's my girl's car back in Nebraska....I'm stuck in jersey (Military). She's been forwarding info to me the best she can...pics really help. Thanks againrabidbandit2007-05-09 19:51:09

In the "On" position, the relay is energized(powered), but when you turn to "Start", it releases(no power), and you hear the click.
A blown fuse link will also cause other items to not function, such as the A/C-heater blower, headlights, or the clock/horn, etc.
I only see one fuse link on the starter, and it powers the horn relay(driver side fenderwell). Then, from the horn relay, the other "main feed" wires are fuse-link protected. Time to check to see what else don't work, or just check all of the fuse links. If the horn works, the one from the starter is good, so it would be one of the other ones, off of the horn relay.

Thanks....I'll let her know to test the horn