When I went outside this morning I turned the key and the starter motor won't turn. My battery is ok because all my accessories still turn on (radio, idiot lights, etc.) and I can hear the starter relay clicking. I have heard about jumping the relay to test if it is bad but I don't know exacly how to do it. I have also heard about the neutral safety switch but I don't know where that is or how to test it. Any other suggestions or ideas are always appreciated.

BTW it is an 83 XLT with a 351W and Auto trans

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 19-Mar-02 AT 07:02 PM (EST)]Just because the accesories work, doesn't mean the battery is ok. It takes alot more current to turn the starter than light the lights. I would load test the battery first, then check the rest of the system. If the relay is making a clicking sound, then it should be ok. If the neutral saftey switch were bad, the starter solenoid wouldn't be making the clicking sound as well. The starter may be shot or the cable going to the starter from the solenoid could be bad. Hope this helps.
Dizeldawg

 

Even though its makin the sound and lights are on could still mean a ton of things. Check your spark wires and make sure the plug to starter cylonide(cant spell worth a darn) is on and making good contact. You can also check to make sure all your plugs are workin by grounding them to your engine block and lookin for a spark there, cause all you plugs could have gone bad(freak accident, but still). Also check your distributer, sometimes this could gather condensation and get the spark points wet and not make a clean connection and trip the starting process. Also check to see if your starter is clean and free of mud or rush or etc once your pull it out of the fly wheele. Also check to make sure your relay has conection and your battery has at least 8 volts to crank. It should have 12 at cold storage, but only needs bout 8 to crank in worse conditions. At running RPM your battery should be charging at 12.5 to 14 volts if your alternator is good. Also check your check engine light to see if it is giving you any coded or even staying on. Check your fuses and see if they are tripped or broken, sometimes its as easy as a busted fuse thats haulting your delivery. If all else fails you can try to "jump start" your starter by connecting a positive lead to your positive lead on your starter, watch for your fan as it will hurt if you come in to contact with it(now i have never tried this, im just imagining it would work) thats if you have the key on and gas is flowing correctly and free. Umm i cant think of anything else to do or check. If all else fails just stomach the cost or a wrecker and tow it to a professional and get it looked at, if he tells you something you know better test him on it, or do the work your slef after discovering the problem, saves you buck and you get knowledge and look tough for the day having grease and dirt on ya. Thats bout as far as my knowledge goes concerning no starts, goodluck and keep us updated on the solution.
Gary Warrick