01 Won't Turn Over/Start

Battery is up. Not the solenoid(?) Someone suggested it may be the starter relay. Under the hood I put my finger on what I think is the relay and I feel it "clicking." Can I have this little thing tested? Without towing the car to a garage?

No previous trouble. All the dummy lights and gauges function and within limits.

Any ideas/suggestions for someone who knows little to nothing about mechanics?

Battery is up. Not the solenoid(?) Someone suggested it may be the starter relay. Under the hood I put my finger on what I think is the relay and I feel it "clicking." Can I have this little thing tested? Without towing the car to a garage?

No previous trouble. All the dummy lights and gauges function and within limits.

Any ideas/suggestions for someone who knows little to nothing about mechanics?
There are quite a few relays under the hood that will click when you power up, most unrelated to the starter.

I hate to admit I don't know, but I think the starter on your 01 is just like every other Chevy for years, it has it's solenoid attached directly to the starter, unlike Ford.

Anybody wish to confirm?

You are right the solenoid is attached to the starter. If you hear an audible click when you turn the key to the start position but the motor does not turn over chances are you need a new starter.Check to see if your batter terminals are tight. I believe you have a side post battery but if it is top post make sure your terminals are not cracked.

The start signal goes from ign switch to neutral saftey switch to starter relay to purple small wire to starter solenoid.
Also there is a start fuse.
With car out of gear or in park.
I always jumper the purple wire at starter solenoid to check starter operation.
Have you got a test light or volt meter?
Is the purple wire to starter solenoid getting 12 volts in start position?
If not back trace back threw/to starter relay and saftey switch and ign switch and starter fuse.
MT

Thank you everyone,
The starter had gone out with no warning. $444.70 for a reman and tow bill:banghead:

Rich

You are welcome and thanks for posting back how it went.
Glad you got it fixed.
Ouch on the price.
For that price you should have got a brand new starter.
But good luck wth it.
MT