Where is the starter motor relay located in a '97 saturn?

Question

97 saturn sl2 automatic. i took the starter in and it tested ok, so i bought the relay hoping for an easy fix. i can't find the old one to replace. not in either fuse box on the firewall or under the radio. The starter works fine until i bolt it in the bellhousing, then it clicks. could still be a bad starter considering the test doesn't put it under a load. i have also rotated the crank to try a different spot on the flywheel.

Answer 1

sounds like a ground issue. run a jumper wire from your battery to the starter mount bolt. that should tell you if you have a ground fault.

i don't know where the starter motor relay is located on that vehicle.

Answer 2

Can you trace the wire back off the starter, or is it like most new cars...can't see squat??

I bought a (separate) starter relay once then found out that it wasn't used on my particular vehicle.

Answer 3

we  can make a few assumptions in this situation. if you hear a click and nothing after ward then the starter drive gear and ring gear on the flywheel are ok, the battery is good. if you hear the starter engage the relay is good also. all that a relay is is an electrical switch right? the starter test that you had done tests for rpm and current draw but you are right, that is an unloaded test. the solenoid could be failing....