Relay noise

[self]

I have a relay (near the battery, under the radiator resevoir) that is constantly making even with the key turned off. I believe this is an ignition relay. What would make it keep trying to make and is the relay bad or is there something else wrong. 91 Festiva with a manual trans.

[ejp2fast]

is it ticking like a solenoid on and off, and what kind of noise? Maybe it is fusible link related..

[self]

It is ticking like a solenoid, but it most definantly the relay contacts because when I finally dug it out from behind the wire loom I could feel it also.

[ejp2fast]

sounds like a bad relay then... i think its the headlight relay.. but don't know for sure.

[self]

I got to thinking that it might be the headlight relay, but why would this keep the car from starting?

[ejp2fast]

oh, if the car isn't starting, its the starter solenoid likely... what i'd do is tap the starter solenoid with a small hammer or something of the like and then try it again... sometimes that solenoid sticks...

[resuwrecked]

The main relay and headlight relay are behind the left headlight. Main relay black wire is ground, blk/wht is 12v in from the eng fuse under steering wheel, wht/blu is 12v in from the egi fuselink, and yel/black is power out to everything (fuel pump relay, injectors, applicable sensors, etc...). Assuming the egi fuselink is good, you can use a jumper wire between the wht/blu wire and yel/blk wire to see if the car will run. If it does, get a new main relay. Also, with the key on, engine off, check for battery voltage at the blue or black/white wire going to the coil. The coil gets its power straight from the ignition switch. Sorry for the novel, hope this helps.

[self]

I will certainly give it the ol college try.