Won't start H/L RET relay just clicks without the key

[ncline]

This particular problem started today. Background is the old turn no start, turn no start a couple of times then it would always start after about 2-4 turns of the key.Last weekend I was out of town and went to start it and nothing but standard rapid clicks liek a low battery. I thought I needed a jump so I arranged one. popped the hood and noticed that the negative terminal was loose. I twisted it down and started right up.Got home and cleaned the terminals and noticed the negative terminal was coroded all the way through. I went to O'reilleys and bought a universal terminal and today was the first time I had to work on it.I didn't try the old one first just replaced it. Now I get nothing but the H/L RET relay clicking whether the key is off or on and there is a clicking under the dash and the clock backlight is going on and off with the clicking under the dash.

Any ideas TIA.Gotta go eat now will chack back later.

[Jerid]

Try using a known good battery. I'm almost positive that is your problem. Also, try testing your altenator.

Edit: didn't see that it was doing this w/ no key.

Start looking for wires around the battery/starter/ignition that are bare or have corrosion on them.

[ncline]

I have never had a problem with this battery but it is out and charging overnight. If it still fails I will have the battery tested.I have looked for loose or corroded connections and didn't see anything other than the terminals themselves. I did try charging the battery for a couple of hours before I posted the last time and it also wouldn't start with a jump either.

[ncline]

Ok, I don't get it but I was tracing the clicking sound under the dash and the minute I started sticking my hand under the left side of the dash and felt the wiring, it stopped and the car started.I followed another threads suggestion and was able to imitate the previous non start issue by pushing the switch up and down with the key. I could make it not start almost every time that I tried. so I tightened the screw holding the switch on the end of the ignition cylinder and I could no longer get it to not start.While doing this I noticed what looks like an old alarm module under the dash and an old override (I think) switch next to the fuse panel.

Should I even attempt to take it out and restore the wiring or am I asking for trouble if I try TIA Nathan

[ncline]

bmp... anyone??