Part identification help

[abenites]

Okay, so I am having an issue with my 1999 i30. It won't turn on for me, and has had no problems at all lately. All of a sudden this morning I go out and it won't do anything. The battery is brand new and is not the problem. (My dad tested it and it's fine.) It is making a rapid clicking noise but just does it for a second when I turn the key to acc and does it again when I turn it off. I found where the noise is coming from but have no idea what in the world this part is... I have attached a photo of the part in question that is clicking and vibrating when I turn the key. For reference, the starter is just behind it and slightly to the right. Please let me know if you have any advice for me... Thanks!
Modified by abenites at 9:06 PM 9/13/2008

[abenites]

BTW, based on the searches I have done here on the forums, it sounds closely related to a bad starter solenoid (?) which I have never had to deal with before. Thoughts?

[allensteiner]

sounds like a bad solenoid. the part you're showing is i believe the inhibitor relay/switch - i might be wrong though. pull the starter and get it tested at any parts store, they'll tell you if the starter or only the solenoid are bad.

[abenites]

Thanks for the help... Will do in the morning--sucks cuz I'm moving to Washington, DC on Tuesday and I'm supposed to be meeting several friends for drinks as a going-away thing about an hour from here tonight and I won't be able to make it... WHY?!?!? I hate this car lol... If it had waited til tomorrow it wouldn't have been an issue!

[SteveTheTech]

Hi there and Welcome to NICO.

The pic that you are showing looks an awful like the EVAP purge volume control valve. Here's a pic from the ESM for a 98.



With that said it does sound an awful lot like a starter. You may want to try gently tapping on the starter with something long and non-conductive while someone else attempts to start it. Be sure to tap the solenoid.

[abenites]

Thanks for the help and yes that is precisely the part I photographed. It vibrates a little bit and makes that soft rapid clicking noise. Now, I understand where the starter is but what does the solenoid look like n whereabouts would it be? I am dying to get out tonight!!!
Modified by abenites at 9:05 PM 9/13/2008

[abenites]

Thanks for the welcome

[SteveTheTech]

I think it vibrates normally I can check on Monday but that is not causing your no start. It may not be working correctly but that for another day.



It's not the best pic but it will give you an idea of where it is.

[abenites]

Thanks again for your help. Gonna go try the tapping thing and see if I can't get it to turn over... I have the best luck ever.

Have a great Saturday night!!!