ok, i was having problems starting my car, and i traced the problem down to the starter enable relay. When i short it out, it starts fine, no problems. So i replaced it, but it still won't start. Even with the new relay, i have to short it out to get the starter to engage when i turn the key.

my question is simple: what is the point of the starter relay? Other than the relay, where can my problem lie? Starter, solenoid etc is fine cuz it cranks, and i can get it running.

 

I'm not sure the relay you are talking about, but a relay is a high powered switch. You use a low-power switch to trigger the high power switch to do a big job like engage the starter. The result is that you don't burn out your low-power switch. Relays can also be used as back-up safety devices.
Where the factory uses a relay it's not a good idea to defeat or delete it.

Edit: Possible problems are power supplie(s) and grounds to the relay, and possible bad/malfunctioning relay.
Your relay may not be getting the triggering voltage (light load) signal to make it actuate, though the main (heavy load) power supply is still there.

 

I could not find what year of ThirdGen you have, but I'm going to guess it's one that used the VATS (security) system. For more information, see this:
https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

@305
i know what a relay is and what it does, i was just wondering what the function of that particular relay is, also malfunctioning relay is not possible, because it is brand new, and it does activate when applying the correct charge, but thanks for the info, i will check the ground, voltage etc
@JT
thanks for that link, i should be able to figure it out from that