Hey all, I have an 88 Bronco with a 351 W HO and a C6 3 speed tranny ( through that in cause I could). I have an issue where the Bronco will start and run just fine, then about every other week or so, I go out to start her up, and it acts like the battery is dead. When I initially turn the key all the accessories come on, but then all the electrical just goes out and it wont crank or even give the dead battery clicking... When I pull the positive battery terminal off for about 30 seconds and put it back on, it fires right up, and all is good for about a week or so.... WHAT IS GOING ON???? I checked every connection I could think of, and all looks OK. Ya think it is just time for a new wiring harness, or is it something else???
Thanks for the help!!!
Therube in TEXAS
Electrical Nightmare
Started by
Guest_therube_*
, Mar 29 2004 05:15 AM
9 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_broncogw_*
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Posted 29 March 2004 - 12:07 PM
So u dont have to jump it every week when it dies? If you do i was thinking that maybe your alternator isnt charging your battery. Or maybe it is just a bad battery, you could go to advance auto parts or autozone and they will give u a free checkup on your bat and alternator. Or it could be that the ends of your battery cables where they attach to the terminals are corroded and need to be cleaned. Just some ideas post up if none of this works and ill try to help u out.
#3
Justshootme84
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F-Series Commander
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Posted 29 March 2004 - 10:45 PM
Yeah, take a second look at the battery cables if they are not brand new. Even though they may look fine on the outside, the inner core can rust and cause grounding/charging problems. It sounds more like the starter solenoid on the fender to me, so check and clean the connections on it. Carefully feel it to see if it's getting hot when it won't start or even crank. I burnt the last one up by spraying WD-40 on it and it fried!!!
1984 Bronco XLT, 351W H.O., C-6 AT, Ford 9", SkyJ 6" lift, 35" tires on MT Classic rims, S&W Racecars 10-pt cage kit, custom "shaker" assembly.
1988 Bronco Custom, 302 EFI, C-6 AT, Ford 8.8". parting out
1986 Bronco Custom, 300I-6, NP435
1988 Bronco Custom, 302 EFI, C-6 AT, Ford 8.8". parting out
1986 Bronco Custom, 300I-6, NP435
#4
Shadow_D
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Posted 30 March 2004 - 05:05 AM
Welcome to the B Zone therube.
I had the same problem with my 90 FSB. The problem was with the relays on the driver�s side fender well. The main problem was corrosion.
You can fix this in one of two ways,
1) You can disassemble every plug and use some sand paper to clean all of the connection. Make sure there is no rust or corrosion at any of the contact points. The use some petroleum jelly and coat all of the connections to keep the corrosion out.
Or
2) You can just replace all of the plugs and relays. These should be available at your local Ford Dealer. Might be a bit costly.
Also do what the other guys are saying about the battery cables as well.
I had the same problem with my 90 FSB. The problem was with the relays on the driver�s side fender well. The main problem was corrosion.
You can fix this in one of two ways,
1) You can disassemble every plug and use some sand paper to clean all of the connection. Make sure there is no rust or corrosion at any of the contact points. The use some petroleum jelly and coat all of the connections to keep the corrosion out.
Or
2) You can just replace all of the plugs and relays. These should be available at your local Ford Dealer. Might be a bit costly.
Also do what the other guys are saying about the battery cables as well.
90 Bronco Full Size
Police Package
351W
E4OD
31" Tires
Going through a complete restore
http://fullsizebronc...ail.php?id=1650
Police Package
351W
E4OD
31" Tires
Going through a complete restore
http://fullsizebronc...ail.php?id=1650
#5
Guest_therube_*
Guest_therube_*
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Posted 01 April 2004 - 08:02 AM
Thanks for the info guys. I recently replaced every componant in the ignition system except for the battery terminals, and that is on the agenda for this weekend... I will let y'all know how it goes after that! Thanks for the info
Therube in TEXAS
Therube in TEXAS
#6
Seabronc
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F-Series Commander
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Posted 22 May 2004 - 08:57 PM
I don't know if your year Bronco has fuses or fused links from the start relay battery terminal or not, but if it has fused links try replacing the large one, probably 14 GA which connects to a large yellow wire. They often demonstrate erratic behavior when they go or start to go bad. Another thing to do is check the connector on the driver side that takes the wires thru the firewall, take it off, clean it and put it back on. It is the round connector with a zillion wires in it and a about a 1/2" bolt in the middle. 
Good luck,
Good luck,
"I know you think you know what I said, but what you need to know is, I did'nt say what I meant"
#7
Seabronc
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F-Series Commander
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Posted 22 May 2004 - 09:01 PM
PS that yellow wire is one of the main feeds to distribute power from the battery. Also, there is a black with orange stripe that feeds some stuff, it has a smaller link, probably a 16 GA. 
"I know you think you know what I said, but what you need to know is, I did'nt say what I meant"
#8
Guest_Kennel_Dog_*
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Posted 24 May 2004 - 04:43 PM
I had the exact same problem with my 87 Bronco (including pulling the positive cable off and replacing it). I also changed everything in the ignition system and guess what, it turn out my positive battery cable was shot. I replaced it and have had no problems since.
#10
Guest_ben johnson_*
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Posted 02 December 2004 - 04:06 PM
I'm having the same problem,but when I turn my key, it trys to crank but its like there isn't enough juice to turn it over. Just like a dead battery. Replaced battery yesterday still the same. Replacing negative lead tonight.
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