Possible electric issue

Tiny
MICHAEL WILLIAM KAMINSKI II
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 FORD BRONCO
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 180,000 MILES
Recently purchased the vehicle listed above was informed upon purchasing then the distributor was bad according to a reputable shop. However, I do not believe that's the case. Plans to the fact when I put the key in and try to turn it over the volt gauge goes backwards and it makes the sound as if you had a bad battery. However, the battery is good but starter does not engage. I do not hear the fuel pump kicking on and I also hear what appears to be a clicking noise by the left side of the firewall. Any thoughts or questions or knowledge of where to start? Thank you
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 12:11 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

This sounds like a possible ignition switch as that is the source of power for everything that is not working.

I attached a diagram for you to view. Check the voltages at the switch with key off and key on.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL WILLIAM KAMINSKI II
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Managed to get the fuel pump working. When you turn the ignition key the starter sounds like a dead battery. So I replace the starter solenoid. Still same problem. Check fusible links, replaced one. It was melted down by the left side firewall. I'm at a loss.
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Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL WILLIAM KAMINSKI II
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Engine doesn't crank. Tried running tables directly to solenoid and directly to starter still nothing.
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Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Did you check any of the voltages from the ignition switch?

Roy
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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 1:48 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL WILLIAM KAMINSKI II
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No, I didn't. The ignition switch is working when you turn the key over the fuel pump comes on the engine lights come on. So I'm sure that the ignition switch is working.
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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 7:25 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You still need to check the voltages at the switch. You may have one terminal with low voltage that could affect the systems that are not working.

You need to start somewhere and that is where you start.

Roy
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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL WILLIAM KAMINSKI II
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, I tested all showed 12 volts. Not sure where to go from there.
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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, if you have 12 volts, the battery is almost dead. You need at least 12.4 to 12.6 volts.

Which wires had the voltage?

Roy
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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL WILLIAM KAMINSKI II
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Will the battery make it do that noise if it is dead? Even if you have it hooked up via jumper cables to another vehicle?
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Friday, August 2nd, 2019 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Yes, the low voltage will cause this. That's why I want those voltage readings.

Roy
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Friday, August 2nd, 2019 AT 4:29 PM

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