Bronco won't start

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Jan 2, 2004 | 11:41 AM

ecsmith0624

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From: Florida

Bronco won't start

I tried to start the Bronco last night and it won't start. It doesn't crank at all, no sound what-so-ever from the starter. And yes, the battery is charged

. Anyway, if I use a jumper from the positive terminal on the battery to the small terminal on the relay with the pull off connector it turns right over when I make the connection. If I have the key in the ignition while jumpering it, it will fire right up. Now does this mean that my relay is bad, or do you think it's in the wiring between the relay and the ignition switch. Also, tried it in neutral and park both. Fooled with the neutral/park safety switch thing on the tranny and that doesn't appear to be the problem. As always, thanks for any and all help! --Eric

Last edited by ecsmith0624; Jan 2, 2004 at 11:43 AM.

Jan 2, 2004 | 12:02 PM

fcarruth

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From: Medina, Tn.

Sounds like your starter solenoid or relay is bad. Auto part stores have them for about $20. That should take care of your problems.

Jan 2, 2004 | 12:07 PM

Bronco86

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From: Gonzales

ya take starter out and test it using your batt. if it works then replace relay.......if you have the $$ and wana replace starter it could be a good move (while it is out or since you are working on it).......good luck

Jan 2, 2004 | 12:08 PM

BOJOFASO

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From: NJ

take a volt meter and meter your voltage from ground to the small terminal on the solenoid. it should be zero. now position the meter so you can see it from the driver seat and turn the key, it should read battery voltage if not your problem is between the ignition switch and the solenoid. if it does read battery voltage the problem is most likely the solenoid.

Jan 2, 2004 | 02:47 PM

BillyBob69

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Wheatland, Mo

Before you remove your starter, (prolly too late now anyway), I had the exact same issue awhile back. Just replaced that solenoid that you jumped past when it started and all has been fine since.

Jan 2, 2004 | 07:20 PM

ecsmith0624

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From: Florida

Hey thanks all. I haven't worked on it today, but tomorrow I will. All the advice sounds good. BOJOFASO, that's a good idea with the voltmeter. I'm going to do that first thing. I really hope it's just the relay and not the wiring between it and the ignition switch. Oh well, guess I better start looking at the wiring diagram. thanks again, and I'll post what the solution was when I figure it out. --Eric

Jan 4, 2004 | 12:28 PM

ecsmith0624

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From: Florida

Well, turned out that push on connector was not getting 12 volts. rather than chase wires and figure out what was wrong I took the easy way out. I just rigged a push button start switch and wired through a key on 12 volt fuse, heater/AC I think. Seems to work just fine and it only took me 30 minutes once I started. Anyhow, thanks for the help.