howdy!
I'm having a ton of issues from my 85 Bronco. I went to start it one day and I didn't give it enough time to warm up like I normally do, so it immediately sputtered to a stop and hasn't started since. I've replaced the wires/plugs/coil/module/cap & rotor, but nothing still. Checked volts at most of these devices and everything looks ok with the key on, but it won't spark. Turns over ok.

Any thoughts? Someone recently recommended a ignition switch, but I'm skeptical.

PLEASE HELP! I do my own work as I can't afford a mechanic.
Thankx in advance.

 

I'm curious to here what the local experts have to say on your problem.
What do you mean by it won't spark, but it turns over OK?

Sounds like a fuel pump to me. But I'm definately no expert!

 

It sounds like it could be a bad igniton module, check that, too.

AutoZone.com has a great online tech library to help you. Either do a search here or go to their site.

 

So are you getting spark and no fuel or fuel and no spark?

 

The truck isn't getting spark. I assume its getting fuel because I pulled the plugs and they all show fuel flow. I checked for power on the coil with the key on, but when it turns over, no spark. I just bought a new ignition switch, which I'm going to install in the next hour or so, so I'll keep this post up to date.

The history of the vehicle might be important so....
A friend couldn't get this truck started. It was sitting for about 3 months with no use. The last time he ran it, it bucked and had hardly any power. He told me if I could start it, I could have it. SO, I looked under the hood and found the battery negative cable was unattached. I reattached that and it fired right up. Drove it home and started "fixing" it. The plugs were in serious need of changing. Two plugs were "ungapped", some were burnt badly. Next was the cap/rotor, which were in much the same condition with wear and tear. The cap had small cracks throughout it. I then checked the wires, and while trying to remove them, they actually broke from age!!! Snapped just like a twigs. After all of these repairs, it was running beautifully. Also changed the fuel filter which was very very very dirty. Oil and oil filter too.

I'm usually very good about letting vehicles run through there warm-up before driving them, but this one occasion, it sputtered and hasn't started since. It turns over well, but again, no spark.

Any thoughts?
Also, I'm in Seattle. Does anyone have any good recommendations on mechanics?

 

So, I installed the new ignition switch, and still nada. I just went to AUTOZONE.com and found a few more troubleshooting guides to try, but I'm really losing heart. The ground wire off of the battery is in sad shape, so I'm going to replace that too. I had a similar issue on my jetta once, so I fiqured it would be worth a try. Thoughts?

 

Might check the other wiring for a bad ground, too. If you have a tester, you can see if the coil is getting power. I had a similar problem the other day. Turns out it was some rust on the terminals of the starter solenoid. I ws only getting 8 volts instead of 13v.

 

I'm assuming you have a 302..... If so, is it carbed or EFI ('85's were half and half on the 302)? I'm asking in case you do have EFI, and whether it could be computer-related. Probably not, but you never know. The other item I'd check (that you haven't mentioned) would be the distributor, itself. Specifically, the pickup coil / stator beneath the rotor. I've been told some of the 302's used distributors with these, others didn't have stators or pickup coils. What I do know is, mine died in traffic several years ago, and after a tow to the local shop, this was named as the problem. I replaced the original distributor with a NAPA rebuilt when I rebuilt my engine last year, and it came with the electronic guts already installed. (I only needed to swap over the module, cap, and rotor.) Hope this helps. I know your frustration (been there!)

 

Ford had a suite agaisnt them for bad ignition modules for that year.Seems that what happened to my 1985 f-150.My problem was when running down the asphalt it would quit ,restart later,over heat n shut off.TR

 

I would have to agree with BLACK FORD XLT. Ignition Module....from the history you gave,,,it has finally croaked completely. They can go slowly and cause probs along the way. I need to replace mine just cause I am getting imtermitten minor probs so I dont want to take a chance that I wind up stranded somewhere.