'89 Bronco question
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'89 Bronco question
My son has an 89 Bronco that is now not running. Driving it on the freeway he found it had reduced power going up hills. A few days later and now it will not start at all. Reading my Haynes manual I find that can relate to the function (or non-functioning) of either fuel pump. I have yet to see if there is any power to the spark plugs, but will check that as soon as I can. Are there any other likely problems that we can check before we have it towed to a garage?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
If it gave warning signs as you noted, you may have a fuel filter problem. They will only gather crud for so long before they stop up completely. I only suggest checking the filter first because its a lot cheaper/simpler to replace AND electronic pumps usually just up and quit without much warning.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Canada
Turn the key to ON, you will hear the fuel pump prime itself if it is working. (A little buzzing sound that lasts a few seconds in the fuel tank). I'm with greystreak, check the fuel filter. Best of luck.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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Assuming you have the 2 pump system (lo preasure in tank, hi preasure on rail) their is another remote possibility.
If the in-tank pump goes out, it is possible for the rail pump to continue working with gravity feed from the tank. In which case going uphill would cause the fuel supply to reduce or stop.
I say remote because the only situations I'm aware of when this happened resulted in the engine dying, not in "reduced power".
For a fuel injected vehicle, the proper first step in diagnosing a problem is check for computer codes .
Then go where that leads. If it doesn't lead anywhere, then check spark. Check for fuel preasure at the fuel rail.
If the in-tank pump goes out, it is possible for the rail pump to continue working with gravity feed from the tank. In which case going uphill would cause the fuel supply to reduce or stop.
I say remote because the only situations I'm aware of when this happened resulted in the engine dying, not in "reduced power".
For a fuel injected vehicle, the proper first step in diagnosing a problem is check for computer codes .
Then go where that leads. If it doesn't lead anywhere, then check spark. Check for fuel preasure at the fuel rail.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 621
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From: Marana, AZ
Did you ever get a "check engine light"? If so you will have a stored code in the computor. Take it to autozone or checker auto parts and they will lend you a diagnostic tool for free to retrieve your codes and tell you what they mean. But the most likely scenerio is a loss of fuel pressure. If it where your catalytic convertor being clogged it most likely start but you would have to keep your foot into it to keep the motor running.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Baltimore, MD
catalytic converter
Originally Posted by desertdave35
If it where your catalytic convertor being clogged it most likely start but you would have to keep your foot into it to keep the motor running.
does this sound like the catalytic converter?
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Elder User
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From: Rochester
Originally Posted by greystreak92
Could be a clogged cat or a dirty/malfunctioning IAC. A dead IAC should trigger a code in the computer though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Idle Air Control solenoid and valve. Its mounted to the driver's side of the throttle body. They arent' cheap as I recall and they are vehicle specific to the point where you will need the Calibration Code from the dirver's door jamb so that you can be certain you have the right replacement. Often they just become dirty and they can be cleaned with throttle body cleaner. Take care to keep cleaner away from the electronic portion of it. You will need a new IAC-to-throttle body gasket to re-install it after cleaning. To test an IAC, I've always warmed the truck to normal operating temp. and then disconnected it from the wiring harness. With the truck in park, disconnecting it should make the engine fall on its face and slowly sputter and usually die. However if your problem is that its dying now, it may be stuck in a closed or partially closed position. If you do perform this test, shut the truck off, disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes, reconnect it adn go for a dirve for about 15-20 minutes at varying speeds from idle to WOT highway acceleration. This will allow the PCM to "relearn" the engine its running.
Thanks Dave, beat me to it only because I'm so long winded.
Thanks Dave, beat me to it only because I'm so long winded.
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It's Baaaack...
So I see this thread got a bit highjacked. That's cool, information is a good thing when we need it.
We went up to Bend, Oregon this last week and drove the Bronco home. The dang thing started right up and ran fine! Go figure it. One issue was the starter motor was hanging off of the Trans on one bolt and that was halfway unscrewed. Found that the upper thread in the trans is stripped. I'll be putting a Helicoil in there this weekend.
I don't know what was causing the problem as I stated it at the top of this thread. We'll be dropping the gas tank and checking it out. Will probably just clean and line it with either the Eastwood or POR15 products. That and replace the in tank filter as we see fit.
Strange thing about the not running deal is that a close friend just passed away (that's why we went up there mostly). He let my son leave the Bronco there until we could get back. The story goes he would go out evey few days and try to start it. It wouldn't and he'd come back in the house swearing, which he didn't do often. After he passed we go up to pay our respects and all and the thing runs like a champ now! I believe my friend is watching out for us somehow. His wife said he's in the Bronco now. Very cool to have such a friend. All I know is it got me home yesterday and for that I'm greatful.
God Bless Us All!
We went up to Bend, Oregon this last week and drove the Bronco home. The dang thing started right up and ran fine! Go figure it. One issue was the starter motor was hanging off of the Trans on one bolt and that was halfway unscrewed. Found that the upper thread in the trans is stripped. I'll be putting a Helicoil in there this weekend.
I don't know what was causing the problem as I stated it at the top of this thread. We'll be dropping the gas tank and checking it out. Will probably just clean and line it with either the Eastwood or POR15 products. That and replace the in tank filter as we see fit.
Strange thing about the not running deal is that a close friend just passed away (that's why we went up there mostly). He let my son leave the Bronco there until we could get back. The story goes he would go out evey few days and try to start it. It wouldn't and he'd come back in the house swearing, which he didn't do often. After he passed we go up to pay our respects and all and the thing runs like a champ now! I believe my friend is watching out for us somehow. His wife said he's in the Bronco now. Very cool to have such a friend. All I know is it got me home yesterday and for that I'm greatful.
God Bless Us All!