Check Engine Bronco Ii
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Check Engine Bronco Ii
I own a 1988 Bronco II with 85,000 miles, standard trans. The Check Engine light came on. Brought it Firestone, they put it on a computer but were unable to read certain codes therefore couldn"t repair it. They said I should go to a Ford dealer. The Check Engine Light comes on randomly. When it's on the engine can not idle without keeping my foot on the gas pedal. Can someone please help. Thank you very much.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6
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There's no need to pay a small bundle to Ford just to hook that '88 up to a computer. The on-board computer isn't all that complicated. All you need to do is jumper terminal connection and count the flashes of your check engine light when you turn the key on (just on - don't start it). The procedure, as well as a list of codes, can be found in pretty much any repair manual (Haynes, Chiltons...). If you're not comfortable with the idea of jumpering the terminals with a paperclip, you can also buy a reader at your local Wal-Mart for about $25.
The idle problem you're describing sounds like the mass air flow sensor, which could explain why firestone isn't getting any codes. I've run into sensors that were only intermittently bad and never stored any codes. You can try disconnecting the MAF to see if the idle improves - just don't expect to drive with it disconnected. It's a rather spendy sensor that really most home mechanics can't test, so it's good to narrow it down before replacing it.
The idle problem you're describing sounds like the mass air flow sensor, which could explain why firestone isn't getting any codes. I've run into sensors that were only intermittently bad and never stored any codes. You can try disconnecting the MAF to see if the idle improves - just don't expect to drive with it disconnected. It's a rather spendy sensor that really most home mechanics can't test, so it's good to narrow it down before replacing it.
