I have a 1980 bronco which will not turn start. I replaced the solinoid, battery, and alternator. when i turn the key nothing lights up or the engine will not turn. But if I jump start it, it turns over and the lights come on. Any tips on where to start?

 

I would start looking at the battery cables , most inportantly the ground cable where it bolts to the block . I have seen these corrode at the bolt . You could try using jumper cable from the negetive battery terminal to a good engine ground point (alternator bracket or head bolt) to trouble shoot .

 

If not get a cheap $25 one at any walmart or auto parts store.
Make sure you are wearing safety glasses and protective equiptment before attempting any repairs or tests.

First things first check for blown fuses including the one(Fusable Link) in the cable that runs to the starter (Unless that cable has been changed and the fusable link no longer exists).

Now you need a friend for this, put the black negative multimeter lead on the negative battery post and put the positive lead on the hot side(closest to the Battery) of the solnoid.
It should show battery voltage(12+ volts).

If it doesn't the cable is damged internally if it does then have your friend turn the key to start the Truck, please make sure he is in park or neutral with the parking brake engaged.

Check and see if you now have battery voltage at the other post of the solnoid.

If you don't you will need to check for voltage at the small wires and terminals on the solnoid for voltage, if you do but the starter does not turn over or you see smoke or the voltage drops then that means you have one of several things.

And they would be a bad cable from the solnoid to the starter or a bad starter or a bad Ground(Negative cable).

If this fails to fix the problem check for damaged or broken wires to the neutral start switch or damaged neutral start switch.

Check for broken wires or broken ignition switch.



I hope this helps.

Cheers, Rick.