purpose for small wire on negative cable
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Maple Valley, WA
purpose for small wire on negative cable
Can anyone tell me what the small gauge wire with a connector that is attached to the negative battery cable is for? This is on a1988 BII. When it is disconnected the engine stops running. I sometime get a flickering or solid battery/charging light on the dashboard. When the light is on solid and this wire is wiggled, the light flickers. I have cleaned this connector and taped it up to keep it solidly connected and prevent moisture intrusion. When I had the charging system tested, no problems found.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 1
From: Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan
That wire with the 'inline-fuse' like connector is the main computer ground. Sounds like you need to check all of your wiring harness ground points and test your battery and alternator. Sometimes bench testing isn't always going to show a problem. These things are really particular about having good tight clean ground connections, so check them ALL.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Maple Valley, WA
Thanks for the replies. I have been going through the various grounds, cleaning and ensuring that they are tight. I have cleaned this secondary ground, lubed the seal and sealed the connector with electrical tape. I will keep working the grounds.
I have also been having problems with the starter relay. I have gone through a number of them. Some may have been due to the column switch, causing the relay to stick closed, burning up the starter and relay. Switch replaced. This time after a short run, the Bronco would not start. Only one click, then nothing. After four tries, not even the click. Check starter and battery, both good. Changed relay and now everything is alright, but for how long? Do you carry a spare relay with you? Are these things that prone to problems? Thanks again.
I have also been having problems with the starter relay. I have gone through a number of them. Some may have been due to the column switch, causing the relay to stick closed, burning up the starter and relay. Switch replaced. This time after a short run, the Bronco would not start. Only one click, then nothing. After four tries, not even the click. Check starter and battery, both good. Changed relay and now everything is alright, but for how long? Do you carry a spare relay with you? Are these things that prone to problems? Thanks again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 1
From: Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan
The starter solenoid/relay seems to be one of those quirky Ford things. It also is part of your quirky ground connection issue, as well as the starter, battery cable(s), ground strap(s), etc. I'd try and figure out what is causing the solenoid to keep failing. All associated connections should be clean and tight. What brand parts are you buying?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Maple Valley, WA
The part was from Schucks/O'Reilly and I think that the part was PartMaster. I guess I am getting what I paid for. I may need to break down and get a Ford part. I am going to follow the other two small wires from the battery negative cable and find where they attach and clean them well. When we lost the first starter, I replaced both the starter and relay. Next, I replaced the relay and column switch when the started stayed on by itself. The switch may have kept the relay energized, causing the starter to stay on. The relay then probably welded itself closed with the heat, or a poor relay. This time the starting circuit did not engage at all. Perhaps, I need to also put a better ground for this relay instead of the two sheet metal screws which attach the relay to the fender well.
Thanks for the ideas.
Thanks for the ideas.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 1
From: Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan
If any of the places around you sell Standard brand products, that would be a good way to go. I would not go to a dealership and pay for a Motorcraft part. I would also not buy anything Wells brand, either. I've had good luck with Niehoff stuff over the years. Heck, I don't remember who sells what anymore. NAPA is always a safe bet, they usually don't sell 'junk' parts. I've never had to go as far as running a jumper from the solenoid / relay ground point to the battery - but I've had to clean things up really well, even with new parts. I'm wondering if maybe you need to have your battery tested or consider replacing the cables or something. Almost reminds me of a recurring headache I had with a '77 Pinto.....
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
