1989 5.0 Bronco starting problem - Ford Forums

09-06-2003, 12:55

Hey guys. I have just recently ran into a major problem when attempting to start my 1989 5.0 Ford Bronco. We replaced the battery and the battery cable clamps. We get lights, radio and everything works fine till you try to crank the engine over. Nothing happens but the sound of the fuel pump and a little click about 4 seconds after you pull the key back. There is no activity from the starter whatsoever. I have a hunch its either the starter or some electrical problem before reaching the starter.

Can you give me some feedback?

Thanks,

Jack

89F150 · 09-06-2003, 18:47

What about the battery cables themselves. Are they in good condition. Maybe they're corroded.

big1 · 09-06-2003, 20:18

If it were the starter you would at least hear the solenoid click. Do you hear this? If not make sure there is voltage getting to it.

09-07-2003, 12:26

Ok after working on the bronco all day yesterday heres what i accomplished:

-Pulled starter and tested it at Kragen << starter was good
-Arc'ed the solenoid and engine started up normal
-bought and installed new solenoid
-car still wont start
-arc'ed the solenoid again and it started normal
-used a test light on the top wire on the solenoid (pretty sure it routes in from ignition)
-no power coming from the top wire, also made sure testlight worked

The guys at kragen say its an Ignition problem now.. anyone have any ideas?

89F150 · 09-07-2003, 17:38

Well from what you have stated you have the click which is the solenoid closing so it wasnt the solenoid. You also have said the starter is fine so it leaves the connections. Have you checked the wiring?

09-07-2003, 22:59

Ive checked the wiring around the battery and the wires are in good shape. im sure its probably a bad wire somewhere but that would require pulling it out of its protective shell that loops around the inside of the hood. ill probably end up taking it in, ive done about my limit

The wire i tested that gave no power was the one leading from the ignition in the steering wheel. Its either that wire is bad or something in the ignition itself.