1989 Ford Bronco Ignition Switch

PCALHOUN

MEMBER
1989 FORD BRONCO
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hello I acquired this Bronco from my girlfriend's mom and she had the ignition switch replaced before I bought it. She said that the vehicle ran great until the keys had gotten lost and they had to replace the ignition switch. Ever since they replaced it the battery keeps dieing, I know there has to be a short somewhere. I tried just about everything I was wondering what you think I should do next. I thought about taking apart the ignition switch assembly but I didn't want to get into anything that I would regret. It has to do something with a crossed wire or a bad ground in the ignition switch but im not for sure. If you have any information it will be greatly appreciated

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

First, you have to understand that the ignition switch and the ignition lock are 2 entirely different parts in different locations.

Assuming you mean this is happening while the truck is parked, it would be what we call a parasitic draw.

There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.

You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.