1990 Ford Bronco Intermittent Starting

1990 FORD BRONCO
96,350 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ARROWHEADMADNESS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My son's 1990 Ford Bronco picks and chooses when it wants to start. When turning the key, it sometimes does nothing and sometimes starts the motor. I do hear the switch above the left wheel well click when the key is turned. I do not hear any noise coming from the starter relay on the right fenderwell next to the battery when the key is turned. Recently, the starter was stuck in the crank position and the battery cable had to be disconnected before it burned up. The truck has started since with no strange noises coming from the starter. I have not been able to locate a spot in which any wires are grounding on metal. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Oct 11, 2008 at 9:48 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Check for power at red and blue wire at the starter relay S terminal while key at cranking position-do you have it-If not start checking the ignition switch/neutral safety switch.
Oct 11, 2008 at 10:04 AM
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ARROWHEADMADNESS
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  • 2 POSTS
Good afternoon. I tested for voltage at the little wire that goes into the relay. I did not get any voltage and I wanted to confirm that I read the appropriate wire as it seems to be red with a black stripe, not red and blue. I attached a picture with the wire disconnected that I tested. The other two connections have much thicker and multiple wires attached. I went ahead and tested them and I got power on the one but not the other which is the way it is supposed to be I believe. If I did this correctly, how do I check the ignition/neutral safety switch? Do I have to remove the ignition switch from the steering column? Thanks so much for the help, my son and I really appreciate it. Tim


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/254567_DSCN6175_1.jpg

Oct 12, 2008 at 8:17 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
At the ignition switch harness find the same wire as you did at the relay turn key to start test for power at the red and black striped no power replace ignition switch
Oct 12, 2008 at 9:43 AM
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