89 Bronco II Ignition Issue

[AZBroncoII]

89 Bronco II Manual Transmission. Intermittent Ignition issue almost like a slot machine. Sometimes it starts no issue. Turn it off and then try re-starting and "nothing". No cranking or clicking. Turn the key and the gauges move illuminate check engine light, battery light, gas gauge works...but nothing. Pull the key try again. Might start after two or three tries. Might take 10 tries.

Ignition has always been finicky and I have to make sure it is in correct position when shutting down because if not it runs the battery down. Had to mark the key and column positions. Always check to make sure radio is "off" after shutting off and locking steering wheel.

Vehicle has newer battery (1 year), newer starter (1 year), newer alternator (2 years).

Ignition switch or ignition lock set? Any other suggestions to check? Thank You,

 

[eddiej]

Did you get this resolved?
If not, I would check for a bad solenoid or perhaps just a poor ground for it. Clean the mounting area and back of the solenoid bracket. You could try jumping the solenoid, just make sure that it's in neutral. Also, it could be the safety switch on the clutch pedal or as you indicated, the ignition switch on the column. They do wear out and get finicky. Good luck.

 

[L\Bronco]

89 Bronco II Manual Transmission. Intermittent Ignition issue almost like a slot machine. Sometimes it starts no issue. Turn it off and then try re-starting and "nothing". No cranking or clicking. Turn the key and the gauges move illuminate check engine light, battery light, gas gauge works...but nothing. Pull the key try again. Might start after two or three tries. Might take 10 tries.

Ignition has always been finicky and I have to make sure it is in correct position when shutting down because if not it runs the battery down. Had to mark the key and column positions. Always check to make sure radio is "off" after shutting off and locking steering wheel.

Vehicle has newer battery (1 year), newer starter (1 year), newer alternator (2 years).

Ignition switch or ignition lock set? Any other suggestions to check? Thank You,

Hey AZ
Sorry for the delay, busy season!
Sounds like a linkage issue in the column.
Is your tilt mechanism tight or floppy?
Also, there is a *** metal actuator (gear rack) that meshes with the ign switch using a pin and the ign lock through a gear. Wear and damage here can cause your issue.
Last, the ign switch is held to the column by 2 breakaway bolts, the holes can be slotted so the switch can move around causing your issue.
I would take the covers off of the column and inspect.
Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

[AZBroncoII]

Did you get this resolved?
If not, I would check for a bad solenoid or perhaps just a poor ground for it. Clean the mounting area and back of the solenoid bracket. You could try jumping the solenoid, just make sure that it's in neutral. Also, it could be the safety switch on the clutch pedal or as you indicated, the ignition switch on the column. They do wear out and get finicky. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. I replaced the ignition lock switch on the column. Thought that would resolve things and for a few days it was fine. Started having intermittent issues again. I tried wiggling the clutch pedal. That would usually resolve the issue. Could it be the switch down on the peddle or even a very worn out bushing that is loose between the clutch pedal and linkage. I tried an aftermarket bushing as a quick fix but it doesn't fit right and is still pretty sloppy.

 

[AZBroncoII]

Hey AZ
Sorry for the delay, busy season!
Sounds like a linkage issue in the column.
Is your tilt mechanism tight or floppy?
Also, there is a *** metal actuator (gear rack) that meshes with the ign switch using a pin and the ign lock through a gear. Wear and damage here can cause your issue.
Last, the ign switch is held to the column by 2 breakaway bolts, the holes can be slotted so the switch can move around causing your issue.
I would take the covers off of the column and inspect.
Hope that helps
Cheers!

Thanks for the reply. I replaced the ignition lock switch on the column. Thought that would resolve things and for a few days it was fine. Started having intermittent issues again. I tried wiggling the clutch pedal. That would usually resolve the issue. Could it be the switch down on the peddle or even a very worn out bushing that is loose between the clutch pedal and linkage. I tried an aftermarket bushing as a quick fix but it doesn't fit right and is still pretty sloppy.

 

[Tiha]

It sure could be the clutch switch, but I am not sure where it is at on that.

Moving the pedal to make it start certainly points towards that being a problem.

 

[tsebalj]

89 Bronco II Manual Transmission. Intermittent Ignition issue almost like a slot machine. Sometimes it starts no issue. Turn it off and then try re-starting and "nothing". No cranking or clicking. Turn the key and the gauges move illuminate check engine light, battery light, gas gauge works...but nothing. Pull the key try again. Might start after two or three tries. Might take 10 tries.

Ignition has always been finicky and I have to make sure it is in correct position when shutting down because if not it runs the battery down. Had to mark the key and column positions. Always check to make sure radio is "off" after shutting off and locking steering wheel.

Vehicle has newer battery (1 year), newer starter (1 year), newer alternator (2 years).

Ignition switch or ignition lock set? Any other suggestions to check? Thank You,

 

[tsebalj]

I've had this problem before....most likely worn contacts on key switch when turned to the start position.... No sure about the battery drain, that would involve much more diagnoses..
good luck