Electrical/Starting problem 1986 Bronco

[AkLittleBear]

Hello, new and hopefully long term member here. I am having an electrical/starting problem with my 1986 full size Bronco. Full battery, hook it up and have full power to everything... as soon as I turn the key, you can hear the solenoid click... turn the key further and attempt to start it and I lose all power until I disconnect and reconnect the battery, then suddenly full power to everything again until I attempt to start it again. Checked all the grounds and they all seem solid. First time in 3 years since I bought it that it has failed me. Does anybody have any ideas? This is the first time I have ever encountered an issue like this...

 

[Rons beast]

Hey AK,  Welcome

Sounds as if the ignition switch is mal-adjusted, or failed. Or there is a short in the wiring.

Activation should go to the solenoid only with the key in the "Start" position. check with a test light.

If it get activation in "run" then the switch needs adjusting, or has failed.

Does the starter engage with the solenoid activated?  Does it engage with the solenoid jumped?

If not the solenoid may be a problem as well.

Good Luck 

 

[AkLittleBear]

Hey AK,  Welcome

Sounds as if the ignition switch is mal-adjusted, or failed. Or there is a short in the wiring.

Activation should go to the solenoid only with the key in the "Start" position. check with a test light.

If it get activation in "run" then the switch needs adjusting, or has failed.

Does the starter engage with the solenoid activated?  Does it engage with the solenoid jumped?

If not the solenoid may be a problem as well.

Good Luck 

 

 

[AkLittleBear]

I tried jumping the solenoid and nothing happened. Removed starter and had it bench tested, tested fine. Will look more closely at the ignition switch. Thank you for the advice.  

 

[Rons beast]

Hey AK,

If you jumped the solenoid and nothing happened with the starter trying to turn then the ignition is ok. 

The battery, and or cables + battery to solenoid and solenoid to starter as well as ground would be suspect.

Good Luck