Hello BroncoZone!

[BMAD01]

I did a Google search for 1988 Bronco Steering diagrams and found, among other things - THIS SITE! I have a 1988 Bronco Eddie Bauer. I've had it since 2004 when I bought it with 80,000mi on it. 6 years later she has 143,000 on er and runs great most of the time. I just replaced the EGR sensor and valve, a water pump a few months before that. It is my daily driver to work 16mi away, 5 days a week.

This afternoon on Xmas eve, I decided I'd better get to the store before everything closes up. I jumped in and turned the key and it was like mush! Nothing! The dash lights would go on, but no starter. I figured it was something to do with the ignition switch and new it would start because the dash lights were on. I turned the key on and jumped the solenoid and she fired right up. I hopped in and tried to put it in gear but she will not come out of park!

It looks like I'm stuck till Monday without wheels now. Anyhow I wish everyone here a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Brian

 

[Bronc76]

Welcome to the zone!

 

[Seabronc]

Welcome to the Zone > .

Check at the solenoid for 12V on the terminal with the red with blue stripe wire. If there is no voltage there with the key in the start position, then you probably have a Neutral Safety switch that is bad or out of adjustment. It is located on the left side of the transmission.

Good luck,

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[BMAD01]

Thanks Fred but I turned the key on and jumped the solenoid and she fired right up. After some internet work, I'm almost positive the problem is in the column lock actuator. I think she's broke as when you turn the key on, it feels like mush. No mechanical feel to it at all. Thanks, Brian /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Seabronc]

If turning the key on allows it to start and run when you jumper the solenoid, it is more likely the switch located on top of the steering column under the dash. You had to have a mechanical connection between the key cylinder and the actual ignition switch on top of the column to allow it to start. In other words the linkage allowed you to move the switch on top of the column to the RUN position. If the linkage were broken then you wouldn't have been able to get the engine to keep running after jumping the solenoid. What you feel when turning the key is the spring back pressure from the ignition switch.

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