Monday - November 21st, 2022
AJB here from Arizona,
Just bought a 1989 Ford Bronco II XLT with the 2.9L engine. Got it for $1,500. I was told of the problems it had before I bought it, it wouldn't start but ran good previously. The first thing I saw when I opened the hood was a good looking battery but the cables were on the opposite sides, pos to neg and neg to pos! It had been like that for months. The lights would turn on but lights will work even when you hook up the battery wrong. You can even see the backwards battery hookup in the original picture I have posted below.
So...I began to work on it. First thing I did was to check the battery voltage - it was 11.2 or something like that so I removed the battery and put a good one in and hooked the cables up properly - still wouldn't start, no noise, clicking, just nothing. First thing I decided to check after that was the Starter Solenoid so I jumped the 2 positive leads together with a screwdriver and heard the starter go...ok - good! Then next I checked the voltage at that little 'S' wire that goes to the top of the Starter Solenoid when the key goes fully to the start position - Yes, there was voltage. I bought a new Starter Solenoid for $20, put it in with a good battery and ... Yes, it started.
Next I checked for charge and it wasn't being charged - something is up with the Alternator. This is where I'm at this morning. I'll check the positive Alternator wire for continuity and if I don't solve the problem I'll remove the Alternator and get it checked and then go on from there.
I was really hoping that the backwards battery hookup didn't ruin the EEC (Engine Computer) or melt wires somewhere. I've looked all around and haven't been able to find any inline fuses blown. I also checked every fuse under the hood and under the dash, they are all fine.
After I get it up and running I'll change all filters, plugs, tires, and everything else. The headliner is sagging so I have to research that and find out how to make it stick up to the top again.
One more thing that kind of troubles me. Someone hooked up one of those cold air intake kits but I would rather go back to the way it was engineered, with the original intake. I've heard that a cold air intake can possibly increase horse power but shorten the life of the engine.
Anyway, I'll try to attach some pics, here ya go:
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