TRUCKS ON FIRE!!

[RustonBronco]

I am in need of some help. My 80 bronco was running fine until I got out of the tag office today. When I started it, a loud, high pitched sound came from the engine bay. The truck shut off and I rolled into a parking lot while my starter solenoid lit on fire! I quickly got out and put the fire out. Luckily I was close to a parts place. I replaced the solenoid, positive wire from battery to solenoid, ground cable from battery to block, and the 14ga fusible link wire comming from the solenoid to... the alternator I think. Anyway, I had them test my battery and it tested good, but I don't have ANY power - no lights - no wipers - and NO START! Can someone help?

 

[Elmo]

Check all of the fuseable links there at the silinoid ?

 

[RustonBronco]

Check all of the fuseable links there at the silinoid ?

I replaced the fuseable link at the solenoid - it was a little goey before. All wires are exactly where they came off from, so I'm not sure what else could be wrong.

 

[RBuffordTJ]

My alternator recently shorted out inside and grounded on its case. That caused my fusible link to catch fire in the same place yours did. Not sure if they are related at all but have your alternator checked.

Bufford in Orlando

 

[Bronc76]

The NO START issue could possibility be a broken wire in starting circuit or starter is now bad.

 

[miesk5]

yo

There are a few Fusible Links besides that alt one;

Now, I don't have any diagram LINKS for your 80, so here are examples from other yesra;

Here they are in Wiring Diagrams in 78 Bronco & 76-78 F Series, Source: by Blue79 at photobucket via 7879blueovalbronco.com

Some Links in da Wiring Diagram in an 83

Source: by Seabronc (Rosie, Fred W) at Ford Bronco Zone Forums

http://broncozone.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=6054

As RBuffordTJ advised, have altchecked out next; then start pin point tests with multi meter to find where you have an open or short;

To troubleshoot the Links and the electr system in your year, think of local library for Haynes or Chilton Manuals to save $...

or Auto Repair Reference Center Repair Manual, Mostly Chilton; many local library's offer free online access for their members; just log-in w/your library Card # and password; incl. all Broncos, & many MAKES! 1951 to 2009; some years (85-96, I believe) include: FULL Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls, Labor Hours per repair (plug in appl info); Wiring Diagrams, Vacuum Diagrams (in DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS CONTROLS Section), Specifications (torques, etc.) & Maintenance Intervals

Source: by arrc.epnet.com

Troubleshooting with a Test Light (low resistance); "...low resistance test light can sometimes be used in place of a blown fuse. The light will illuminate while a short circuit to ground exists. DO NOT use a medium or high resistance test light in place of a blown fuse. These types of test lights illuminate with very small amounts of current and can be misleading..." read more

Source: by ocw.weber.edu

 

[RustonBronco]

Thanks for all the leads! I found that the starter had stuck in the "out" position while the truck was running. This cause the engine to put a load on the starter and sent it back to the solenoid, etc. I ended up replacing the positive cable, solenoid, and starter. Now she purrs like a kitten.