Dead Bronco

[javaman34]

My beloved Bronco is dead. Will not start. It will turn over, but not start. I put new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, high pressure fuel pump in it very recently. I showed up work Tuesday night and it stalled. Shut off just like you turned the key off. Haven't been able to get it started since. HELP!!!!!!!!!!

[ColoJeeper]

Last time my YJ did that, it was the CPS (Crank Position Sensor). Don't know if your Bronco has one, but symptoms sound the same.

[88Toy]

I've also had this, turned out to be a loose distributor cap. Look back at all you did and make sure all is secure and connected (I know for sure I tightened that cap...)

[94ToyBear]

pull a plug wire off, check for spark while cranking.
If you don't find spark at a plug wire, check for spark out to coil wire,
If you got spark look in to Fule supply.
If you have no means to check Fule pressure, spray the intake with some carb cleaner, try starting, if it starts, you got a Fule issue.

Definitely agree with Les.

[Brad]

Fuel, air , spark, combustion. It's got to be missing one of those. I agree, check spark first. Fuel is easy, pull off your fuel line at the engine, find a suitable container (metal) turn on the key and see if your getting fuel. If its carburated then you may be in need of a rebuild. Has this been slowly having issues with starting or idling?

[Cr33p3r]

Could be the typical Ford problem with a bad ECM. Not sure if yours is on the fender well or under the dash. There is a test procedure to place a jumper wire on two of the pins in one of the manuals. But I no longer have the chiltons or Haynes manuals that show it.

[javaman34]

Never had any issues starting or idling. I think I have a bad coil.

[CS79bronco]

Coils don't usually just die, but can. Usually you have a miss that gets worse over time, then eventually it goes out. Check the wires to the coil, they are bad about coming loose & look like they are still attached. ECM will go without warning. Fuel pump relay will too, but you have carb with mechanical pump? High pressure fuel pump? How high does it go? Too much will cause problems with needle & seat, needle may be stuck. The pickup coil in the distributor can die suddenly too.

[94ToyBear]

I think I have a chiltons for your rig. You can have it if you like

[94ToyBear]

Yup have one 1980 to 96.

[Brad]

I really need more info. What fueling system do you have? (EFI, Carb?)
color of wires to distributor, coil?
have you checked for spark at the coil and plugs?

[javaman34]

It is fuel injected. It has been having a small miss the last few weeks. Right now it has no spark. I have confirmed that much.

[javaman34]

Oh, and I do have a Chilton's for it. Going to be tearing into it Wednesday and checking everything I can to see why it isn't getting a spark. I'm still leaning towards the coil just because of how it has been running the last few weeks.

[Cr33p3r]

I'll sell you my Bronco

[javaman34]

I don't have that kind of money. Don't sell it. I will have to take you out back if you do.:tisktisk:

[Cr33p3r]

I redid the posting. would love to keep it but not likely I'd take it wheeling again since I bought the Jeep. Been wheeling it every weekend except one since we got it.

[javaman34]

Still can't afford it.

[javaman34]

Got the new coil installed, still no spark. Did some extra checking around and some research and found the Ignition control modules have a habit of going out. Did some tests and that is where the cycle stops. Power going in, but nothing coming out. Looks like a fairly easy fix and I'm hoping to have my baby back up and running by next weekend. Thank you everyone that gave me input on this thread and on my "Need Help" thread. You all rock and were a huge help. Thank you again.

[Brad]

Good to hear Jerry! Still keep us posted! :thumb:

[Woodscaper]

Did you fix the problem?
I had this happen to both my '96 F250 & '96 Bronco. It turned out to be the stater inside the distributor. An easy fix (you have to pull the dizzy) but it drove me #*@#ing crazy figuring it out. I think the part is about $30 from Advance.

[javaman34]

I will be tackling it on Wednesday. I will let everyone know how the patient is doing after it's surgery.

[javaman34]

Well, I have the Ignition control module off, finally. Whoever the previous owner had work on this didn't choose wisely. One of the mounting screws for the module was all rounded off. I couldn't get a bite on it with anything. I finally started cutting away the old module until I could get down to the screw and then fought with a pair of pliers until it finally came out. Now I'm on a search for a new mounting screw. Hitting the junkyard on my next day off to try to find one.

[Cr33p3r]

This is one of the reasons I decided not to replace the wires that was burned up in my bronco and did a completely new wiring harness and eliminate the ECM. Another plus was going with a Chevy style one wire HEI distributor and one wire alternator.
Glad you found the problem and hopefully it'll be up and running so you can get a trail in before it's too late.

[javaman34]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brian]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What it was?

[Hypoid]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[javaman34]

What it was?

Ignition control module.

[Rick]

Nice!!!!

[The StRanger]

:thumb:

[dieseldoc]

I used to carry spairs in my 77 highboy f250.
They make like 7 of them and gett8jg the right one out in the sticks was a joke so I bought 2 when I got back to town. Never stuck out in the boonies again.

[javaman34]

I used to carry spairs in my 77 highboy f250.
They make like 7 of them and gett8jg the right one out in the sticks was a joke so I bought 2 when I got back to town. Never stuck out in the boonies again.

I have an extra one and all the tools needed to put it in. The also have an extra distributor hanging around now just in case. The one I found at upull and pay yesterday is in almost perfect shape.

[javaman34]

I'm pretty stoked having the old girl running again. Now just have to get the timing set where it needs to be. Have a lot of cleaning to do to see the timing marks. I have it set by ear right now and it is running decent, but not perfect.

[CS79bronco]

Glad to see she's up and running again!!!!

[96EXXLTinCO]

:2thumbup: YUSSSS!!!!! :2thumbup:

[javaman34]

Hopefully I can get the timing set today. I have to disconnect something called the inline spout connector. Haven't figured out where that is yet, but I have googled what it is so at least now I know what I'm looking for. Hope to be driving it later on today.

[javaman34]

The Moment has finally arrived!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0tpnUxqtO0

[Chris]

Good to see Jerry!

[dieseldoc]

glad you got it running again.

[javaman34]

I'm really excited to have it up and running properly again. I just can't believe it took me 5 weeks to get it done. Of course, with my mother being ill and having to run her to doctors appointments, Testing, and Emergency Rooms, I guess I should be happy to have it done in only 5 weeks. Anyway, it is done just for the end of the season. Since I work weekends now, I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to go on any runs in the foreseeable future.

[javaman34]

Well, it was almost up and running. I messed something up in putting things back together and now it doesn't shift right. Going to be taking things apart again and see what I did. I think when I put the cable cover back on, I may have kinked the Throttle Valve cable and that is causing my problem. I know it is something I did since the shifting problem didn't show up until I finished putting everything back that I took off to get to the Ignition Control Module. Wish me luck.

[CS79bronco]

Good luck dude!!!

[dieseldoc]

Bummer......
Keep at it. She will run

[javaman34]

Well, found the problem. It was what I thought. When I put the cable cover back on, I put it on wrong and it was binding the TV cable so it wouldn't shift. Readjusted the cover, lubed the cable a bit and now she shifts great. Now maybe I can go back to trying to fix the blower motor on my house furnace. Thanks again everyone for the help..

[javaman34]

She's dead again. Haven't found the problem this time yet. Guess it is time to really tear into it. Is it possible the ignition module I just installed could have gone out? Only been in there a few weeks.

[Patrolman]

Anything is possible... Unfortunately it sounds like you are starting from scratch again.

[dieseldoc]

And this is why most folks end up ditching the stock for stuff.

Yes it is posible the module has gone bad again.
Again why I wpuld have 2-3 on hand for my '77

I would bet there is expossed wire someplace. you have something else that is thhe root couse.

[javaman34]

I have one on standby. Just wanted to put the question out there.

[javaman34]

I have one on standby. Just wanted to put the question out there. I'm going to run the wires before I put it in so I don't blow another one.

[Spieg]

Get the lifetime warranty parts if possible. It will pay for itself SOON.

[javaman34]

It was the module again. I put in my backup I got with a distributor from you pull and pay. Fired right up and even runs better than it did before this whole thing started. Now I need to get a new backup.

[dieseldoc]

Make sure you match the one you have now.
With as many different types and as little they change they way it runs.....
Sounds like you have found the right combination of module and dizzy so get as close as you can to that module to keep it running this way.

[javaman34]

I'm going to get an actual Ford Module for my backup. I'm not going to mess with any other ones. I may have to pay a little more getting it from a dealer, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

[Fordguy77]

Got the new coil installed, still no spark. Did some extra checking around and some research and found the Ignition control modules have a habit of going out. Did some tests and that is where the cycle stops. Power going in, but nothing coming out. Looks like a fairly easy fix and I'm hoping to have my baby back up and running by next weekend. Thank you everyone that gave me input on this thread and on my "Need Help" thread. You all rock and were a huge help. Thank you again.
I wish i was around when you originally posted this. I do believe when everyone was saying to check the ECU, they meant the ICU, but weren't 100% familiar with ford nomenclature. It is enough of a problem, that many ford owners often carry a spare in the glovebox, next to the extra starter solenoid.

[Fordguy77]

I'm going to get an actual Ford Module for my backup. I'm not going to mess with any other ones. I may have to pay a little more getting it from a dealer, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.
Honestly, your just as well off purchasing the "Standard Motor Products" the oem ford ones are the same thing just reboxed essentially.

[Hypoid]

Interesting...

This guy (http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1117981) was having problems with the ignition modules in his Ford, said the problem was getting well known(?). He switched to an MSD set-up, likes the ability to change the tune a bit.

[javaman34]

Interesting...

This guy (http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1117981) was having problems with the ignition modules in his Ford, said the problem was getting well known(?). He switched to an MSD set-up, likes the ability to change the tune a bit.

I've actually thought about doing that. Seriously considered it. I may end up doing it here in the near future. All depends on how this other module goes. If this one does burn out, I may just pull the trigger and update the whole system. I've never been a fan of these modules anyway. I miss the days of points in the distributor. They were a bit easier for me to work with. Anyway, it is running for the time being. Haven't driven it much or very far, but it is running. I still have a rear axle seal to fix before it goes out again. Hopefully be doing that in the next few weeks when I have some free time.

[Fordguy77]

I've actually thought about doing that. Seriously considered it. I may end up doing it here in the near future. All depends on how this other module goes. If this one does burn out, I may just pull the trigger and update the whole system. I've never been a fan of these modules anyway. I miss the days of points in the distributor. They were a bit easier for me to work with.

My 70 f100 had points , and the icm, haha sadly it's a thing that's been around in ford's forever. The HEI route is a good way to replace it, it's the path I ended up going down in my 77.

[javaman34]

My 70 f100 had points , and the icm, haha sadly it's a thing that's been around in ford's forever. The HEI route is a good way to replace it, it's the path I ended up going down in my 77.

When I get around to switching it over, I'll be sure to look you up if I run into problems. :rolleyes:

[dieseldoc]

The swap is far easier than what you are dealing with now.
The aftermarket parts for your engine are realy good and priced well too.
The high output stuff is a good upgrade for sure.

[javaman34]

Took her out for a longer drive today and put it through a few paces. Didn't miss a beat, yet. Still a little lacking in power, but I think that is just the timing which I will be taking care of tomorrow. Other than that, it seems she is back to normal. Now time to start on some of the things the Ranger has been needing now that I have it back from the wife.

[dieseldoc]

Good to hear its running again.

[javaman34]

Now comes the big test for the old girl. After a month of tuning and driving short jaunts around the house (no more than about a mile), I'm going to attempt to drive it to work (about 13 miles away, one way). It seems to be running just fine, no stalls or rough idling. Wish me luck. My wife told me she will make sure to keep her phone by her side in case she has to come and get me. She isn't very sure about me taking it that far away right now. Never know until I try it.

[Patrolman]

Fingers crossed. :)

[CS79bronco]

Good luck Jerry!

[javaman34]

It got me to work and back. Still some more fine tuning to do, but she is pretty much ready to go engine wise. Still need to replace the rear axle seals.

[dieseldoc]

Good to hear you got'r done.

[javaman34]

It's been a long 4 months, but it was worth it. Almost did a whole top end rebuild on the old girl.

[The StRanger]

It got me to work and back. Still some more fine tuning to do, but she is pretty much ready to go engine wise. Still need to replace the rear axle seals.

:thumb::thumb: