Starter Solenoid fried? '86 Ford Bronco ii 2.9L V6

15

Asked by John Apr 21, 2017 at 03:28 PM about the 1986 Ford Bronco XLT 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was working on my truck recently and, lets call him Carl, accidentally
installed the battery wrong putting leads on the wrong cables, etc. As carl
put the positive lead to the ground wire on the battery, a thick electrical
smoke began to fill the air just behind and under the battery platform. At first
I thought this was a blown fuse for safety, but then again it wouldn't smoke
like that would it?

Now the truck won't start at all. So, my question is what did that actually to
do my rig? My best guess is that the electrical short burned out the starter
solenoid, or the line that goes to it, and now needs to be replaced.

My fear is that the whole wiring harness is fried and all of the electronics
need to be replaced. Anyone ever go through something like this before?

4 Answers

15

Yeah it was a dumb mistake to be sure. We've all made them before. Lol luckily this truck was bought on the cheap for a summer project so not a whole lot of money went into the initial investment, but now... You're right though, about the negative cable, from what I understand about the starter solenoid on those model fords they're always enabled until the starter unit closes the circuit. In this case if the electrical flow was reversed then the solenoid would just burn up from the short along with the negative cable. I haven't had the chance to really get under there to look. Just looking for a good starting point. I really hope it stopped at the starter solenoid and starter (negative) cable. Thanks!

15

UPDATE: I went ahead and replaced the starter relay solenoid, and replaced a few wired that weren't conducting any electricity. Still no power to lights or other systems, however my door lock actuators are working! I tried to test the current from the starter relay to the starter motor but there is no juice going through that line. My best, albeit limited, guess for now is to start checking fuses...

15

UPDATE: All fixed! Essentially had to replace every single fuse link from the starter relay. Starter solenoid had a fried lead so, that needed to be replaced. I even replaced the fuel pump solenoid while I was at it. When everything was said and done I can say that the damage never went past the starter solenoid. When the battery was "not properly installed" it stuck the starter solenoid in the engaged position burning the positive lead completely out of the housing! I was able to get the truck started as a test by manually engaging the starter solenoid AND the fuel pump solenoid together in order to turn over the engine. Cut to now after about $150, and eight hours later, I've completely replaced all of the fuse links, two solenoids, and a new "properly installed" battery. As a bonus, everything else that was wonky with the electrical system in the truck is now fixed as well. A/C blower is now operating as expected, dome lights now come on, the fuel gauge is now accurate, front/rear turn signals...lemme see...oh, cigarette lighter, and window actuators. So, pretty much everything! Phew, sorry for the long post but, this issue has been bothering me for weeks and I finally got everything just right. Thanks for reading!

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Bronco

Looking for a Used Bronco in your area?

CarGurus has 24,004 nationwide Bronco listings starting at $30,000.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1986 Ford Bronco

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    860
  • #2
    Clayton Cameron
    Reputation
    320
  • #3
    Ed92626
    Reputation
    220
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Jeep Wrangler
3,212 Great Deals out of 60,244 listings starting at $2,450
Used Ford F-150
6,075 Great Deals out of 133,989 listings starting at $1,050
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,176 Great Deals out of 17,913 listings starting at $1,300
Used Ford Mustang
884 Great Deals out of 22,373 listings starting at $1,000
Used Ford Ranger
680 Great Deals out of 12,980 listings starting at $2,500
Used Land Rover Defender
153 Great Deals out of 6,479 listings starting at $34,999

Used Cars For Sale

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.