BroncoII4x4.com

1988 BII 2.9L Auto

My problem started with my starter relay clicking after I have turned the engine off, lasted all of 5 seconds. So I buy a new stater relay, same thing, than it started to last longer, 10 - 20 seconds and my fuel pump would run at the same time the relay was ticking... So fuel pump would run with the relay, (same amount of time) when the relay stoped clicking the pump stoped. (Main Fuel Pump on the frame rail)

Than driving home my engine light comes on and the truck dies out. I pull over turn it off, and it starts right back up, and runs fine. 15min later same thing happens. The truck starts to not run as long before the engine light comes on. The truck WOULD run wile the engine light was on, but VERY RUFF! Now I cant really get it started at all... It will start for maybe 5 seconds than just die right out. Any ideas what this may be?
Ive been told either Computer, key relay...
Any ideas?

Thanks

Just an idea, but it fixed mine.....

the wire harness for the o2 sensor was contacting the exhaust and melted through, it was intermitently running really ruff but runs fine now that its fixed.

yeah may have been the problem if my relay and fuel pump were not acting up after I take the keys out. I ran out and check either way and mine is fine :)
Thanks tho

You should have a starter solenoid. if this is stuck on then the starter will keep spinning. The fuel pump relay should be separate from the starter solenoid. if it is still running after the key is shut off then there is a pressure issue. Ford tries to maintain the fuel pressure to the fuel rails to make an easy start up. The fuel filter might be clogged so that the fuel pump is working hard to maintain the pressure.

the starter is not spinning when the relay is clicking. I also have all new fuel lines, filter and both pumps...

Look at the wire connector harness on the steering column.
Your description to me sounds like something is commanding your starter relay to engage. When that happens the relay applies voltage to the fuel pump and ignition at the same time.

I have heard the connector on the steering column is the source of many dark nights and lonely roadsides.

alright, I found a computer $40 for my truck.
But first I will go buy this switch to see if that is it. Its a little cheaper. Not sure the $$ but I think around $27 Canadian....

Ill let you know how it goes. How hard is it to change these things?

tekatlarge wrote:Look at the wire connector harness on the steering column.
Your description to me sounds like something is commanding your starter relay to engage. When that happens the relay applies voltage to the fuel pump and ignition at the same time.

I have heard the connector on the steering column is the source of many dark nights and lonely roadsides.

I got the part for $24 or so.
I got my dash/ steering column apart, now I thought for some reason this thing would be right beside the keys.... But its not as far as I can tell. I have no idea where it is on my truck. Where and the hell is it!!! Its not in my book either, well I cannot find it in there. I can find how to take the ignition out but I cannot find this at all! Iam talking about the switch/plug in the pic above
Its never as easy as it sounds!!!!

wire connector harness on the steering column

Now I just realized that my 88 BII has a "newer style" dash. Like from a 1989 and up. I asked for a 1988 electrical ignition switch, now would it be different for the old style dash? Or does it matter at all? It is tilt steering.

Hey I gathered some photos and a write up I stole from another Website. I sent it to you via Email. If ya don't get it let me know

I posted one photo here so you could see what I am talking about.

looks like mine is different. I have been told it is down by your feet on top of the column...... I wounder if its even the same switch

Have you removed the plastic shroud from the top of the column?
This connector looks to be at the top of the column right next to the IGN switch and of course under the plastic cover surrounding the column.

hahaha well man thanks for the info!
I found where mine is. I have an 89 dash, and its in a different spot, its on top of the column about 3/4 of the way down to the floor. I had to take my switch back and get one from an 89. It fit no problem, but it was not the problem.... SO I am getting a computer from a buddy tomorrow, same # on both computers, E9AF 14A624 AA
We will see if thats the fix
Thanks
Ill keep you posted

well now I have changed my computer... and still not fix.
I do have spark. I put new plugs in, and there is fuel getting to the plugs. Now I took out a plug and turned the engine over and there was a spark, but it was like one a second. Should it have more spark than that?

Also where is my fuel pump relay???
I am going to check that out

I believe your fuel pump relay is in a fuse panel on the passenger side fenderwell. it is black and has 6 or so other relays in it.

ahhh found what was actually clicking!!! This whole time I thought it was my starter relay, but I found it was a different relay thats mounted under the main fuse box, under the hood, right by the starter relay... Hints why I thougth the starter relay was clicking. Ill replace it and see what happens.. I was told its a Powertrain control relay.