Dead Bronco in the middle of a busy intersection!!

method9 · 02/06/07, 11:33 AM

Please Help,

My Bronco died last night in the middle of a busy intersection. Good thing I can bench 400 lbs. and got it pushed out of their myself but it is still a problem becasue it wouldn't start after that.

I am not much of a mechanic I'll tell you what happened and hopefully you guys can help me out.

As I left work the headlights were really dim and they kept getting dimmer. Then it started to sputter as I pushed on the gas. I had a friend tow me home and I jumpstarted it and it continued to run for about 2 minutes then it petered out again. I'm thinking alternator becasue I justr replaced the battery like 6 months ago. Please let me know what your diagnosis would be.

Thanks Guys

By the way I was kidding about being able to bench 400 its more like 385!!!

hillbilly delux · 02/06/07, 11:36 AM

sounds like the alternator is not keeping your battery charged.

method9 · 02/06/07, 11:37 AM

Any Idea on how hard it is to replace an alternator?

74BroncoCO · 02/06/07, 11:37 AM

Yeah, pull the alternator and have it tested at a trusted store. Maybe find a shop that will re-built it if you're on a budget. If the alt checks out, then there the wriring between it and the battery is not connecting. I have a similar issue with mine.

J.D.

jdevon · 02/06/07, 11:38 AM

i second the alternator. you might check the cables as well as the connections btwn the battery and alternator. if you need a new alternator, contact rrraaayyy2 on this site -- his alternators are fantastic.

74BroncoCO · 02/06/07, 11:38 AM

Pulling the Alt is EASY. Probably just two bolts.

J.D.

hillbilly delux · 02/06/07, 11:41 AM

dude if you dont have a chilton or hanes manual for your bronco.....you need to get one. It will show you how to replace ALMOST anything on it.

**daddyg** · 02/06/07, 11:42 AM

I will second the alternator theory. Check the connections for the Alternator. Several years ago I had a connection on the back of my alternator come loose and it did exactly like your describing.

Skuzzlebutt · 02/06/07, 11:51 AM

It could be the regulator has gone bad. Those are much cheaper and easier to replace. But 9 times outta 10 it's a bad alt that causes your symptoms.

method9 · 02/06/07, 12:03 PM

Do you guys know why Bronco's are worth so much? 2 of many reasons;

1) They look bad a$$ and are bad a$$.

2) 24/7 you can get guys like you all to help out with any questions or concerns you may have.

Thanks for the quick replies I know what I have to do now.

I appreciate it

**broncnaz** · 02/06/07, 01:11 PM

Try getting the battery fully charged then run it down to the local parts store and have them test your charging system they can tell you if its the alt, reg, or battery. I also vote for the alt being bad.

**Apogee** · 02/06/07, 01:18 PM

My first guess would be alternator as well, however I had a brand new battery do the almsot exact same thing to me once (except it was in the middle of a bridge, not an intersection) and it ended up being the battery. One of the cells died...end of story.

I'd take the battery, alternator, and voltage regulator in for testing.

bannind · 02/06/07, 01:32 PM

And if they tell you the alt is bad, don't just buy a new one from the store..

Either contact Rayyyyyyyyyy for one of his setups or do a 3g from a junkyard. If you spend money on a stock alternator when you could do the 3g for less, you will kick yourself.

Perfect upgrade opportunity.

method9 · 02/06/07, 02:10 PM

What is the 3G?

bannind · 02/06/07, 02:27 PM

3G alternator... 3rd generation. There are lots of different options you can go with from mild to wild.

Without a doubt the easiest would be too call up Rayy.. But it is more $$ than doing it yourself. Rayyyy is a great guy to work with and will tell you everything you will ever want to know about alternators. There are various levels of drop in or ease of use donors. Just run a search on the boards for alternator upgrade and you will see a whole new world. The donor list is long and it cleans up alot of wiring as the 3G is internally regulated. It will however take away your Alt Meter or idiot light, but it is a small price to pay. 130 AMPs is great and is a perfect begining upgrade to start with.

This thread is one of the many with a donor list in it. http://classicbroncos.com/forums/sho...rnator+upgrade

I ended up picking up 2 3G alts for 5$ at the junkyard today so they shouldn't cost you much.

Good luck and remember there are always people here willing to help.

dan