Fixing a 1990 Ford Bronco Starter: Troubleshooting and repair can involve several areas:
1. Diagnosis: Before you start replacing parts, you need to diagnose the problem. A no-start situation could be due to several things besides a bad starter.
* Battery: Check the battery's voltage and condition. A weak battery won't crank the engine, even if the starter is good.
* Cables: Inspect battery cables for corrosion, loose connections, or damage. Clean terminals thoroughly.
* Solenoid: The starter solenoid is the electrical switch that engages the starter motor. You might hear a clicking sound from the solenoid when you turn the key; this often indicates a problem with the solenoid itself, the battery, or the wiring. A hard-to-hear click might be diagnosed with a helper listening near the starter while another person turns the key.
* Starter Motor: If you've eliminated the other possibilities, the starter motor itself might be faulty. It could be worn out, the brushes might be worn, or there could be internal damage.
2. Repair/Replacement:
* Solenoid Replacement (easier and cheaper): If the solenoid is the culprit, it's often cheaper and easier to replace just the solenoid. This usually involves removing a few bolts and disconnecting some wires. You can usually purchase a replacement solenoid separately.
* Starter Replacement (more involved): Replacing the entire starter is more involved and will require:
* Tools: Sockets (likely metric), wrenches, possibly a ratchet, and possibly a breaker bar to loosen stubborn bolts. You may need a puller to remove the starter.
* Access: You'll need to gain access to the starter, potentially by removing some components (air cleaner, possibly some wiring harnesses or heat shields depending on the exact engine). Consult a repair manual for your specific Bronco's engine.
* Removal: Carefully disconnect all wires and remove the starter bolts. Sometimes the starter is difficult to remove because it's wedged tightly.
* Installation: Install the new starter, ensuring all bolts are tightened securely. Reconnect the wires.
* Testing: After installation, test the starter by attempting to start the engine.
3. Getting Help:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1990 Ford Bronco is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams, procedures, torque specifications, and troubleshooting guides. Haynes and Chilton are two popular brands.
* Mechanic: If you're not comfortable working on your vehicle, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic.
Important Safety Note: Disconnect the negative battery cable before attempting any repairs to the starter. This will prevent accidental shorts and electric shocks.
Without knowing the exact symptoms (e.g., clicking sound, no sound, etc.), it's impossible to give a more specific solution. Start with the simpler checks (battery, cables, solenoid) before jumping to replacing the starter motor. Again, a repair manual specific to your vehicle will be invaluable.
