86 bronco 2 engine dies when dimmer switch is pulled back.
Asked by 86B2 Nov 23, 2022 at 11:53 AM about the 1986 Ford Bronco II Eddie Bauer 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
1986 bronco 2 runs great at idle. When dimmer switch is pulled, even with
lights off, it kills the engine. Same when under load, in R or D, and your turn
the wheel. Started with ECM, no luck. Checked grounds, seem tight and good.
ordered a turn signal switch to try next but that doesn't explain the power
steering killing the engine. Wire short in column? I looked but didn't see
anything.
6 Answers
Sounds like a problem in the steering column wiring, could be a bad connector or a broken wire that goes open when you put any stress on the column. Both the ignition switch and the dimmer wiring are along the column.
If it's set up like a GM the ignition switch and dimmer switch are bolted together and to the lower end of the steering column. Sounds like a bad connection at the ignition switch. Perhaps the two switches are flexing when you pull the turn signal stalk and the ignition circuit is being momentarily disconnected. I'd check that first. Hope that helps! Jim
I just remembered that I had a Bronco II back in the day and it would just up and die at anytime, anyway found the ignition switch was coming apart, a new switch fixed that problem.
Thanks for all the answers. Problem ended up being the dimmer switch. Shorted out apparently. Replaced switch and runs great. Did find a loose pigtail plug to the ignition and secured it as well.
Good news it wasn’t anything really deep into the wiring.
Awesome! Very glad you figured it out and thanks for letting us know! Jim
