O.K, I have a problem that has all the wizards I know {limited, but they try} scratching their heads, Bought a 1988 Bronco 2 2.9, 5sp.

the light stays on just as you turn the switch {on} then goes out.

as an added point, when hooking up the test light, a faint{click} is heard, coming roughly from down by the starter.

just for giggles, check the relays on the fender. especially the relay to the computer.

I'll give that a try tomorrow I went ahead and changed out the ignition switch today, no go. that relay idea is a good next step, thanks!

mikeatpriestlake, good call, the check on relays found a bit of a tangled mess under the hood hinge, unmounted, the relay had gotten snotty and when the previous owner parked it, he used that spot to shove a shop rag! pulled it out, cleaned it up, dried it out, and motor rolled once and started up like it knew what it was doin'! coffees on me buddy! thanks all for the help! hope I can assist in the future. chiao fer now.

I am with Jim on this one try the remote switch, easy cheap, fast

I found the answer! the relays that I started checking per mikeatpriestlake's advice, the next morning, I noticed a bracket that was missing something, guess what, the former owner had broken off the bracket for that relay, letting it fall into the inner fender with a bunch of wet crap and a dirty shop rag! got it out, cleaned it up wiped everything clean, bench tested the relay, put key in ignition and the pony spoke right up! thanks for all the good advise guys, all is good!

oops! it sat for a week and back to square one. all the relays are clicking but the light from batt + stays lit with key off, comes on with key on, bought new coil this time, am reading 4.4 volts thru batt- to coil. man, bargains..

well I am a retired Auto mech, and I have good training and many years behind me but Electrical is a world of it's own I did overhauls, valves, mostly engine repair but from what you told me it sounds like you have a open short you need a volt meter and have to trace down each system, it could be broken wires touchings, if I remember right the 1988 has a voltage reg on the firewall, that is were I would start as they can do all kinds of things, also I can not remember if they still used a balase resistor (spelling) if it does have just take off the 2 screws look at the back there is a spring if the spring it whole it is good,, I kind of think it does not have one I think they stoped using them 82 .83,84

ps for $300 you still got a great deal :)

Check all the wiring between the alternator and battery and coil. Very carefully. Make sure connections are all good and no cracked or rubbed wires. Especially good battery cables on both ends. Will it run at all?? Wondering what the voltage is with the truck running? Should be 14.5 ish. Also, this thing is full of fuseable links. Check them for burn spots etc.

You could also hook up a jumper cable to the battery negative and then go to a good clean metal spot just to see if it helps.

Am I reading you correctly, does the battery light stay on even with the key off? If so, there could be a burned out diode in the Alt. Try unhooking the Alt and see if the light goes out. Sorry bout all the posts, can't get it out of my head LOL.