Starting issues after rolling my 87 B2.

[Ron15423]

I rolled my 87 B2 recently so I have a new body and frame coming. My issue is that now I can only start it by touching the wire straight from the starter to positive battery terminal.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Sounds like you smashed/screwed the fender solenoid, or screwed up the ignition switch

 

[Ron15423]

Sounds like you smashed/screwed the fender solenoid, or screwed up the ignition switch

I replaced the solenoid no difference. The ignition seems to work correctly except it won't engage the starter.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I replaced the solenoid no difference. The ignition seems to work correctly except it won't engage the starter.

Then its not working properly

Either way, i cant see how putting it on its lid/side would of damaged any wireing, but it is possible i guess. I would start chasing wires. I know theres a few fusable links, but i *think* that those would also keep the fuel pump from running.

Electrical isnt my strong suit, hopefully one of the wireing gurus will be along.

 

[bronco2fan]

I would think that you pinched a wire or shorted something out in the ignition system if you can only jump it. Can you open the hood? Follow the wires and see what's grounded out?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Sounds like the fender solenoid [relay - for RonD ] is not working. Check the wires.
There is probably 3 posts on the solenoid. The smallest is for the ignition switch wire. The two big ones are for all the rest. One big one will go to the starter....and NO OTHER wires should be connected there. The opposite big post is for all the rest; the battery positive and any other wires needing battery positive.

You may have messed up the wires when replacing them.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Threads merged. Thanks Rusty.

@Ron15423, please start only one thread. It makes things easier for others to find and respond to your thread.

 

[RonD]

LOL, yes, it is a Relay

On the inter fender the larger battery positive cable is connected to the Starter Relay(also called starter solenoid)
On this relay is a smaller post labelled with an "S"

When the "S" post gets 12volts this relay closes and sends Battery Voltage to Starter Motor from the other larger cable, and post, on this relay

Battery"+"----(large cable)-----------Relay-------(large cable)-----------Starter motor
ignition switch-----(small wire)----------/

When you turn the key to START the ignition switch sends 12v out to Starter Relay "S" post.

BUT.......................

That 12v runs thru a Safety switch to prevent engine from starting "in gear"
On a manual trans vehicle this is the Clutch safety switch, clutch pedal must be pushed down all the way to pass that 12v from ignition switch

On an automatic they used an NSS(neutral safety switch) on the drivers side of transmission, in 1987 it would have an A4LD trans, and the NSS would be a screw in/plunger style switch just above trans shift rod
Trans must be in Park or Neutral for this switch to pass the 12v to starter relay

Battery----------ignition switch--------safety switch-------------starter relay(solenoid, lol)