1985 Ford Bronco problems

Common 1985 Ford Bronco problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Ford Bronco, several common problems have been reported:

• Transmission Problems:
  Complaints about rough shifts while driving the 1991 Ford Bronco have been common. Upon inspection, many owners were informed of transmission issues, leading to the replacement of the transmission to resolve the problem.

• Engine Concerns:
  The 1990 Ford Bronco has been associated with various engine issues, including oil leaks, poor gas mileage, and oil pressure problems. These issues are often attributed to a damaged oil pan gasket, resulting in intermittent oil pressure readings and stalling of the vehicle. Some owners have resorted to a quick fix by putting the vehicle in neutral and revving the engine to address this problem.

• UJ (Universal Joint) Problems:
  Broken universal joints are relatively common in Ford Broncos, especially when used off-road. Replacements for these joints are readily available at most parts stores, and detailed instructions for changing them can be found in the Haynes Bronco manual.

• Ignition Issues:
  Some owners have reported instances where the engine dies while driving or at intersections, with subsequent failure to restart. This problem has been linked to the TFI module, with repair costs averaging around $5000. The repair process is covered in the Haynes Bronco manual.

• Oil Pressure Concerns:
  The Ford Bronco has experienced issues where the engine appears to have no oil pressure when warm. Faulty oil pressure switches have been identified as the cause, and the replacement procedure is detailed in the Haynes Bronco manual.

• Fueling Problems:
  Over time, the 300ci carburetor in Ford Broncos can rock, causing the gasket it sits on to fail and leading to poor fueling. The solution involves replacing the gasket and tightening the nuts to the required torque, a process outlined in the Haynes Bronco manual.

These common problems with the 1985 Ford Bronco highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

Is an old Ford Bronco reliable?

If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable. Their simple mechanical design, robust construction, and solid axles were built to last. That's the good news. However, as is typical of vehicles from that era, they do come with inherent quirks.

Which Bronco has engine problems?

These cases spanned 2021-22 Ford Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and F-150 vehicles, along with 2021-22 Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus models, all equipped with either 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines.

What year was the best Bronco?

Out of all the years of the first-generation Bronco, 1977 is widely considered to be the best year although anything from 74 is not only sought after, but more widely available.

What engine is in a 1985 Ford Bronco?

FORD Bronco 5.8L V8 3AT AWD (213 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 5.8L V8 3AT AWD (213 HP)
Cylinders:	V8
Displacement:	5766 cm3
Power:	156.7 KW @ 4000 RPM 213 HP @ 4000 RPM 210 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:	305 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM 414 Nm @ 2800 RPM

Is an old Ford Bronco reliable?

If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable. Their simple mechanical design, robust construction, and solid axles were built to last. That's the good news. However, as is typical of vehicles from that era, they do come with inherent quirks.

Are there problems with Ford Bronco?

The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and the Ford Bronco is no exception. One common engine issue owners report is overheating, possibly due to a malfunctioning radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a coolant leak.

What engine is in a 1985 Bronco?

FORD Bronco 5.8L V8 3AT AWD (156 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 5.8L V8 3AT AWD (156 HP)
Power:	114.7 KW @ 4000 RPM 156 HP @ 4000 RPM 154 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:	Carburetor
Fuel:	Gasoline
Fuel capacity:	25.1 gallons (95.0 L)

What is the most desirable year of the Ford Bronco?

1977

Out of all the years of the first-generation Bronco, 1977 is widely considered to be the best year although anything from 74 is not only sought after, but more widely available.

1985 Ford Bronco car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Bronco problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Electrical system problems
• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems
• Seats problems
• Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Bronco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.