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Thank you!
-Thanks
Jim
Check the drivetrain for the usual stuff, lack of maintenance, disrepair, especially fan clutch, radiator, tranny wear, and on the 460, leaks including A/C clamps (they were all crimped together cheaply on many earlier Ford trucks), coolant leaks, etc. The transmission shift cables tend to stretch from being parked (stored) a long time, too. Have the refrigerator fired up so you can feel it cool, but only when the coach is level. The refrigerator if it has even a faint ammonia smell will need to be replaced, about $1300-they need to be kept completely level, but many owners are not very strict about that.
Good luck with it! :shades:
The '98 V10 chassis is superior to the 460, though. You also have 4-wheel ABS, nice if you will use it for icy, snowy climates (ski trips), but better have a good furnace, etc. Also better A/C and engine cooling, better dash, a steering stabilizer (likely needs to be replaced) and generally more reliably built.
Sincerly,
Proud Ford owner
I just bought a 99 E250. I am having problems with the passenger side window and door lock switches. They both work fine from the driver side controlls. I can lock the door with the passenger side switch but not unlock it. Is there a child safety switch or something like that on this vehicle?
Thanks,Alaganic
I have the same van, and yes its electrical. You have an alarm system under your dash you probably dont know about, Ford put it there and hoped they would allways sell the option, but, they didnt... You will find a small black wire leading off of the alarm and over the top of the steering colum... pull that wire out...
Start your van and enjoy life.
I had the same problem, some guy told me it was the transmission; took it to the transmission shop and just got lucky that one of the guys was a big Ford Van fan, he knew imediatly what was going on... and they didnt rip me for a new transmission
Hard to find honest service people these days but it sure is nice,
Randall
I just drove the Chevy back 9 hours from Kentucky. The biggest difference to me is the Chevy gives you more of a 'minivan' feeling. It is a smoother ride and better gas mileage than my FORD. The Fords just seem to be 'tougher'. I guess time will tell..
I am a little disappointed that the GVW on the 2500 is only 7500 and therefore is a 6 lug wheel vs the 8500 GVW on my FORD with 8 lug. I wasn't aware of this before I bought it. The advantage to this is parts are cheaper and it rides smoother. The dis-advantage is that I pull a small Bobcat occasionally and I am concerned with the stopping power.
Uh, interesting is being nice for this thing.
(-)comes from the PCM(computer). It pulses the ground to two seperate legs. One for injectors 1'3&5 then another one for 2,4&6. The problem I'm having is that I'm not getting the negative(-)from the computer. I replaced the computer and still didn't get it. I want to know if anyone know of a sensor that could cause this to happen. Any help would be emmensly appreciated.
Just bought a 2005 Chevy Express Cargo Van that had been used as a mobile office, so its got nice walls with A/c and heat in the back, ceiling with halogen lights and a 3000 watt inverter.
Normally I am pretty good at finding the right answers on the 'Net (former librarian) but I can't seem to find any specifics on converting this van for camping. That is how to add a converter for a small fridge, making some storage compartments, that sort of thing. I'm getting ready to build a bed frame with storage under, but would you clue me into good books or other websites or online stores that would help with this project?
Any other tips would be most appreciated! Gotta get ready for the big trans Canada trip dream!!!
jan stefan
Thanks for any help
Check for improper engine tune and trans fluid/filter and vacume modulator (if there is one).
Shifting out of overdrive manually when you start to climb and on steep terrain is a very good idea to avoid the automatic downshift and the stress on the tranny and your nerves. I'm used to shifting mine, staying in 3rd (pressing the button on the end of the shift, OD is illuminated) until the top of the grade and shifting back (extinguishing the OD light). Also, slowly giving more throttle in 4th it holds gears a little longer than the cruise servo does. But you already thought of that.
I hope someone knows and you find out you can adjust it. But I'm left thinking it's just the final drive ratio/engine combo you have, since it's apparent there is no other problem.
If it turns out there's no mechanical adjustment, perhaps an aftermarket ECU controller might help, similar to the ones used to adjust engine control functions. Banks has one for the larger-output RV motors. There are many aftermarket manufacturers, many include adjustable shift controls.
I am hearing horror stories about making sure the throttle valve cable is adjusted correctly or I could burn up the replaced tranny.
Is this something I can do, I work as a mechanic in general and have broad mechanic skills wit the exception of tear down/rebuild tranny experience.
"IS THERE" a major problem with this "throttle Valve" cable that I should be aware of and can I re-install my used trans without the assistance of a tranny shop/technician?
If you have a transmission test gauge (about $ 55) you can run simple line pressure tests yourself. If you haven't done this before you need to go to a specialized Transmission shop for them to diagnose it, usually about $ 100. They are also pull codes which a $ 100 Code reader can't.
Yes, incorrect TV cable can ruin the transmission. You need to follow Ford's Shop Manual for the correct procedures to set this right.
As a general mechanic, you should not have problems for DIY for taking out and installing the replacement. Re-building is another matter. Of course, you are a lot better prepared to do a re-build than most shade-tree mechanics, however you will need patience, time, be diligent and be willing to research and learn.
ABS may not be related to the VSS problem.
Oil Pump is not very difficult to change for DIYers. Don't let a $ 100 pump and 2 hours of work cost you an engine failure.
It appears that your PCM is in fuel cut-off mode for some reason. Several inputs (sensors and switches) can cause this. Are you having any other malfunctions?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance...Dave