| Both sides previous revision
Previous revision
Next revision
|
Previous revision
|
rv:van_issues [2024/03/31 15:03]
princess_fluffypants [Nissan NVx500] |
rv:van_issues [2025/03/28 17:13] (current)
frater_secessus [RAM Promaster] grounding strap |
| * //Note:// The E-250 and E-350 vans use much stronger suspension components, and do not experience this problem (at least, not in an endemic way and no more than any other van) | * //Note:// The E-250 and E-350 vans use much stronger suspension components, and do not experience this problem (at least, not in an endemic way and no more than any other van) |
| * HVAC Blower motor problems | * HVAC Blower motor problems |
| * The blower motor resistor can fail every 3-4 years. Symptom is that the HVAC fan only works on one speed (usually high). Replacing it is cheap and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzQllt2MAwQ|takes ~45 minutes]]. | * The blower motor resistor can fail as often as every 3-4 years. Symptom is that the HVAC fan only works on one speed (usually high). Replacing it is cheap and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzQllt2MAwQ|takes ~45 minutes]]. |
| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues|The spark plug ejection issue]]((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/)) | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues|The spark plug ejection issue]]((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/)) |
| * This applies to all of the gas engines that were installed in the entire range of Econoline vans from 1997-2008. | * This applies to all of the gas engines that were installed in the entire range of Econoline vans from 1997-2008. |
| * 2004-2007 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L can experience spark plug breakage or head damage during removal.((http://assets.carcomplaints.com/docs/ford-tsb-08-7-6.pdf)) Changing at 50k miles instead of the stated 100k and using anti-seize may help prevent seizure. | * 2004-2007 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L can experience spark plug breakage or head damage during removal.((http://assets.carcomplaints.com/docs/ford-tsb-08-7-6.pdf)) Changing at 50k miles instead of the stated 100k and using anti-seize may help prevent seizure. |
| * While these 3-valve engines were never installed in the vans, many mechanics recommend the increased change frequency on the 2-valve engines as well. | * While these 3-valve engines were never installed in the vans, many mechanics recommend the increased change frequency on the 2-valve engines as well. |
| * 2004-2011 3-val 5.4 Tritons with Variable Valve Timing can have timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser issues -- listen for noises at startup.((https://autowise.com/common-problems-ford-5-4-triton-engine/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)),((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hw888i/2010_ford_e350_life_expectancy/fyy5uh8/)) | * 2004-2011 [[https://youtu.be/RCvKDr7DYYE?si=SG4TFS2MVv-yfSqo&t=53|3-val 5.4 Tritons with Variable Valve Timing]] can have timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser issues -- listen for noises at startup.((https://autowise.com/common-problems-ford-5-4-triton-engine/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)) |
| | * This is made worse by irregular maintenance. Changing the oil ON TIME, EVERY TIME can help reduce risk of problems. |
| * The 6.4L Powerstroke diesel engine was //slightly// less terrible than the 6.0, [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-4l-is-so-awful-awful/|but not by much]]. Vehicles using it are considered "throwaways". Most common vehicle-killing problems are failures of the DPF, high-pressure fuel pump or other emissions hardware, which are often cab-off repairs for a pickup truck((Meaning the entire cab of the truck has to be lifted up and off of the body/frame just to be able to access the parts that need replacing)). | * The 6.4L Powerstroke diesel engine was //slightly// less terrible than the 6.0, [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-4l-is-so-awful-awful/|but not by much]]. Vehicles using it are considered "throwaways". Most common vehicle-killing problems are failures of the DPF, high-pressure fuel pump or other emissions hardware, which are often cab-off repairs for a pickup truck((Meaning the entire cab of the truck has to be lifted up and off of the body/frame just to be able to access the parts that need replacing)). |
| |
| Learn more about this vehicle on [[https://www.promasterforum.com/|the Promaster forum]] or the [[rv:ram_promaster|Promaster article]]. | Learn more about this vehicle on [[https://www.promasterforum.com/|the Promaster forum]] or the [[rv:ram_promaster|Promaster article]]. |
| |
| * short headlight life (low beam). TSB 08-106-17 says to replace with [[https://amzn.to/2Rp4pys|L0000H7SLL Super Long Life headlamp bulbs]] Also see [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/headlamp-adjustment.55922/post-663353|this comment]] about proper alignment in the sockets. Turning headlights off in daylight rather than using them as DRL often can extend bulb life to years. | * short headlight life (low beam). TSB 08-106-17 says to replace with [[https://amzn.to/2Rp4pys|L0000H7SLL Super Long Life headlamp bulbs]] Also see [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/headlamp-adjustment.55922/post-663353|this comment]] about proper alignment in the sockets. Turning headlights off in daylight rather than using them as DRL often can extend bulb life to years. See note on ground strap below. |
| | * faulty ground strap connection can cause slow cranking and other symptoms. [[https://youtu.be/VKy4N-yU2F0?si=zzlWxazaSp2l0aIl&t=70|According to Promasters Only]] access for removal and cleaning is easiest with the driver's side headlight out. So next time that bulb goes out it might be a good time to check/clean the strap. |
| * Pentastar tick [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8KwKWJamp0|due to failed rocker bearings]]; replacing them too late can cause damage to the cam. | * Pentastar tick [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8KwKWJamp0|due to failed rocker bearings]]; replacing them too late can cause damage to the cam. |
| * use of non-[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopar_Automatic_Transmission_Fluid#1998_-_ATF+4_type_MS-9602_fluid|spec]] transmission fluid can cause failure, with Dexron II being the worst offender.((https://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html)) | * use of non-[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopar_Automatic_Transmission_Fluid#1998_-_ATF+4_type_MS-9602_fluid|spec]] transmission fluid can cause failure, with Dexron II being the worst offender.((https://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html)) |
