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rv:van_issues [2024/09/10 12:15] princess_fluffypants [Ford E-Series] |
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. |
* 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 [[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)) | * 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)). |
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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]]. |
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* 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)) |