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rv:van_issues [2024/01/27 21:04]
princess_fluffypants [Ford E-Series] |
rv:van_issues [2026/07/31 03:22] (current)
princess_fluffypants [Ford E-Series] |
| Learn more about these vehicle on [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/|the Chrysler minivan forum]]. | Learn more about these vehicle on [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/|the Chrysler minivan forum]]. |
| |
| | * Almost every variant of the 3.6L V-6 engine, even up until the very newest engines - [[https://youtu.be/RCvKDr7DYYE?si=mHVnTzFBaBEX_SQb&t=702|cracked cylinder heads]] (usually the rear head closest to the firewall). Symptoms are similar to a blown head gasket - overheating, misfiring, frothy oil, etc. If addressed quickly this can be repaired, but if ignored for more than a few hundred miles it will ruin the entire engine. |
| * 5th gen (2008+) electrical problems associated with the [[https://dodgeforum.com/how-tos/a/dodge-ram-2009-present-what-is-the-tipm-394661|TIPM]] (power distribution) assembly. TIP fuel pump relay failures can be [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/tipm-question.152074/post-1517642|fixed with an external relay]]. HID installs can cause TIPM problems due to ballast interference. [[https://tipmrebuilders.com/shop/|Rebuilt TIMP are available]]. | * 5th gen (2008+) electrical problems associated with the [[https://dodgeforum.com/how-tos/a/dodge-ram-2009-present-what-is-the-tipm-394661|TIPM]] (power distribution) assembly. TIP fuel pump relay failures can be [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/tipm-question.152074/post-1517642|fixed with an external relay]]. HID installs can cause TIPM problems due to ballast interference. [[https://tipmrebuilders.com/shop/|Rebuilt TIMP are available]]. |
| * early 4-spd auto transmissions (41TE) had early internal clutch failure and limp modes caused by sensor faults. | * early 4-spd auto transmissions (41TE) had early internal clutch failure and limp modes caused by sensor faults. |
| [[rv:ford_e-series|Ford E-Series specific article]] | [[rv:ford_e-series|Ford E-Series specific article]] |
| |
| Generally very reliable, and 250,000+ miles can reasonably be expected without any major repairs. Relatively easy to work on and fix for the few things that do break. The exception being the diesel engines, however [[rv:diesel|this problem is not limited to Ford]]. | Generally very reliable, and 250,000+ miles can reasonably be expected. Relatively easy to work on and fix for the few things that do break. The exception being the diesel engines, however [[rv:diesel|this problem is not limited to Ford]]. |
| |
| * **To say that the 6.0L diesel engine "has problems" is being polite** | * **To say that the 6.0L diesel engine "has problems" is being polite** |
| * Easy to steal | * Easy to steal |
| * A flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock, and there's no computer chip in the keys so if someone can turn the ignition cylinder by force (again not hard, screwdriver and maybe pliers), the engine will start. It is **highly recommended** to install a hidden kill switch (the start relay and/or fuel pump relays are popular), and to reinforce your door locks with kits such as the [[https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20JJ.htm|Jimmy Jammer]]. | * A flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock, and there's no computer chip in the keys so if someone can turn the ignition cylinder by force (again not hard, screwdriver and maybe pliers), the engine will start. It is **highly recommended** to install a hidden kill switch (the start relay and/or fuel pump relays are popular), and to reinforce your door locks with kits such as the [[https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20JJ.htm|Jimmy Jammer]]. |
| | * Rust |
| | * They are //extremely// susceptible to it, rust has killed more E-Series vans than mechanical failure ever will. The entire body and chassis will usually rot apart //long// before any mechanical part of the drive train ever experiences a major failure, and realistically once it's started there's not much you can do to stop it. Sanding and applying of rust-neutralizers is only going to slow it, not fix it. Sourcing a vehicle from the southwest is highly recommended. |
| * Ignition coils/packs failure | * Ignition coils/packs failure |
| * Characterized by a rough running engine and misfires on acceleration. | * Characterized by a rough running engine and misfires on acceleration. |
| * //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)). |
| |
| ===== Nissan NVx500 ===== | ===== Nissan NVx500 ===== |
| | |
| | * 5.6L V-8 - [[https://youtu.be/RCvKDr7DYYE?t=881|Catalytic Converter Problems]]. When the catalytic converter fails, chunks of the honeycomb get sucked back into the engine which destroys it. |
| | * Listen for rattling in the exhaust, or Check Engine light with "Catalyst Inefficiency" code. |
| * V8 + auto shifting issues (usually late shifting/slipping) | * V8 + auto shifting issues (usually late shifting/slipping) |
| * V8 #3 plug fouling from oil leak in valve guides or elsewhere - no clear info yet. | * V8 #3 plug fouling from oil leak in valve guides or elsewhere - no clear info yet. |
| 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)) |
| * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]] | * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]] |
| * 2014 model known for squeaking brakes, sticking parking brake | * 2014 model known for squeaking brakes, sticking parking brake |
| | * parking brake linkage and spring can rust, especially when exposed to salt.((https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/parking-brake-linkage-and-spring-rusted-out.98021/?post_id=781805#post-781805)) |
| | * if the parking brake cable boot is damaged it can allow water ingress. Freezing temps can then freeze the cable in place.((https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/parking-brakes-stuck-on.36385/post-157697)) |
| * marker lights leaking | * marker lights leaking |
| * P0750 transmission code may be from the solenoid pack, which [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/transmission-failure-kinda.65425/#post-450321|can be replaced without removing the transmission]]. | * P0750 transmission code may be from the solenoid pack, which [[https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/transmission-failure-kinda.65425/#post-450321|can be replaced without removing the transmission]]. |
