Automobile / Ford / Econoline Van

MORE: Ford E-Series Van Repair Questions

Question: 2002 Ford E-150 mileage: 40,000.  One year ago last month my conversion van had the antilock brake light come on and then my rear brakes locked up. I took my van in for repair. I told a local repair shop my trouble and they said they thought the problem was in some junction block in the front of the vehicle but, said I would have to take it to a dealer because of the antilock problem. I took it to the dealer and they began replacing all the parts on my brakes such as new front brake pads, calipers, lines, rear brake drums, wheel cylinders, master cylinder and so on. This over a period of a year telling me nothing was wrong with the antilock system. Meanwhile the ABS light has always stayed on and the rear brakes continue to lock up. The van has now been in the shop for two weeks and they can't seem to find the problem. Do you have any ideas? I am getting desperate and broke by each repair.

Answer: We have repaired vehicles with similar problems by replacing the rear brake shoes with brand new, not relined, purchased from the dealer. Also, replace all the rear brake hardware, springs, etc.

Question: 1999 Ford Econoline E-150 van mileage:70,000.  Recently I rebuilt my alternator, tried new batteries, checked my regulator, and replaced an old solenoid. The trouble is that when driven using accessories the battery loses power and will not run the engine. If the positive cable is removed while the engine is running, the engine will die. I'm led to believe that somewhere in the wiring there is a short or a misplaced wire. If you can either give me advice or help me in any way, I would be very grateful.

Answer: Check alternator output for voltage and amperage. Check the main power wires from the alternator to the battery.

Question: 1991 Ford Econoline E-150 mileage: 103,000. Thank you for taking the time to consider my questions. 1) Recently while driving during windy conditions on the Interstate the cruise control went off a couple times and then went off for good. I have checked the fuses listed in the owner's manual but have found none that need replaced. Do you have any suggestions? I am reluctant about taking the van to an auto repair shop. I do most of the service and repair on my vehicles. 2) Do you have any suggestions about how to improve the gas mileage for this vehicle? Again thank you for any and all information you may be able to provide.

Answer: Try replacing the cruise control transducer, it may have failed. A major tune-up if not done recently, will help the fuel mileage.

Question: 1997 Ford Econoline E-250 mileage: 120,000.  I have an intermittent problem with my van. I suspect either the transmission or universal joints. Here are the symptoms: 1. Occasionally I hear a brief (1 second long) scraping sound when shifting from 1st to 2nd under heavy acceleration, or in a turn. This seems to come from right between the driver and passenger under the floor. When this happens, engine speed is as expected, but the vehicle does not accelerate with full power. 2. Occasionally when starting from a dead stop, the engine speed sounds normal, but the van will shudder and shake until the vehicle gets moving . You can feel it in your feet and it makes a loud shuddering/chugging sound like a poorly released clutch, if it were a standard. 3. Mileage is about 10-12 mpg that's what I have always gotten. 4. At highway speeds, it runs smoothly. 5. Transmission fluid is full and normal colored. Could this be universal joints or a transmission problem?

Answer: From what you have described, start looking around for a good transmission service center. You are probably going to need one soon.

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Automobile / Ford / Econoline Van

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