Hello, I'm new to this forum and appreciate any help. I have a 1989 Ford E350 Super Club Wagon with a 460ci and C6 transmission. I use this van primarily for pulling a 6x10 and traveling in a Christian Rock band. I am having electrical issues now and cant seem to solve them on my own. First of all the temp gauge is reading higher than it should. 195deg shows as overheating on the gauge. The oil temp gauge is showing pegged out to high. The fuel gauge is reading lower than normal and the voltage gauge is very sensitive (it bumps down when the AC kicks on). I have replaced the oil pressure sender, coolant temp sender and checked the connections with a voltmeter on the back of the instrument cluster and all gauges are working but still reading the same. It gets more interesting though. When I first start the vehicle the climate control fan, door buzzer, and windshield wipers wont turn on until I either put the van in gear, hit the steering wheel with the palm of my hand, or slam the door real hard. I've checked the ground wire and it goes from the battery then attaches with a clip to the fender well and then to the engine block. I've pulled the dash out and wiggled everything checking all visible ground wires and checked the firewall. I'm very frustrated and could use some help. Again I really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Dustin

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Your large ground goes from the battery to the engine block, but the engine/tranny/rearend are all mounted in rubber isolation bushings as well as the body. There should be smaller ground straps here and there, usually from the back of the engine block to the firewall, and sometimes from the body underneath to the frame. Don't be afraid to add small grounds if you can't find the others, or don't want to look for them.

 

You may also have an intermittant short inside the steering column..... try running the truck until it is up to temp. Stop, turn key off, then go to the ON position, but do NOT start. The temp gauge and the others should come up to normal positions. If not, bump the steering wheel.... if you have a steering column adjuster, move it up/down. If the gauges go nuts then, you'll rule out (or not) the short in the column.

 

Thanks for the advice, Just tried that and the gauges work fine they just read incorrect. The wiper, AC, and radiator fan (Yes I installed an electric fan and this was happening before I installed it) wont work until I bump the wheel though.

 

Prob a wire broken inside the column for those.... AutoZone has wiring diagrams online. Ya gotta join, but it's free.

 

I just tried that again. I turned it off. then back on and the gauges didn't work until i slammed the wheel, closed the door, or really just about anything with force.

 

I do not know if the vans had this problem, but it's a common problem with the trucks. After you turn the key and get it running, slightly wiggle the key back and forth and see if they suddenly start working. Usually a new ignition switch solves that problem, plus a little lube in the gear mechanism up where the key is. That is, if it's like the trucks.