First off, I hate to be that guy who registers just to ask a question but Fords arent my area of expertise and this is a difficult problem to describe, let alone search for. Any help is much appreciated.

My father in law has a handicap accessible 1991 E250 with wheelchair lift and whatnot, fitted by Explorer in the late 90s.

As of recently, he has an issue where the electronics are wonky. He hits power window button, the horn blows. He messes with AC and the radio cuts on, even when theres no key in the switch. And through all of this, it slowly drains his battery so he never knows when he will be able to leave the house, or if it will strand him.

Through my research it looks to be one of the four relays under the hood but I cant be sure. He said this all started popping up when he took it to somewhere to have the fuel pump replaced, which they did and charged him out the rear end, only to find out it was the pump relay. So I feel like in the midst of being ripped off, they messed his van up in the process.

The local handicap vehicle specialists have given up and told him they dont know what is wrong, and the Ford dealership refuses to look at it because of all of the custom work. The places around here all want a lot of money just to look at it and its really just a bunch of people taking advantage of someone who cant get up there and do the work himself.

Anyway, enough wall of text. I can probably handle the problem myself, but i need some insight from the experts on where I should begin. I appreciate the help a lot, as will he; it is his only means of transportation.

Thank you, and Happy holidays.
-Brandon

 

Do you have the diagrams ? You will need that and a good multimeter to figure it out....Vans are notorious for bad grounds and fusible link failures due to the said bad grounds......

 

Not yet, I have contacted Explorer (the ones that did the handicap mods originally) to see if they have their end of the schematics in case its something related to that. I found a partial for a newer year on here in relation to someone elses issue with the horn.

He doesnt know I am looking for help, he has given up until he can save up a ton of money so I am attempting to source solutions on my own to help him. Ill get my hands on a multimeter and I am still trying to source a wiring diagram and see what I can sort out.

 

Nothing but opinions here (from me)............

Since this recently occurred that's somewhat the good news---suggests something relatively simple has gone wrong.

Along with tracking every ground connection down I'd begin looking for an anomaly in a wire. Chafed, melted insulation or any other damage that might be creating a short circuit.

Since you've already established there's a parasitic draw on the battery I'd then start with the common practice of sorting out what device or component is the culprit. Here's a great video for the beginner but useful overall anyway:
With your diligence and patience you might be able to sort this out much cheaper and better than can be found locally. Sadly such electrical issues require more knowledge and incentive along with trouble shooting skills most shops no longer have.

Please keep us up to date on this---we'll help as we can!

 

Updating an old thread just as an FYI. The problem was eventually solved by a mechanic who gave a crap. Turns out there was an alarm and remote start installed in the truck by the previous owner, and then partially removed before being sold. The parts they left behind were still pulling power, and not only that, improperly ground. Hack jobs, gotta love em.

Thanks for the responses though.

 

Thanks for the update----good you got this solved and all is well again!