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Problems continue, need some advice please.....

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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 05:58 AM
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Question Problems continue, need some advice please.....

I had gotten an 07 E350 a few weeks ago. It had the windows and seats. Seemed to be in good shape. I noticed my gauges were not working right. Then other electrical things started to happen. The place I bought it called me and said there was a problem with the title, it looked like it was in a flood. I took it back and traded it on another 07 E350 window van. This one had a sign on it that said 15,000 miles. It was clean and ran good. A few bucks more but I figured with 15k it was worth it.

Driving home last night I heard a noise in the front wheels like bad brakes. From what I could see in the dark it looks like they are down to the metal. So my question is..... Is there a way to verify the mileage? Can the brakes go in just 15k? This was a government owned vehicle in Washington DC. The dealer goes there on a regular basis to buy them. I imagine it was a shuttle for gov. Employees in the city since parking is terrible there. .????

Oh and carfax says almost nothing.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 06:06 AM
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I believe with the proper software the ECM can be probed to give an accurate indication of mileage accumulated to date. Also I believe those readings would depend whether the instrument cluster is original to the vehicle.

Its possible the brakes are gone in 15K miles but kinda rare unless there is something amiss. Blocked or collapsed flexible brake lines etc could not fully release brake pedal pressure keeping the pads semi-engaged resulting in faster wear.

If the pads have not yet scored or gouged swap in a good set---I use NAPA Ultra Premium @ $78 parts only)---and see how they wear in 5-10K miles.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 06:14 AM
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Is there a way to tell if the instrument cluster has been changed?

I really don't think the government would try and pull a fast one with new gauges etc. unless they went bad for some reason.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 06:17 AM
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Not sure if there's a way to determine whether the cluster isn't original to the vehicle.

Before we assume the worse wherein the odo mileage statement is false check the rear brakes for their condition. Along with that other things can indicate more mileage than stated. Sloppy or loose shifter handle, worn brake or gas pedal pads, drivers seat showing signs of excessive wear.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 07:21 AM
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Tires are Hankook and look like they could be 15K but more than likely the original ones got dry rot and had to change them. Were Hankook original equipment?
 
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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by trike1946
Is there a way to tell if the instrument cluster has been changed?

I really don't think the government would try and pull a fast one with new gauges etc. unless they went bad for some reason.
You really could not tell if the cluster was changed out, Maybe look for missing mounting screws, paint chipped off?? Cracked dash trim?

Wouldn't be the gov' doing this.........your in NJ? Dealer??

Need we say more?

We have a junk dealer/re-clammier up here that has a '10 in stock, got married to a telephone pole on the right side, very low mileage, and all parts are available........hint, hint

Concerning that the average vehicle rolls 12K per year, yes many exceptions, and some "fleet" vehicles double that......X's the years =

No way OEM brakes would fade out in 15K.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2015 | 05:41 PM
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Okay, here is the final word....... It really only has 15K on it. I took it to a truck repair and they had a computer that could read the total mileage on the van. It came up to within one tenth of a mile of what the dash said. The tires are oem. A brand new one underneath.

So I went back and pulled each wheel off. The last one has a small stone stuck in it. So now no stone and no brake noise.

Tomorrow it goes for new tires and an alignment. Thanks for all the help and advise.

I am sure I will be around much more now that I have this van.
 
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Old Jan 17, 2015 | 09:31 PM
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Just an FYI...a year or two of driving in constant stop and go traffic of DC will definitely prematurely wear brakes...especially if hitting rush hour twice a day. DC traffic sucks.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 04:28 PM
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Congratulations on confirming that your van is indeed "original" with 15k miles and resolving the brake noise issue. I am sure your mind is much more at ease with your purchase now.

May this new to you E350 provide you many years of dependable service.
 
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