I think you're right about that part being the sill plate. Don't think it needs replacing. The Andy's Auto Sport rep wasn't sure, but the center seal is probably not included. I'll call back tomorrow and order at least the main door seals since these I think are causing most of the issue.

Anyone else familiar with electrical issues quite like mine? Still having the same issues with the speedometer/odometer and door locks. All other gauges on the cluster function normally.

I've noticed the box pictured below occasionally making a strange electronic relay clicking type sound when I'm inside the van. I can get it to recreate the sound when I move the plugs, but my other problems, namely the speedometer, persist when it's unplugged. Opened it up to look for damage and was unable to find any.




Replaced the old battery today and the found the reading out of the electrical harness at the vehicle speed sensor the same (1.37V).

 

Did a ground check at the same spot last night (out of the wiring harness at the vehicle speed sensor) with battery disconnected and ground at a bare metal spot on the chasis, and got a reading of about 2 Ohms, so I don't think it's a grounding issue.

I did check for resistance in cabin fuse panel at fuse 14 for the instrument cluster (battery D/Cd, no power in circuit), and found that though the fuse isn't blown, I got a reading of about 950 Ohms.

Still haven't taken the dash off since I haven't sourced a replacement for the steering wheel hub bolt, but I'm definitely starting to suspect something (possibly water damage?) behind the dash is causing the problem.

Anyone have any tests in mind that might help me narrow things down a little?

 

For anyone else troubleshooting vehicle speed sensor circuits, I found some great detailed information on Ford VSS units here:

http://www.atraonline.com/gears/2004.../2004_1_50.pdf

http://www.atraonline.com/gears/2004.../2004_3_34.pdf

Includes PCM, GEM, and PSOM pin numbers, some schematics, and diagnostic suggestions specific to multiple models manufactured 1989 to 2004.

Hope to get to some more troubleshooting tomorrow.

 

Argh though I just now realized these guides are supposedly for F series vehicles... any chance F series and E series would share the same details like pin out for the vehicle speed sensor circuit?

Or if not, where I could find that info?

 

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dunno

Do you have a 2004? Thread title says 1998.
I doubt the pin out is the same but it could be if the van parts are the same part number..

I have the 2004 EVTM manual and could look it up

 

Late reply... thanks for the response.

No, my van is a 1998.

 

More than likely the seal around the large picture windows on both sides has failed. It's not really a gasket, more of a rope sealant, unbelievably sticky. I passed on buying a '98 Chateau years back because it was a waterfall inside during a thunderstorm. Now my '95, stored indoors most of it's life, now has a similar condition. Big job, careful with the nuts and brackets holding the glass.

Good write-up here, not sure if I'm pulling the windows, or trying the flow-able sealant trick.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...f-the-van.html

 

I put the waterproofing off after finishing the drip rail seal just in time for Summer, but you're absolutely right. Some recent rain and observation has revealed the tops of those large picture windows as being the main source of water leakage on both sides.