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strange problem with my 1997 E350

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Old Jan 27, 2022 | 10:44 PM
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strange problem with my 1997 E350

Hi. New here. I appreciate any help I can get.
My van was sitting for two weeks. It has always been a very good running van. I had pulled the negative off the battery to prevent theft while it sat. (don't ask) When I reconnected the negative to start the van the battery was dead which was odd considering that it had been disconnected. I jumped it, it started right up fine and I let it idle about 20 minutes to recharge the battery and turned it off. I tried to start it again about an hour later. It started right up fine, ran perfectly for about 3 seconds, and died. That it all that it will do now. Starts up fine, runs perfectly for 3 seconds and dies. Any ideas? Much thanks.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2022 | 04:50 AM
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JWA
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Since you fail to list the motor I'm guessing its a 5.4 gasoline?

If you're experienced this problem after reconnecting the battery there should be a few "codes" or DTC's stored in the PCM. If you have a scanner retrieve those and list them here. IIRC that year should have an Idle Air Control valve that has been known to cause idle issues.

You'll want to try checking fuel pressure before trying to start and then carefully watch the gauge as its running for those few seconds.

Once you've done that report back here or the Modular Motors under V10 or V8 sub-forums.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2022 | 03:02 PM
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Thank you for your response. A scan brought up no codes. The problem remains unsolved. I am going to try the fuel pressure test.
 
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