Notices
Motorhomes (Class A,B,C & Super C) F-53/59, E-Series E-350 / E-450 RV Cutaways, Econoline, Transit, Stripped Chassis, Bus Conversions

91 E350 RV cranks,runs but will not shift ( p)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 10, 2026 | 05:30 PM
  #1  
1987cabplus's Avatar
1987cabplus
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 31
Likes: 12
91 E350 RV cranks,runs but will not shift ( p)

Question on a 91 E350 with 7.5 Rv.Cranks yes ( 12.4 volts non running) .However Customer cannot shift out of Park.This rv is a total train wreck on wiring,no key but Push button( omg) stuff.So my theory is that the Brake momentary switch is toast..Imo the neutral safety is Not a issue as it Runs.The front fuse box driver side not labeled, no clue on the secondary eng.bay fuse bo its no where.Am i barking at the sky, or on thr right path?Checked Napa Echlin ECH SL222 thoughts? Oh I do fix alot of vehicles on the side.98 250 on my driveway getting a rear axle resto shocks then the whole Front end.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:31 PM
  #2  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,635
Likes: 2,572
From: SE Florida
The neutral safety switch has nothing to do with shifting out of park.

It's been 35 years, so my memory could be faulty, but I thought the brake switch to shift out of park started with the 1992 models.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:37 PM
  #3  
1987cabplus's Avatar
1987cabplus
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 31
Likes: 12
This Van/ rv def has the switch i will show.Based on my extensive digging 91 has it, saw it today doodling on this relic.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2026 | 09:23 PM
  #4  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,635
Likes: 2,572
From: SE Florida
Try this: Turn the key one detent towards run, but not enough to turn anything on. Now see if you can get it out of park. If you can, the lockout is keeping it from shifting. That could be due to a bad switch, or a bad brake light switch.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2026 | 09:31 PM
  #5  
1987cabplus's Avatar
1987cabplus
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 31
Likes: 12
This Umm custom rv has had the original ignition yanked.They installed a screwy push button.O may just run a temp jumper and see if that flies.As I know it will keep the lights on.The part in question is $30 but there let's say ( struggling) money wise Have a ton work so, I may pony up and buy the part.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2026 | 12:37 AM
  #6  
CathedralCub's Avatar
CathedralCub
FTE Community Team
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 1,464
Club FTE Gold Member
If they wired up the starter button, and probably a on/off switch for ignition, and didn't do anything else with the steering column, then the shift lever would never be unlocked.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2026 | 07:23 AM
  #7  
Marten's Avatar
Marten
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 454
From: Kemptville, ON,
Originally Posted by 1987cabplus
This Umm custom rv has had the original ignition yanked.They installed a screwy push button.O may just run a temp jumper and see if that flies.As I know it will keep the lights on.The part in question is $30 but there let's say ( struggling) money wise Have a ton work so, I may pony up and buy the part.
Is this for a friend or family member. If they are sturggling with money, they would not have money to run an RV. The units sounds like a bit of a train wreak. Watch what you get yourself into.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2026 | 08:23 AM
  #8  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,635
Likes: 2,572
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by Marten
Is this for a friend or family member. If they are sturggling with money, they would not have money to run an RV.
Often, people live in older (this is a 35 year old unit) RVs when they can't afford to live anywhere else.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2026 | 09:09 AM
  #9  
1987cabplus's Avatar
1987cabplus
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 31
Likes: 12
Yeah its Rough,its home for them.Ive used my mechanical know how to Help Certain folks.Last owner i did simple stuff to me- did a diag on a 01 camry bad alternator, installed for free.They did buy the part.Got a non running Hyundai Running- person is disabled.So yeah selective I n where I help.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bertelrud
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Mar 27, 2017 04:24 PM
Vegas Ernie
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Dec 6, 2013 03:50 PM
mavfan2977
1997 - 2003 F150
17
May 25, 2008 08:14 PM
JimS in TX
Electrical Systems/Wiring
5
Nov 1, 2007 06:33 PM
bigdaddy30
Electrical Systems/Wiring
3
Jun 16, 2004 05:41 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:44 PM.